What is Inclusive Design?

Sensory Trust define Inclusive Design as the design of products, information and environments that can be used by all people, to the greatest extent possible.

Inclusive design is not a new school or style of design. Inclusive design does not necessarily cost more. Inclusive design is not necessarily design aimed specifically at people with disabilities.

Everyone can benefit from inclusive design.

Inclusive design principles:

• Integration, not segregation. Segregated provision serves to reinforce feelings of difference and deviance from the norm while inclusive design benefits the widest possible spectrum of society.
• Working with, not for, people. Too often facilities and designs have been developed on assumed preferences and needs. Involvement of an inclusive range of users in site planning and development is essential in avoiding costly mistakes and maximising the success of environmental design and management.
• The right to choose. It is important that people are sufficiently well-informed about what is on offer if they are to be able to make their own choices. This should not be limited to sites that are regarded as fully accessible sites that contain features that are barriers to some people will be accessible to others. Sufficient information is crucial.
• Motivating by example. Good practice is more successfully encouraged by highlighting examples of success and illustrating the possibilities. Practitioners benefit from seeing examples of positive design and solutions to common challenges.