Inclusive Design — Who Are We Really Designing For?
- Patryk Koper
- Jul 19
- 2 min read
Design isn't just about beautiful forms, futuristic shapes, and perfect visualizations. It's first and foremost about responsibility. If we create something that someone can't use—because they can't see, hear, walk, or speak the language—then something has gone wrong. Inclusivity isn't a trend. It's the absolute foundation of conscious design.
But what does "inclusive design" actually mean?
Inclusive design is design that considers user diversity from the very beginning of the concept phase. It's not just about people with disabilities (though that’s crucial), but also about the elderly, children, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, neurodivergent individuals... The list goes on.
This isn’t a "special version" of a product. It’s about designing from the start in a way that excludes no one. Below, I’ve gathered a few examples that perfectly illustrate this inclusive approach.
Microsoft Xbox Adaptive Controller
Microsoft created a controller for gamers with various mobility limitations. Modular, flexible, and ready to connect with external buttons and joysticks. It’s not just technology—it’s a shift in mindset: everyone has the right to play.
Barrier-Free Beijing Metro – Designing for Body and Mind
In China, public spaces have been undergoing an accessibility transformation for years. A great example is Beijing’s metro, where many new stations feature:
Elevators on every level
Voice and visual guidance systems
Sign language displays (on screens and signs)
Tactile paths for the visually impaired
Rest areas every few dozen meters
This isn’t just about accommodating the elderly or people with disabilities.
It’s about designing with respect for the body and mindfulness toward people—deeply aligned with the Chinese philosophy of harmony in space.In a culture where qi (life energy) matters, inclusive design can be seen as maintaining
the flow between people and their environment.
A Garden for All Senses – The High Line, New York
New York’s elevated park isn’t just greenery. It features wheelchair-accessible paths, sensory spaces, rest areas for seniors, and unconventional wayfinding elements. Urban design can be both beautiful and accessible.
It’s Not About Political Correctness.
It’s About Quality.
Inclusive thinking makes design better for everyone. Often, solutions created for specific needs end up benefiting all users:
Subtitles? Great in noisy places.
Ramps? Helpful for parents with strollers.
Plain language? Clear for everyone, regardless of education or language skills.
How to Start Designing Inclusively?
Listen to users—don’t assume you know what they need.
Test with diverse groups—not just your "ideal customer."
Refine language and form—ask: Is this understandable? Legible? Accessible?
Design with empathy—you don’t have to be perfect, but you must be mindful.
Need an Inclusive Approach for Your Project? Let’s Talk.
If you’re creating a product, service, or space and want to ensure no one gets left behind—reach out. I’ll help craft solutions that work not just visually, but socially. Let’s create design that connects, not excludes.
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