What is Design Inclusivity?

Mace’s Center for Universal Design, now housed at the North Carolina State University College of Design, has provided a blueprint for the design industry ever since and "may be applied to evaluate existing designs, guide the design process and educate both designers and consumers about the characteristics of more usable products and environments."

From low physical effort to operate doors and other fixtures and fittings, to sufficient and varied modes of communication, plus adequate space for assistive devices, Mace’s principles are still both practical and necessary.

All-inclusive design is one that makes everyone feel comfortable. HMC Architects points out that this is achieved by focusing on “ease of use”, particularly in civic buildings and healthcare complexes. Going beyond the guidelines laid out by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is now best practice, bringing in digital kiosks, automation of doors and entryways, and mobile furniture which can be moved to accommodate wheelchair users. The firm suggests deploying a checklist of demographic factors (including gender, age, socio-economic status, ethnicity, language, physical capabilities and more) to “stress-test” a design prototype before embarking on the build itself.

For Keia McSwain, President of the Black Interior Designers Network, diversity within teams is vital to ensure cultural sensitivity remains at the forefront of design choices.

"We encourage individual designers and industry brands to turn their good intentions into real action,” McSwain told Haute Living. “You can do this by becoming an Ally to your Black colleagues and friends within the design industry, by sponsoring Black non-profits and events such as the BIDN Conference and Master Class, and by becoming a mentor or offering paid internships to Black students who are interested in breaking into the design industry. These actions are what lead to true change, both culturally and economically."

Empathy Through Digital

Talking of the next generation of clients, they’ll look online first before engaging a designer. Which means one’s own interiors - both personal and professional - better be culturally-appropriate, and environmentally sensitive. In the light of everything we’ve discussed here, it’s worth taking a close and careful look at how one is presenting one’s firm (and one’s home life, if that’s on show too), through a more sensitive lens. Luckily digital presences are easily editable. It’s harder (and more expensive) to retrofit the built environment to accommodate a more inclusive vibe. But not impossible, obviously - and many have done so, in the light of consumer and/or client feedback.

Designing Principles

After all, when we talk about design inclusivity, aren’t we really just opening our eyes to the experiences of others to make their lives easier, through great and well-thought out design?

Victor J. Papanek, the late designer and design industry educator, argued that good designers are “crucial mediators of humanist ideals” and have a social responsibility to “transform societies and enhance human well-being”. In that light, designing for inclusivity, with respect to sensitivities around cultural, sociological and environmental awareness, is rather a noble calling.

Article by Sophia Stuart