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Enhancing Inclusive Design:

Addressing Gaps and Implementing Solutions for Better Accessibility and User Experience

—Pavan Suresh

In inclusive design, products, services, and environments are designed to be accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background. It involves considering users' diversity and needs throughout the design process and creating solutions that meet them. It is beneficial for UX practitioners because it helps them develop products that are more accessible and usable by a broader range of users, which can lead to better user experiences and increased user satisfaction. Additionally, designing for inclusivity can help businesses reach a broader customer base and increase their market share.

By embracing inclusive design principles, UX practitioners can create products that are not only accessible and usable by everyone but also provide a more positive user experience for all users.

Access Problems

Lack of consideration for intersectional identities - The current inclusive design method may not always consider the intersectional identities of individuals, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status. This problem impacts individuals from multiple marginalized groups, who may find that inclusive designs must be tailored to their needs and experiences. People with disabilities of color may face additional barriers when accessing products and services designed for people with disabilities but fail to consider their unique challenges due to their race and gender. This impacts the usefulness of the inclusive design method because it limits the accessibility and inclusivity of products and services for a significant portion of the population.

Lack of accessibility testing with diverse users - The current inclusive design method may not always involve accessibility testing with a diverse range of users, including those with different types of disabilities, assistive technology, and levels of digital literacy. This problem impacts individuals with disabilities who may find that inclusive designs do not meet their needs or are challenging to use, despite being labeled as accessible. This affects the usefulness of the inclusive design method because it may result in inaccessible products and services being released to the market.
Lack of consideration for emotional and mental health needs - The current inclusive design method may not always consider individuals' emotional and mental health needs, such as those with anxiety, depression, or trauma. This problem impacts individuals with emotional and mental health conditions, who may find that inclusive designs trigger their symptoms or cause discomfort. For example, bright colors, flashing images, and loud sounds may trigger sensory overload and anxiety for individuals with autism or PTSD. This impacts the usefulness of the inclusive design method because it may result in adverse emotional and mental health outcomes.

Lack of accessibility testing with diverse users - The current inclusive design method may not always involve accessibility testing with a diverse range of users, including those with different types of disabilities, assistive technology, and levels of digital literacy. This problem impacts individuals with disabilities who may find that inclusive designs do not meet their needs or are challenging to use, despite being labeled as accessible. This affects the usefulness of the inclusive design method because it may result in inaccessible products and services being released to the market.
Lack of consideration for emotional and mental health needs - The current inclusive design method may not always consider individuals' emotional and mental health needs, such as those with anxiety, depression, or trauma. This problem impacts individuals with emotional and mental health conditions, who may find that inclusive designs trigger their symptoms or cause discomfort. For example, bright colors, flashing images, and loud sounds may trigger sensory overload and anxiety for individuals with autism or PTSD. This impacts the usefulness of the inclusive design method because it may result in adverse emotional and mental health outcomes.

Solutions

Increase representation and participation of diverse individuals in the design process by involving users through user testing, focus groups, and co-design sessions. Consider individuals' emotional and mental health needs by incorporating features that reduce sensory overload and trigger avoidance. Research the unique challenges of individuals and incorporate elements that address those challenges. Avoid making assumptions about individuals' experiences and consult with individuals from diverse backgrounds to ensure the design is inclusive and accessible. Implementing these changes would improve the accessibility and inclusivity of the current inclusive design method, but accessibility problems may remain. However, incorporating these suggestions would make the inclusive design method more accessible and improve its usefulness for UX practitioners.

Resources