At Bray St, we are guided internally by the principle that creativity flourishes in a diverse community. We embody our advice to businesses and brands by living and breathing this ethos ourselves. "Creativity is Community," are words we live by and highlight the connections that inspire outstanding design.
Being inclusive should be a top priority, embedded into your strategy, not an afterthought.
Here are six ways to design for inclusivity and some brand who are leading by example:
1. Understand your audience
Inclusivity starts with understanding the different backgrounds, abilities, and needs of your audience. Do thorough research to learn about their preferences and challenges.
Tip
Create profiles that represent different segments of your audience, including those with disabilities or unique cultural backgrounds.
Brand example
Microsoft has been exemplary in understanding its diverse audience. Their Inclusive Design Toolkit includes personas representing various disabilities, allowing designers to empathise and cater to a broad spectrum of user needs.
2. Prioritise accessibility
Accessibility should be a key part of any design project. Make sure your designs can be used by people with various disabilities.
Steps
- Ensure there are no stairs for easier movement.
- Use high-contrast colours for better visibility.
- Provide text alternatives for images.
Referencing the principles of inclusive design can provide additional guidelines on creating accessible environments.
Brand example
Apple has long prioritised accessibility in its products. Features like VoiceOver for the visually impaired and the Switch Control for those with physical and motor skill challenges ensure their devices are accessible to everyone.
3. Incorporate universal design principles
Universal design means creating products and spaces that everyone can use, no matter their age or ability.
Key ideas
- Equitable use: the design works well for people with different abilities.
- Flexibility in use: the design allows for various preferences and abilities.
Using these ideas makes sure your designs are inclusive from the start.
Brand example
Google implements universal design principles across its products. The Google Maps app, for instance, includes accessibility information such as wheelchair-accessible routes, ensuring equitable use for people of different abilities.
4. Embrace diverse perspectives
Having a diverse team can greatly improve inclusivity in your designs. Encourage team members from different backgrounds to share their ideas. Continuously assess and acknowledge who is in the room when decisions are being made.
Strategy
Hold regular brainstorming sessions where everyone’s voice is heard equally.
Brand example
IBM has made significant strides in embracing diverse perspectives. They actively promote diversity within their teams and encourage contributions from employees of various backgrounds to foster innovative and inclusive design solutions.
5. Test with real users
Test your designs with real users from different demographic groups, including those with disabilities.
Methods
- Use screen readers during usability tests.
- Ensure physical spaces are easy to navigate for wheelchair users.
Feedback from real users will show areas needing improvement and confirm good design choices.
Brand example
Airbnb employs extensive user testing with diverse groups, including those with disabilities. They have implemented features like filter options for accessibility needs, ensuring their platform is user-friendly for everyone.
6. Continuously educate yourself
Inclusivity is a journey that never ends. Stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in inclusive design. Needs and accessibility requirements constantly change as we invest more resources in better understanding how to create equitable and inclusive environments for our people and customers.
Resources
Attend workshops, and webinars, and read about inclusivity in design to keep learning new things. Have an open mindset that what you already know may already be out of date.
Brand example
Adobe invests in continuous education regarding inclusive design. They offer workshops, webinars, and resources for their employees and the design community to stay updated on the latest trends and practices in accessibility and inclusivity.
By prioritising accessibility, inclusivity, and usability from the start rather than as afterthoughts, you create designs that truly connect with all members of your community. At Bray St., we believe that when creativity has no borders—driven by compassion and diversity—it has the power to bring about positive global change.
Looking to make your designs more inclusive and better represent your brand, customers, and team members? Get in touch with our team today!