Blog

You may have encountered confusing or difficult products, like a TV remote with too many buttons, a faucet that’s difficult to turn on, or a bottle that’s hard to open. That’s where inclusive design comes in. In this article, we’ll dive into what inclusive design is and how it helps make everyday products and experiences more enjoyable.

In today's world, the best products and services aren’t just built for the young or the tech-savvy—they’re crafted with everyone in mind, including seniors. To ensure that products are useful, enjoyable, and easy to use, designers follow the principles of Inclusive Design. So, what do these terms mean, and how do they relate to seniors? Let’s dive in!

What is Inclusive Design?

Inclusive Design is all about creating products that anyone can use, regardless of age, ability, or background. It’s not about designing for a specific group but ensuring no one is left out. Imagine replacing stairs with ramps—suddenly, the building becomes accessible to everyone, from wheelchair users to parents pushing strollers or people carrying heavy bags.

How Do Designers Create Inclusive Products?

Designing products with everyone in mind isn’t a simple task. Here’s a step-by-step look at the inclusive design process:

1. Understanding the Users

The first step is learning about the users. Designers spend time studying the needs and challenges of different groups of people, including seniors. They look at how people with varying abilities interact with products and what improvements could make those interactions smoother.

Example: Smartphones

Many smartphones today come with adjustable text sizes and voice controls. These features make the phones more usable for anyone who struggles with small fonts or has difficulty using a touchscreen.

2. Prototyping and Testing

Once designers have a good understanding of users' needs, they create prototypes—basic versions of the product. These prototypes are then tested by real people, including seniors, to see how well they work.

Example: Soulo Nail Trimmer

The Soulo Nail Trimmer was designed with seniors and people with limited dexterity in mind. Early versions were tested by people in the target audience to ensure that the product would be easy to hold and use without causing frustration.

3. Iterating and Improving

Designers don’t stop at one test. They take the feedback from real users, make improvements, and test again. The goal is to refine the product until it meets the needs of everyone.

Example: Digital Interfaces

When designing digital platforms, companies often conduct multiple rounds of testing with seniors to ensure buttons are easy to click, text is readable, and navigation is simple.

Inclusive Design In Action

The Tripp Trapp Chair by Peter Opsvik is a chair that grows with you throughout your life. Designed for people of all ages, from infants to adults, the Tripp Trapp has an adjustable seat and footrest that can be easily modified as your needs change. This means it can provide the right support and comfort at any stage of life, making it a perfect fit for everyone in the family.

By adapting to the user instead of requiring the user to adapt to it, the Tripp Trapp Chair truly embodies the principles of inclusive design.

The design of the staircase in Robson Square, Vancouver integrates wheelchair accessibility to provide a design that is both sculptural and socially engaging.

Height-adjustable tables allow users to sit, stand, and adjust the angle of their table based on their needs. 

Nike’s Go FlyEase includes a unique hinged outsole that allows users to put them on without using their hands, making them accessible to more users. 

Solve for one, extend to many. The goal is more than just to make something only for a small group of people, which can lead to awkward experiences. Instead, we should design things that everyone can use—both the small group and the general public—so everyone feels included and comfortable.