Inclusive Design- what does it mean to you? Has it become the latest buzz word that we (as designers) all talk about on a regular basis  but actually forget to implement into the products being designed?

The English dictionary defines inclusive as  “not excluding any section of society or any part” and when we link that to product design, surely it suggests that the products should be easily used by all. So why are there so many supposedly inclusively  designed products on our shelves that have clearly not considered the needs of their  potential users? This is  a subject that has been recognised by the  Engineering Design Centre at Cambridge University and they have subsequently produced a detailed tool kit which hopes to ensure that all readers will be able to implement good inclusive design into their products.

Who needs inclusive design in their lives? Well we all do in different ways, but some more than others. Statistics show that in the UK 17.8% of the population have less than full ability in one or  more of the following areas- sensory, motor and cognitive capabilities, and a large percentage of this group are over the age of 55. It is also worth adding at this point that from the age of 50, disposable income and spare time increases dramatically. Therefore, this particular consumer groups needs to targeting when promoting the latest trendy new product as they have the time and the money to but it. (more…)