The term "Inclusive Design" refers to the practice of creating products and services that are accessible to people with a wide range of abilities, including those with disabilities. In the context of website and app design, Inclusive Design ensures that the digital space is welcoming and usable for everyone, regardless of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities.
Microsoft suggests that to fully accommodate inclusive design, in addition to the four primary aspects of disability, that each of these are broken down further into Permanent, Temporary, and Situational. When you look at it from this perspective, you realize that the impacted populous can be pretty much everyone at one time or another.
So it's important to look beyond the misnomer that inclusive design is just about visual concerns and color blindness. Inclusive design addresses various disabilities, including visual impairments, hearing impairments, motor disabilities, and cognitive impairments.
People with visual impairments may use screen readers or magnification tools to access digital content. Inclusive design for visual impairments involves using proper alt text for images, providing text alternatives for non-text content, and ensuring a high level of color contrast for readability.
Hearing impairments are also taken into account in inclusive design. Deaf or hard of hearing individuals may rely on captioning or transcripts to access audio content. Inclusive design for hearing impairments involves providing closed captioning for videos and ensuring that important audio information is also conveyed visually.
Motor disabilities, such as paralysis or tremors, can impact a person's ability to use a keyboard or mouse. Inclusive design for motor disabilities involves ensuring that websites and apps are navigable using a keyboard alone and providing options for customizable pointer movements and clicks.
Cognitive impairments, such as dyslexia or ADHD, can affect a person's ability to process information and focus on tasks. Inclusive design for cognitive impairments involves using clear and simple language, providing navigation aids, and minimizing distractions to improve usability for all users.
Inclusive design not only benefits people with disabilities but also improves the overall user experience for everyone. It not only promotes digital accessibility but also enhances the overall user experience for all users, even if you've merely sprained your wrist.