Accessibility and Inclusive Design:
how to innovate in Product Design

Strategies and approaches for accessible design

In the contemporary design landscape, accessibility is no longer a mere design option, but an ethical and methodological imperative. Inclusive product design is an essential paradigm for the creation of products conceived for universal use, eliminating physical, cognitive and sensory barriers. Technological and methodological innovation plays a cardinal role in guaranteeing a design that contemplates human diversity as an intrinsic value and not as a constraint.

design for All services

The value of Inclusive Design

Integrating accessibility and innovation for a more effective product

A well-designed product must meet ergonomic, intuitive and usability criteria without requiring ex-post adjustments. This implies a design process that synergistically integrates accessibility and design, preventing obstacles and ensuring smooth and immediate interaction. The inclusive approach broadens the target market and increases the perceived value of the product, fostering user loyalty and establishing an innovative and transversal design language.

Principles and strategies of accessible Product Design

Key elements for inclusive and functional design

Innovation in accessible design is based on a few cornerstones:

  • Advanced and adaptive ergonomics: morphological and functional study aimed at minimising fatigue and maximising efficiency of use.
  • Multi-sensory usability: development of design solutions that guarantee natural and immediate interaction, regardless of the user’s skills.
  • Integration of assistive technologies and intelligent materials: use of state-of-the-art solutions to improve usability without compromising aesthetics or structure.

Inclusive design applications in our projects

Concrete experiences and results

Within the design experiences gained by Rodighiero.Design for All, accessibility is configured as a founding principle. Through careful research on materials, ergonomics and interfaces, each product is developed to meet advanced usability criteria, combining aesthetics and functionality in a harmonious balance. Our extensive experience has enabled us to develop products that have won accolades from the public, confirming the validity of our approach.

Thanks to the Design for All design process, characterised by an iterative and user-centred methodology, we have developed a strong design empathy, an essential element for the creation of accessible and effective solutions. Empathy is indeed a determining factor in understanding the real needs of users and translating these needs into concrete and functional innovations.

In our design approach, we constantly ask ourselves fundamental questions that every company should consider in order to develop truly inclusive products, not only from the point of view of usability, but also from an economic and strategic perspective:

  • Will the product be usable by everyone?

  • What difficulties might users experience?

  • What special needs or disabilities might prevent its use?

  • How much more comfortable will it be for everyone if it is accessible and inclusive?

  • How can we integrate accessibility without compromising design?

  • What technologies or materials can improve the user experience for a wider audience?

  • What competitive advantages can an accessible product offer in the market?

  • Can accessibility represent added value for the brand and corporate reputation?

  • How can inclusivity broaden the target market and increase sales?

  • What are the initial costs of accessible design compared to the long-term benefits?

let's talk about your project
All
Co-design
Design for All
Sherlock - Concierge inclusivo - Co-design - Rodighiero.Design for All
Open
Co-design
Demì | Demì è un tagliere da cucina progettato per tutti gli utenti che hanno il corretto funzionamento di una sola mano o di un solo arto.
Demì
Co-design · Design for All
Giotto è una collezione di maniglie di sicurezza che nasce per rispettare il desiderio delle persone che hanno necessità di ausili di sicurezza riconducibili fortemente ai più classici accessori bagno.
Giotto
Design for All
Shade folding bar | Shade è la barra ribaltabile per l’arredobagno 'for All' dove al centro ci sono i bisogni e le emozioni delle persone, anche con disabilità. Shade is the folding bar for 'for All' bathroom furniture where the needs and emotions of people, including those with disabilities, are central.
Shade
Design for All
Flight, il lavabo per tutti. Il design contemporaneo risponde alle esigenze del diritto all’uguaglianza, del graduale invecchiamento della popolazione.
Flight
Co-design · Design for All
Prime, the first and only wash basin also for disabilities that respects the regulations in place and the dignity of people
Prime
Co-design · Design for All
Lavabo Shine Washbasin Rodighiero Design for All Inclusive Design
Shine
Design for All
Flat | Il lavabo su misura per persone con disabilità
Flat
Design for All
Zoomografo è uno zooming device per leggere e scrivere tutto stampanti in 3D.
Hackability
Co-design
Sherlock - Concierge inclusivo - Co-design - Rodighiero.Design for All
Sherlock
Co-design

Towards a new Product Design paradigm

The evolution of accessibility as a driver of innovation

The evolution of Product Design is moving towards an increasingly refined integration of accessibility and inclusiveness. Innovating in this area is not only a matter of satisfying regulatory and social requirements, but represents a competitive strategy capable of generating added value for companies and the community. Inclusive design is not just a trend, but a radical transformation in design culture.

Resources and insights