Inclusive Design
British Standard 7000-6:2005 defines inclusive design as "The design of mainstream products and/or services that are accessible to, and usable by, as many people as reasonably possible ... without the need for special adaptation or specialised design."By meeting the needs and aspirations of those who are excluded by design, the inclusive design improves product and service and experience across a broad range of users and ensures that they are a holistic and integral part of the design process. Put simply inclusive design is better design.
For more information, visit the Royal College of Art Helen Hamlyn Centre, Case studies from the Centre’s portfolio in industry and design
Other useful sites:
Sensory Trust
The Sensory Trust promotes and implements an inclusive approach to design and management of outdoor space to ensure equality of access for all people, regardless of age, disability or background.
Design Council - About: Inclusive Design
A comprehensive overview of inclusive design and excellent resource for all interested in the field with case studies, regularly updated by experts.
The Inclusive Design Toolkit
A comprehensive site with impairment simulators and extensive information on all aspects of inclusive design.
The Adaptive Environments: Universal Design
A comprehensive collection of resources for universal design; with searchable worldwide events.
Cambridge Engineering Design Centre
A research project-based website for inclusive design, with a tutorial for inclusive design available from here.
Europe Institute for Design and Disability
A communication platform linking to a number of European Institutes promoting inclusive design, with lots of news relating to design and disability.
Trace Research and Development Center: Designing a more usable world – for all
A US-based website providing general information, standards and guidelines regarding universal design and specific tools and resources, with a focus on ICT products.
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access: Universal design education online
This website supports educators and students in their teaching and study of universal design.
Ricability (product focused)
The Ricability website presents many reports on product evaluation. It provides unbiased guides for older and disabled consumers.
Centre for Accessible Environments (environment focused)
The web site of the Centre for Accessible Environment has a lot of information about practicalities of inclusive design in the built environment, including design guidance, training and useful links to a number of access-related websites.
