Inclusive Design, as well known, is a set of methodologies for designing products that consider the full range of human diversity with different backgrounds. Read more about Inclusive Design. With many tech giants adapting to this method, let us learn what are the basic principles of Inclusive Design.
The concept of Inclusive Design works mostly where people experience some form of exclusion. This exclusion is based on many factors. It can be situational, temporary or permanent exclusion. It can happen to anyone and this is a key to understanding the principles of inclusive design and its methodology.
The value that sits at the core of Inclusive Design is empathy. I think, by empathising with users, designers can create a product that can be used by everyone. To do this effectively, the design community has devised some principles and common design methodologies to introduce inclusion in different products.
The basis of the inclusive design principle is about putting users first. As is mentioned in inclusivedesignprinciples.org, these principles are intended to give anyone involved in the design and development of products – designers, user experience professionals, developers, product owners, idea makers, innovators, artists and thinkers – a broad approach to inclusive design.
- Identifying exclusion, if any: This is the building block of inclusive design. Identify exclusion prevailing in the system, whether by any means of inequality gender, race, disability, cultural background etc. When designers know how people are feeling excluded from the system, they can easily bridge the gap and build a solid foundation of being more inclusive.
- Offer ways to engage: Humans are designed differently. So their idea of completing a task differs. Consider providing different ways of engaging with the system for complex tasks. Offer multiple ways to complete a task
- Be consistent: Use consistent design patterns to bring familiarity to the product. The way users search for information on websites is also important. Use a consistent layout to support legibility and readability. Help users by using plain language, simple illustrations and media types such as alt texts, labels for buttons, proper tagging etc.,
- Provide the same experience: Designing a solution for one group can be advantageous to many others as well. A design problem solved will always benefit a larger audience. This will ensure people engage with your product and services more frequently.
- Consider different situations: Users pick up information from the surrounding in which they currently are. They are always on the move, at work, under some pressure, at home or as first-time users. Offer help by making tasks deliberate and less confusing.
- Prioritise content: Interfaces have multiple things to offer to their users. One thing that they must make sure of is to provide users with relative pieces of information and content. Make texts easy to scan and translate for non-native speakers.
Inclusive design principles are a great way to ensure that your product is usable, accessible and functional to a diverse group of people. By adhering to these principles you are making sure your users get all the riches of your product or service and thus reach a wider set of audience.