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How Do You Approach Inclusive and Accessible Design?

How Do You Approach Inclusive and Accessible Design?

In the quest to create spaces that welcome everyone, we've gathered insights from architecture professionals on how they weave inclusivity and accessibility into their designs, starting with the perspective of a CEO. Alongside expert opinions, we've also included additional answers that highlight the importance of user engagement and adherence to global standards. From integrating client needs and expertise to embedding flexibility for user customization, explore the multifaceted approach to inclusive design.

  • Incorporate Client Needs and Expertise
  • Design with Universal Accessibility
  • Ensure Easy Navigation for All
  • Engage with Diverse User Groups
  • Integrate Assistive Technology from Start
  • Follow ADA and Global Accessibility Standards
  • Embed Flexibility for User Customization

Incorporate Client Needs and Expertise

At Ariana Designs and Architecture, designing for inclusivity and accessibility is at the heart of our approach. We start by understanding our clients' unique needs and the challenges they may face in their daily lives.

We also engage with accessibility experts and use the latest guidelines and standards to ensure our designs are compliant but also welcoming and comfortable. Our goal is to create beautiful, functional spaces that allow everyone to live independently and with dignity.

We had a project for a cozy Seattle home for an elderly couple who wanted to age in place. We prioritized all the main facilities on one level so that everything necessary was wheelchair-accessible. We also installed a residentially-appropriate elevator to make moving between floors simple, if desired.

Ariana Adireh Anderson
Ariana Adireh AndersonCEO, Ariana Designs & Architecture

Design with Universal Accessibility

Inclusivity and accessibility play a huge role in the spaces I design. From healthcare and government spaces to corporate and higher-education spaces, inclusivity is vital to ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of the end user.

One example that stands out to me is an early-childhood development center I'm working on where we've incorporated aspects of universal design. A big goal of this project is to make sure the space functions for a variety of individuals, from parents pushing strollers to young children walking to and from different classroom spaces. This can be seen in wide wheelchair ramps on the exterior of the building and reception desks with lowered fronts to allow easy communication and supervision of young children in the building's interior. Not only do these principles create a usable space for individuals in wheelchairs, but they also allow easy navigation for parents, children, and staff. By using empathic design and universal design principles, we ensure the end user can safely, comfortably, and confidently navigate the space and interact with their environment.

Audrey WinnInterior Designer II, Rees

Ensure Easy Navigation for All

As an industrial and commercial real estate developer, we make sure our buildings are easy for everyone to use by working with architects who design with inclusivity in mind. We add features like wide doorways, ramps, and accessible restrooms so everyone can get around easily. We also keep layouts simple and use clear signage to help people with cognitive or visual impairments. In our latest project, a mixed-use complex, we included adjustable workstations, tactile indicators, and multi-sensory wayfinding systems. This helps everyone feel comfortable and welcome, showing we care about creating spaces for all.

Steve Mackey
Steve MackeyManaging Member, Mack Industrial

Engage with Diverse User Groups

To achieve a design that is truly inclusive and accessible, engaging with diverse user groups directly is essential. Actual consultations with individuals who will use the product or service can uncover unique insights and highlight the specific needs and preferences of various communities. By having conversations with users who have a broad spectrum of abilities and backgrounds, designers can anticipate and solve for access issues before they arise.

Authentic engagement allows for an empathetic design process grounded in the real-world experiences of these users. Engage with your audience, learn from them, and let their voices guide your design.

Integrate Assistive Technology from Start

Making assistive technology an integral part of the design process from the very beginning can significantly enhance accessibility. It is crucial to recognize that assistive devices are not afterthoughts but essential tools that support various users’ interactions with the world around them. Designing with the compatibility of assistive technology in mind ensures that everyone has the opportunity to access and benefit from the product without unnecessary complications.

This forethought can prevent the need for costly and time-consuming modifications later on. As you begin your next project, think about how assistive technology can be incorporated from the ground up.

Follow ADA and Global Accessibility Standards

Adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other global standards can provide a valuable framework for creating accessible and inclusive designs. These standards are developed to help guide designers in creating environments and products that meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and offer a benchmark for inclusivity. Following these guidelines helps avoid making common mistakes and provides a clear directive in the pursuit of access for all.

Furthermore, staying updated on evolving standards is crucial as the landscape of accessibility and inclusion is ever-changing. Ensure that your designs are up-to-date with current standards to make them as accessible as possible.

Embed Flexibility for User Customization

Embedding flexibility within design allows for customization and adaptation to suit a variety of user needs. This approach recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and that individual preferences and requirements can vary greatly. By creating designs that can be easily adjusted, users have the autonomy to tailor the experience to their personal requirements.

This can lead to greater satisfaction and a sense of ownership, as users are not forced to conform to rigid design structures. As you design, keep in mind the power of flexibility and strive to create experiences that adapt to the user, rather than the other way around.

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