Today we’re embarking on a fascinating exploration of the intricate maze that is design, guided by the languages of colour, accessibility, diversity, fairness, and inclusivity.
Join us on this enlightening journey into the realm of inclusive design. Together, let’s explore how design can embrace diversity, foster accessibility, and champion inclusivity. We invite you to be part of creating a more equitable and harmonious design landscape that celebrates the uniqueness of every individual. Come along and let’s make a difference together in the world of inclusive design.
Before we jump in, let’s take a moment to reflect on some eye-opening and, at times, sobering facts:
- Approximately 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women experience colour blindness. Just imagine the daily challenges they face, and it encourages us to consider their needs.
- Over 1 billion people worldwide have some form of visual impairment. That’s roughly one-seventh of the global population, reminding us of the importance of designing with accessibility in mind.
- Only a mere 3% of stock images feature people of colour, which falls short of reflecting our diverse global community.
- On a positive note, a reassuring 70% of consumers prefer to engage with companies that champion diversity and inclusion.
- There seems to be a clear discrepancy here, doesn’t there? Perhaps it presents an opportunity for us, as designers, to step up and make a difference.
Inclusive design: a kaleidoscopic vision for everyone
Inclusive design breaks free from rigid rules and norms. It’s about crafting products, services, and environments that are accessible to all, regardless of their abilities. It’s about designing a world that bursts with vibrant hues, a world that doesn’t fade into monochrome for those who are visually impaired or colourblind. But inclusive design goes beyond the visual spectrum. It’s about creating a welcoming and inclusive universe that embraces everyone, irrespective of age, size, or ability. It’s about shaping a world where everyone feels valued and included.
Stocking up on diversity
Stock images are to the internet what David Attenborough is to nature documentaries – they’re everywhere. Yet, only 3% feature people of colour. As designers, we must strive to choose images that mirror the real world, in all its diversity. Yes, it requires a bit more hunting, but the result is authentic representation and a richer tapestry of human connection.
Mind the (colour) gap
Here’s where we really don our superhero capes: in our mission to bridge the gap between what’s available and what’s needed. We believe in adding colour to the world, but in a way that’s inclusive. This is where colour accessibility comes into play, ensuring our designs are friendly to those with colour blindness and visual impairments.
The tricks of our trade
In our toolbox, we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves. We use high-contrast colours and text alternatives for images. We avoid using colour alone to convey information, understanding that for some, colours may not be distinguishable. And above all, we keep the doors wide open to feedback from the disability community, because who better to guide us on their needs?
Inclusive design is not just about the practicalities; it’s also about our mindset. We need to check our biases at the door and embrace continuous learning because the field of inclusive design is ever-evolving. We should always be mindful of our choices, use inclusive language, and actively involve ourselves in the inclusive design community. By doing so, we can contribute to a more inclusive and accessible world for all.
Inclusive design in practice
Take a look around, and you’ll spot glimmers of inclusive design in action. Apple’s VoiceOver feature is like music to the ears of those who are blind or visually impaired. Twitter’s accessibility features give everyone a fair shot at making their tweet go viral. And Google’s Material Design guidelines are like the golden rules of inclusive design.
Our world is a vibrant tapestry of diverse experiences and abilities. And as designers, our mission is to reflect this diversity in our creations. It’s time to challenge the norms and go beyond traditional design practices that cater only to the “average” user.
Every decision we make as designers matters – from the colours we choose to the fonts we use and the images we select. It’s in our hands to create a world where design is inclusive, where it doesn’t leave anyone out but celebrates everyone’s uniqueness.
Inclusive design is not just a passing trend; it’s a necessity, a human right, and an opportunity for businesses. It requires us to be creative, take some risks, and show empathy. It might not always be an easy journey, but as designers, it’s our role to pave the way for a world that values, accepts, and celebrates every individual.
Be smart, be inclusive with your marketing. Contact us today to help you build an accessible brand.
