Designing for Inclusion: Definitions, Guidelines, and Illustrative Case Studies
Inclusive design, a practice that takes into account the diversity found in human beings, is no longer just a buzzword but a crucial aspect for brands and designers alike. The Inclusive Design Research Center at OCAD University in Canada outlines three imperatives in inclusive design: recognizing diversity and uniqueness, using inclusive processes and tools, and aiming for a broader beneficial impact.
This movement accounts for the spectrum of human diversity, considering factors such as language, culture, age, gender, ethnicity, and ability. For brands, inclusive designs can help ensure the target audience feels seen and that the brand is behaving in a socially responsible manner.
Context is critical in inclusive design. Understanding the broader impact of the materials being created is essential. This is not just about visuals; words also matter and should be considered in the design process.
Our platform offers thousands of diverse options for icons to reflect a range of skin tones and cultural backgrounds, making inclusive design simpler. Additionally, we provide many diverse templates to help make projects as accessible as possible.
Inclusive design is not the same as universal design, as universal design aims to create something that is universally understandable and useful to as many people as possible, while inclusive design specifically takes into account the vast range of differences in people.
The six threads of inclusive design, as published by the Toronto District School Board, revolve around improving inclusivity within schools. These threads are: responding to the student's voice, engaging parents, families, and community, analyzing data, designing instructions to reflect student experiences, establishing an inclusive environment, and building leadership capacity.
A 2021 survey found that more than 60 percent of consumers said they would be at least slightly more likely to purchase a product if they see an ad that reflects diversity and inclusion. Nearly two in three consumers also said they were more likely to buy a product if the brand's advertisements reflect inclusion.
Incorporating inclusive design in marketing and design projects offers significant benefits. Key benefits include broadened reach and audience, enhanced brand reputation and social responsibility, innovation catalyst, better user retention and reduced support costs, market and compliance advantages, improved SEO and discoverability, authentic, diverse marketing impact, and ongoing business sustainability.
In conclusion, inclusive design is both a strategic business imperative and an ethical approach that enhances market reach, user experience, innovation, and brand equity while promoting equity and social responsibility. Embracing inclusive design is not just about meeting the needs of diverse groups, but also about fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
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Color contrast in design, such as utilizing various skin tones in icons and images, is essential for accessibility and reflecting the diversity of a brand's audience. Furthermore, incorporating accurate alt text in visuals, aiding those with visual impairments, aligns with the goal of creating a more inclusive fashion-and-beauty, lifestyle, and technology marketplace.
