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Universal design (UD) is a concept that originated in the field of architecture and aimed to create environments, products, and services that are accessible and usable by all people, regardless of their age, size, ability, or disability. Universal design has been applied to various domains, including education, aging, and product development. By considering the attributes of the product, existing Universal design principles, and usability principles, designers can create products that are accessible and usable by a diverse range of users. It promotes accessibility, usability, and participation and emphasizes creating designs that are usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design.

Lever door handles are an example of Universal design. They are designed to be easily operated by a wide range of users, including those with limited hand strength, dexterity, or mobility. They are more accessible than traditional doorknobs as they allow individuals to open doors using a pushing or pulling motion, without the need for a tight grip or twisting action.

Inclusive design (ID), closely related to Universal design, also aims to create accessible and usable products, environments, and services for a diverse range of individuals. It focuses on considering the needs and preferences of all users to avoid excluding anyone unnecessarily. However, Inclusive design may incorporate specific considerations for different user groups while maintaining the overarching goal of accessibility and usability. It can be applied not only to physical spaces and products but also to digital platforms and services. It aims to create products, environments, and services that accommodate the needs and preferences of diverse individuals, promoting equal access and participation for all.

Using the door again as an example, Inclusive design would involve designing a door that takes into account the specific needs and experiences of different user groups. For instance, an inclusive door design might incorporate features such as a wider width to accommodate wheelchair users, tactile indicators for visually impaired individuals to locate the door handle, and clear signage in multiple languages to cater to individuals with varying language abilities.

In the digital space, an example of Inclusive design can be seen in Microsoft’s inclusive design principles for user interface design, and accessibility features. It recognizes the specific needs and preferences of different user groups while maintaining the goal of accessibility and usability. 

Design for all (DfA), is a concept that is closely related to Universal design and Inclusive design. It refers to the design and composition of products, environments, and services that can be accessed, understood, and used by all people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. The goal of design for all is to create inclusive designs that benefit a wide range of individuals, regardless of their age, size, ability, or disability.

Design for all, emphasizes the integration of accessibility and usability for all users, without stigmatization or the need for specialized adaptations. It aims to integrate accessibility features seamlessly into the design so that they are beneficial to all users and go unnoticed. The concept of Design for all extends beyond physical environments and products to include digital platforms and services. It emphasizes the need to design digital interfaces, websites, and online content that are accessible and usable by diverse users, including those with disabilities.

Automatic sliding doors in shopping centers are a common example of Design for all, as they provide accessibility and convenience for a wide range of individuals providing easy access and convenience for everyone, without the need to manually open or close doors.

Everyone deserves equal opportunities, yet marginalised communities, including people with disabilities, continue to face exclusion from the development of products, places, and systems. How can we ensure design becomes a truly empowering and adaptive practice, providing a caring experience for all people in our society, regardless of their abilities or life circumstances?

Universal design, Inclusive design, and Design for all, can be implemented in various physical and digital environments and products to ensure accessibility, usability, and inclusivity for a wide range of individuals. The critical thing to understand is that if we can remove the obstacles for those who are most unfairly held back by our society, it results in better outcomes for everyone.

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Here are 3 things you can do to implement inclusion practices in your work:

1. Continuously engage communities that experience exclusion in your design process.
2. Publish examples and share success stories. Highlight how design solutions have empowered individuals and communities.
3. Amplify the voices of those who found empowerment through inclusive design solutions. Their narratives can inspire others and offer insights into potential improvements.

* The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly. Celebrated on 3 December around the world, IDPD mobilizes support for critical issues relating to the inclusion of persons with disabilities, promotes awareness-raising about disability issues and draws attention to the benefits of an inclusive and accessible society for all.