Thoughts on Inclusive Design

T

I was thinking about that phone I commented on recently and, in that context Inclusive Design and what it means.

The reason I struggle with the phone and its intended audience is that it is limiting. When someone arrives in a foreign country where they don’t speak the language we may choose to start them off with some pictures and sign language, maybe an interpreter but ultimately we would like them to learn the language so they can join in with everything.

Rather than reinforcing the technophobia, the perceived or actual lack of knowledge, ability or whatever it is, why not think a bit harder and design a device which allows people to join in with the whole conversation but leads them in gently, with pictures, some sign language, the interpreter so they can become fluent and enjoy the whole conversation?

About the author

Ivanka

Ivanka Majic works in technology. She was Head of Design for Ubuntu, service managed Digital Marketplace through to beta, was acting director of digital for the Labour Party. She lives and works in Brighton where she works with the council’s digital first team, does a bit of teaching at Sussex University, and works with her husband on projects like restaurantsbrighton.co.uk and the BRAVOs. She has also started a podcast with her friend Michael which you can listen to at grandpodcast.com.

1 comment

  • It isn’t a comment in fact. It’s just that I couldn’t find another way to communicate with you. I am your father’s friend. You can remember me. I visited your family with my son in winter of 1989 in Vitina. I’m very glad to find you beeng successful and happy. Hope so are Tomislav and Lydia too (in 1989 shy was little “mala partysanka”, if you remember). You can see my website http://7steps-to-book.com/seven-steps-to-the-book/ You can also find me in Skype as polakov2005 tel. +380662247463 Ukraine Odessa.
    With best wishes to you, your family and your mother Ann. Sergey Polyakov

By Ivanka

About Author

Ivanka

Ivanka Majic works in technology. She was Head of Design for Ubuntu, service managed Digital Marketplace through to beta, was acting director of digital for the Labour Party. She lives and works in Brighton where she works with the council’s digital first team, does a bit of teaching at Sussex University, and works with her husband on projects like restaurantsbrighton.co.uk and the BRAVOs. She has also started a podcast with her friend Michael which you can listen to at grandpodcast.com.

SOCIALS