Earlier this year we discussed the evolving landscape of wayfinding and the importance of universal design, topics that are precursors to a subject that is close to the Via Collective heart: inclusive design. Though tangentially related, universal design and inclusive design are distinct approaches. Universal design tends to focus on one solution that will fit as many user groups as possible, whereas inclusive design offers multiple solutions so that users can select one that fits their needs. Universal design emerged from the disability rights movement and in practice is primarily focused on the physical limitations of user groups (i.e. low vision or low mobility), but inclusive design goes beyond physical characteristics and “considers the full range of human diversity with respect to ability, language, culture, gender, age, and other forms of human difference.”.”
Inclusive design is becoming an integral part of user experience design, and you may already have encountered it in the digital environment. For example, software and database engineers have been expanding the traditional framework for name inputs from the split fields of “first” and “last” names to only one open field for a person’s full name. This enables a global audience to accurately enter their full, true name, whether or not it can be broken down into “first” and “last.” You may have also seen a shift in branding and marketing materials as companies depict a more inclusive and diverse representation of people in illustrations and advertisements, moving away from depicting exclusively non-disabled Caucasians.
BARRIERS TO INCLUSIVE DESIGN IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Inclusive design in the built environment is still largely focused on the physical limitations of the population though there are many interventions that go beyond mobility issues. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 enshrined certain minimum building requirements but even these minimum standards are difficult for organizations and agencies to meet as they can require costly upgrades to aging infrastructure. For example, just 126 of New York City Transit’s 472 subway stations have elevators or ramps that make them fully accessible. That means that wheelchair users cannot access 73% of New York City subway stations, an astonishing figure for a modern metropolis. Though it is critical that ADA codes are met, inclusive design does not need to be a costly endeavor. There are many interventions that will make a space more inclusive, including all-gender restrooms, adding QR codes to signs that guide people a translated page, and clear wayfinding.
INCLUSIVE DESIGN IN WAYFINDING
Successful wayfinding is inclusive wayfinding and begins with understanding who will be using the space and how we can best meet their needs. This approach aligns with the first principle of inclusive design which is to understand what the barriers to access are and to find design solutions for them. Avoiding personal biases through greater stakeholder and user engagement, understanding the needs of the people that will be using the system, and performing user testing to qualify the success of a program before full implementation are all tactics that increase the success of the project. Solutions must include the basics of ADA code including legibility, contrast, mounting heights, icons, and braille, but we can go beyond this baseline by providing wayfinding information in a variety of formats so that people can use what suits them best. This includes going online at the start of their journey, using supportive apps, tactile elements, flyers, audio, and even customer service representatives who can escort a person to their destination if needed. Collaboration with architects, acoustic engineers, and lighting designers is also critical to address barriers such as noise or low lighting, which can present sensory challenges.
In a recent talk at the Building Energy Exchange, Katie Osborn, Principal of Via Collective explained, “when we stay focused on the visitor, we stay focused on their experience – and that results in inclusive spaces for everyone.” By keeping an open mind and engaging with users during the design process, inclusive design can become an integral part of the built environment, moving ever closer to the moment when we drop its classifying adjective, and it is simply considered good design.