Lynsey Robinson

Inclusive Design

After studying 3D Design for Sustainability at Falmouth College of Art Lynsey spent some time working at the Eden Project as an Exhibit Designer. There she began working in partnership with the Sensory Trust and gaining a wider understanding of the social side of sustainability. When the opportunity came up to work with the Sensory Trust full time she joined the Trust as an Inclusive Designer.

Since being with the Trust Lynsey has worked on a wide range of projects: accessible information for the National Trust and the development of a UK-wide resource for designing seasonal trails; community consultation with user groups and excluded groups; UK and international conferences; publications for green space managers; advice and support for design and management decisions of public green space; and training delivery.

Currently about a third of her time is spent working in partnership with the Eden Project. Giving advice and technical support for any new or existing design on site, advice for live events and seasonal changes, development of new accessible information, and staff training to ensure Eden can go beyond the expected levels of inclusion and be an exemplar project accessible to the widest possible audience.

As for the rest of her time, Lynsey is often heard saying "whatever it takes". This approach allows her to be flexible and be involved in various aspects of different projects.

"Practising inclusive design is not always the easiest thing to communicate”, says Lynsey. “At first it can seem restrictive and people worry that it will result in a world that is flat and beige. This is very far from the truth and inclusive design should be looked at as a creative opportunity that opens up experiences to the widest possible audience. By making things inclusive the experience is better for everyone. This is what excites me about working in this field, the sensory experiences you can offer that allow people to make a connection with their environment."