3 Key Principles of Inclusive Design
Microsoft consistently places a strong emphasis on the importance of Inclusive Design in its product development. According to the company, the reason why design solutions often lack comprehensiveness is that designers are typically influenced by their own inherent biases.
In 2016, Microsoft published a document called the "Inclusive 101 GuideBook” that outlines 3 key principles of Inclusive Design to raise awareness and promote inclusiveness in product design.
1. Recognize Exclusion
The first principle of Microsoft Inclusive Design states that to create a truly inclusive design, designers must first acknowledge their own biases and recognize the groups of people who are excluded as a result of those biases.
Most products on the market today are designed primarily with the "ideal" user and usage scenario in mind. This approach inadvertently excludes not just people with permanent disabilities like visual, hearing, or speech impairments, but also users who are using the product in different or challenging circumstances, such as: Driving a car, Having one arm in a cast, Watching a video in a noisy environment,...
2. Learn from Diversity
While recognizing exclusion is an excellent starting point for enhancing design inclusivity, it's crucial to dive deeper.
During product development, UX designers can engage in simulations like "Blindfolded" or "Earmuffed" experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities when interacting with the world around them.
However, it's important to recognize that simulations only provide a limited perspective on the user experience. In reality, numerous factors influence how people interact with the world and use products, including individual abilities, experiences, emotions, and cultural backgrounds.
The second principle, therefore, emphasizes the need for UX designers to delve into user diversity through observation and interviews. By truly understanding the diverse user needs and pain points, designers can create designs that align with them, rather than relying solely on assumptions or simulated experiences.
3. Solve for One, Extend to Many
True to its name, the third principle advocates for focusing on solving the usability challenges of a specific user group, often those with disabilities or other significant barriers, as the path to enhancing the experience for a much broader range of users. In our everyday lives, we encounter countless examples that illustrate the power of this approach:
- Closed Captions: Initially developed to cater to the needs of individuals with hearing impairments, closed captions have become an invaluable feature for users in all sorts of noisy environments, from airports to hospitals.
- High-Contrast Displays: Designed primarily to assist the visually impaired community, high-contrast displays have also proved tremendously beneficial for people using devices in direct sunlight.
This principle also applies to a wide variety of features and devices, including remote controls, automatic doors, audiobooks, and more. By focusing on solving the specific usability challenges faced by "extreme" users, designers can often unlock solutions that end up greatly improving the experience for the masses.