In the constant evolution of design and innovation, there is a growing need to place the goal of inclusion at the centre of design. Inclusion is a word that carries with it many meanings and domains; in design, it represents the ambition to live in a society in which every individual, regardless of his or her abilities, disability, age, gender or cultural background, has access to the same services, products and opportunities – a truly fair and accessible world for all. The importance of putting inclusion at the heart of the design process is made even more evident by the progressive ageing of the population: increasing longevity is a sign of progress, but it presents new challenges to find the most relevant answers to the needs of an elderly population living with at least five generations. This makes it an ethical, technical and practical imperative for Design.
In this context, three significant disciplines emerge that have addressed design through decades of reflection: Design for All, Inclusive Design and Universal Design. Each approaches the subject from different angles, but with a common goal: to improve individuals’ lives, autonomy and, more generally, well-being and comfort through design. Although with a common goal, each has its own distinctive characteristics, in terms of process, strategies and benefits. The three disciplines promote a culture of acceptance, respect and consideration; this leads to greater social cohesion, reduced inequalities and more active participation by all members of the community.
Since the Stockholm Declaration of 2004, Design for All is design for human diversity, social inclusion and equality. The main premises are the holistic approach and the creative challenge: the former emphasises the need to organise teams with the necessary skills and expertise to tackle the project in its entirety and complexity; the latter the energy and determination to explore new ideas to overcome obstacles by finding alternative and innovative solutions. The creative and ethical challenge is addressed not only to designers, but also to entrepreneurs, administrators and political leaders who are asked to constantly consider inclusion as an integral part of their vision precisely because they are fundamental decision-makers in the design process at work.
The active and creative involvement of end-users, stakeholders (duly selected) and experiencers (direct and indirect) is the pillar of Design for All, which has been consolidating the centrality of participatory processes for twenty years. The heterogeneous individuals for whom solutions are intended – whether products, services or environments – must be involved early in the design process because they bring a unique and valuable perspective on their experience and any difficulties they face. The team works with them to understand their specific needs, preferences and requirements, and transforms the information into project requirements that will result in the appropriate solutions also validated by the people involved.
Design for All represents a challenge that requires additional time, effort and sometimes cost compared to a traditional approach, but it greatly reduces the possibility of errors (and thus in turn eliminates rectification costs) precisely because of the continuous bottom-up verification. It also ensures that solutions are targeted for attractiveness and non-discriminatory, i.e. without emphasising differences or specific needs, such as those of people with disabilities.
Inclusive Design is a design philosophy very similar to Design for All, aiming at equal, safe and independent participation in everyday activities while considering human diversity. To achieve these goals, it adopts a number of key principles (spelled out by the Design Council) that place, like Design for All, people at the centre of the design process, promoting personal well-being, social cohesion and pleasure for all. It emphasises the need not to focus solely on motor limitations, but to extend its scope to include learning disabilities, mental health problems, and visual and hearing impairments.
Inclusive Design openly acknowledges that it is not always possible to solve all needs with a single solution, and proposes to disclose the part of the population that may be excluded – the causes may be due to technical, technological or sometimes economic issues. It urges proposing alternatives that take into account the diversity of user needs, ensuring choice, such as product collections, complementary solutions, add-ons or others.
Of particular importance, it recognises the diversity of changing needs and proposes that solutions be prepared for flexibility over time, ensuring that access and usability are continuously optimised.
Universal Design is a popular approach in the United States, Australia, and beyond, which is based on 9 key principles, making the process of inclusive design seemingly straightforward: fairness in use, flexibility in use, simplicity and intuitiveness, information for all, error tolerance, reduction of physical effort, appropriate size and space, future compatibility, and low cost of use. Although the list (or manifesto) is largely agreeable, appreciable, and although no particular process or method is agreed upon, these principles are constantly being supplemented and clarified. The complexity of contemporary design and challenges requires continuous adaptation, the discipline recognises (indirectly) that the diversity of needs is difficult to summarise in a few assumptions.
Openly or implicitly, Design for All, Inclusive Design and Universal Design take into account environmental impact and energy conservation – unprecedented environmental challenges are faced, and thus promote sustainable and responsible design to build a more just, sustainable and inclusive society for present and future generations.
