Barriers to inclusive design in the UK

ABSTRACT

This research combines a systematic approach to engineering design and technical communication to address industry barriers to inclusive design. The barriers were investigated from design consultancies, manufacturers and retailers, using a variety of methods such as interview, observation, survey and case studies. Three different types of barriers were identified, namely: perception barriers, technical barriers and organizational barriers. A toolkit has been developed to address the barriers identified and is undergoing industry testing. The initial test results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the toolkit as a technical communication vehicle for inclusive design.

REFERENCES

• 1: Clarkson, J., Coleman, R., Keates, S., and Lebbon, C. (eds) Inclusive design: design for the whole population. Springer-Verlag London Limited, 2003
• 2: Vanderheiden G. and Tobias J., Universal design of consumer products: current industry practice and perceptions. http://trace.wisc.edu/docs/ud_consumer_products_hfes2000/index.htm.
• 3: An unpublished report entitled Kyoyo-hin (Universal Design) in Japan available from the i~design collection of the Helen Hamlyn Research Center, RCA, UK.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.m Miscellaneous

Keywords:
barriers, inclusive design, technical communication and toolkit