Since my engagement in the inclusive project a decade ago, two key points have been pondering me. A successful inclusive design is characterised by being invisible and non-exclusive. This brings forth two important checklists:
Maintaining the same level of efficiency as non-inclusive designs
Ensuring that users do not feel singled out while using it
While contemplating how to address these questions, the concept of inconvenience design emerged.
Inconvenience design involves reducing efficiency and introducing friction
Inconvenience can actually lead to positive outcomes
Balancing efficiency and inconvenience is a crucial aspect of achieving successful inclusive design
The objective is to bring users from two opposite ends of the spectrum together, meeting in the middle path through inconvenience.
I will put this thought on hold for now and look forward to revisiting it in the near future.
References and Notes
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuPfdnzgNtR/?igsh=am51eTR1MGtjbzM=
“We often still associate accessibility with compliance when really we should be associating it with customer experience and delight. When accessibility is done well, when it’s intentional and the design has been consulted with by people with lived experience of disability, you get better results. Not only do you get better results, but you get more inclusive results. You get results that are reflective of the people that you are actually designing for. Therefore, you usually get happier customers. Accessibility should always be considered from this perspective because it’s really not just about the functional results; it’s also about how it makes you feel in the process.
When I have to go through a garbage dump or through a basement or through a shady parking lot to get to the entrance or the makeshift entrance of a restaurant, it’s a vastly different experience than when I’m invited to go through the front door like everyone else.That is really why accessible, intentional, inclusive design is so powerful.” — Maayan Ziv, Founder of @AccessNowApp, Disability Activist
The basic requirement is to ensure functionality and accessibility. Beyond that, the goal is to establish an environment where everyone can enjoy an equal quality of experience, and to me, that is truly good inclusive design.
Burning Man’s Mobility Camp Code of Conduct Intentional Non-Self Reliance— A conscious choice to not bring necessary equipment and or Attendants to be self reliant and prepared for the Playa environment, causing other Mobility Camp Participants to alter their Burn to care take you.
I have always thought that inclusive design only applies to products or services catering to physical disabilities. However, watching the show “Reclaiming the Joy of Eating” has prompted me to reconsider this definition. The show focuses on the dysphagia diet, tailored for individuals who struggle with swallowing the food, primarily the elderly and possibly children. Here are some key takeaways from the show:
The act of eating involves recognising the food being consumed.
Food must be both safe and delicious, and attractiveness.
Foods with specific shapes facilitate easier consumption, such as using chopsticks.
Preparing these meals requires time and effort and are not profitable.
The goal is to ensure that everyone at the table enjoys an equal quality dining experience. (I believe the same notion that is expressed by Maayan Ziv, Disability Activist)
This has opened my understanding of inclusivity to encompass consumable meals rather than just products and services.
After the meal(right) is specially prepared by Chef Enmi Katsushi.
Establish an environment where everyone can enjoy an equal quality of experience
Think of it like this: If you want to help someone, you don’t start by guessing their age, job, or hobbies. You start by asking, “What are they struggling with?”
