Designing with No Barriers: A Pledge for Inclusive and Accessible Design
Building Accessibility, Equity, and Social Inclusion for People with Disabilities
What if designers pledged to design with no barriers for disabled people?
In a world where technology and design are at the forefront of our daily lives, we have a responsibility to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in every aspect of the design process. Unfortunately, the current state of accessibility in design falls short, leaving many disabled people facing unnecessary barriers in their daily lives. However, what if designers could change that? What if, like doctors, they pledged to do no harm, specifically to design with no barriers for disabled people? Thea Kurdi, a friend and colleague, posed this thought-provoking question, and it’s worth exploring further.
Thea’s idea of designers taking a pledge to design with no barriers for disabled people is not far-fetched. Just as doctors pledge to do no harm and social workers pledge to promote social justice, respect the dignity and worth of every person, and act with integrity and professionalism, designers can also make a similar commitment. By taking this pledge, designers would commit to creating products and environments that are accessible to everyone, including those with physical or cognitive disabilities. This pledge has the potential to transform the design industry and promote a more accessible, equitable, and inclusive society.
The current state of accessibility in design causes concern. While designers have progressed, many products and environments still exclude people with disabilities. For instance, designers frequently create websites and mobile apps that people who are blind or have low vision cannot access. Similarly, in the world of product design, designers often use tiny buttons and confusing interfaces that make it difficult for people with physical or cognitive disabilities to use everyday products such as phones, appliances, or even pens. In architecture, designers frequently create buildings with stairs instead of ramps and narrow doorways that prevent wheelchair access. Public housing apartments frequently lack accessible units, and designers too often create parks, playgrounds, and other public spaces that do not consider the needs of people with disabilities. These examples illustrate how designers can neglectfully create barriers for people with disabilities.
But designers can transform the current state of accessibility in design by committing to design with no barriers. This commitment would have a tremendous impact, as it would involve including disabled people in the design process from the outset to ensure their needs and perspectives are heard and addressed. The outcome would be increased social inclusion and equity for people with disabilities. Additionally, the commitment would lead to an improved quality of life and increased independence for people with disabilities, as they would have greater access to the tools and environments needed to live their lives to the fullest. Moreover, it would benefit society economically, as more people could participate fully in the workforce and contribute to the economy, resulting in increased productivity and growth.
Ensuring the commitment to design with no barriers becomes a reality will require education and training in inclusive design. Therefore, it is essential for design schools and professional associations to prioritize accessibility and inclusivity in their curricula and professional development programs, to equip the next generation of designers with the skills and knowledge necessary for designing without barriers.
Real-world examples of accessible and inclusive design already exist, demonstrating the possibilities of designing without barriers. Buildings like the Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley, California, prove that it is possible to create environments that are functional, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, collaborative design projects like the Enabled by Design-athon, which brings together designers and disabled people to create new accessible products, services, systems, and technology that can support people to live as independently as possible, highlight the potential of inclusive and collaborative design practices.
Designing with no barriers is the key to inclusivity in the 21st century. By taking a pledge to design with accessibility and inclusivity in mind, designers can create a more equitable world. It is time for designers to take a stand and commit to designing with no barriers.
Thank you, Thea, for your fantastic recommendation. It was my privilege to discuss and expand on this important topic. Let’s continue to spread the message of designing without barriers and working towards a more accessible and inclusive future for all.
Thank you. Pass it on.
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