Design for empathy
Design for safety
Design for simplicity
Design for flexibility
Design for diversity
About the author
Summary
Use inclusive language and imagery that reflects the diversity of users.
Why it's important: Users have different identities, experiences, and cultures that influence their attitudes and behaviors. Designing for empathy means recognizing and respecting these differences and creating a sense of belonging and connection.
How to implement it: Use inclusive language that avoids stereotypes, biases, and micro aggressions. Use diverse imagery that represents different races, genders, ages, and abilities. Use feedback and engagement tools that allow users to share their experiences and perspectives.
Provide clear warnings and error messages to prevent users from making mistakes or taking risks.
Why it's important: Users can be vulnerable or at risk when using digital products, especially when it comes to sensitive information or transactions. Designing for safety means reducing the likelihood of errors, mistakes, and accidents.
How to implement it: Use clear and concise language for warnings, alerts, and error messages. Provide feedback and confirmation for important actions, such as submitting a form or deleting data. Use secure and trustworthy technologies and protocols to protect user data and transactions.
Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon and technical terms.
Why it's important: Users have different levels of literacy, education, and language skills. Designing for simplicity means making the interface easy to understand and use, regardless of the user's background and experience.
How to implement it: Use plain language and familiar words whenever possible. Avoid using complex sentences, acronyms, and technical terms unless they are necessary. Use visual aids, such as icons and illustrations, to support the text and convey meaning.
Allow users to customize the interface, such as changing font size and color contrast.
Why it's important: Users have different preferences and constraints when it comes to interacting with digital products. Designing for flexibility means giving users control over their experience and adapting to their needs and preferences.
How to implement it: Provide settings and preferences that users can access and modify easily. Use standard UI components that users are familiar with, such as sliders, checkboxes, and drop-down menus. Test the product with users who have different abilities and preferences to ensure that it is flexible and customizable.
Provide different ways for users to access content, such as audio and visual options.
Why it's important: Different users have different abilities, preferences, and contexts. Designing for diversity means accommodating a wide range of users and their needs, which can improve usability, engagement, and satisfaction.
How to implement it: Conduct user research to identify different user groups and their needs. Use personas and scenarios to represent these users and their goals. Provide multiple ways for users to interact with the website or application, such as keyboard shortcuts, touch gestures, voice commands, and assistive technologies.
Design for flexibility
Design for flexibility
Design for diversity
Design for simplicity
Who is it for?
Design for diversity
Designing for Inclusion is a comprehensive guide to designing products and services that are inclusive and accessible to all users. The book provides practical guidance and case studies for designing products that are user-centered, innovative, and accessible to people with disabilities. Topics covered include inclusive design principles, user research methods, and accessibility testing techniques. The book emphasizes the importance of designing for a diverse range of users and the benefits of doing so, such as increased market reach and improved user satisfaction.
Roger Coleman, John Clarkson, Hua Dong, and Julia Cassim are prominent figures in the field of design research, with a specific focus on inclusive design and patient safety. Coleman holds the position of Research Professor at the Helen Hamlyn Research Centre at the Royal College of Art in London, where Cassim also works as a Senior Research Fellow. Clarkson is a Professor of Engineering Design at the University of Cambridge and the Director of the Engineering Design Centre, while Dong is a Lecturer in Design at Brunel University. Together, their research and publications have contributed significantly to the advancement of inclusive design practices, ensuring that design solutions are accessible and usable for people of all abilities and backgrounds.
Design for simplicity
Design for empathy
Design for safety
Design for empathy
Design for safety
Roger Coleman, John Clarkson and Julia Cassim
Designing for Inclusion
A Practical Guide to Accessible, Innovative and User-Centred Design
Product design, Accessibility