Inclusive Design: A Human-Centred Approach to Modern Business and its importance to your bottom line

In today's fast-paced and rapidly changing world, it's more important than ever for modern businesses to embrace diversity and inclusivity. No longer can businesses afford to be exclusive, narrow-minded, or tone-deaf to the needs of their customers. In fact, studies have shown that companies that prioritize diversity and inclusivity in their culture and practices are more innovative, creative, and profitable. So, if you want to stay ahead of the game and thrive in today's competitive landscape, then it's time to get serious about diversity and inclusion. And what better way to do that than by adopting an inclusive design approach? 

In this article, we'll explore inclusive design and how it can help your business achieve success in the long run. So, if you're ready to learn how inclusive design can help your business thrive and stand out from the competition, then keep reading!

What is inclusive design?

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of what inclusive design is all about. It's about creating products and experiences that are accessible and usable by everyone, no matter what their background or abilities may be. Inclusive design means putting people first, and understanding that one size doesn't fit all. It means taking into consideration factors such as physical, cognitive, and cultural diversity, and designing with empathy and intention. Inclusive design is a mindset and a philosophy that should be woven into the fabric of modern businesses. If you want to create products and experiences that truly resonate with your customers, and show that you value diversity and inclusivity, then inclusive design is the way to go.

How to use inclusive design in your business

There are countless ways that you can apply inclusive design principles to your business, no matter what industry you're in. 

1. Design products and services: Use inclusive design principles to create products and services that are accessible and user-friendly for everyone, regardless of their background or abilities. This means taking into consideration factors such as physical, cognitive, and cultural diversity, and designing with empathy and intention.
2. Develop business strategies: Adopt inclusive design principles to inform your overall business strategy. By doing so, you can ensure that you're not leaving anyone out and that you're catering to a diverse range of customers. This will help your business to stay ahead of the game and thrive in today's competitive landscape.

And let's not forget about the importance of designing a workplace that is welcoming and inclusive to all employees, regardless of their race, gender, or disability status. Inclusive design can even extend to your marketing materials, allowing you to create direct mailers and email campaigns that are more likely to be read and engaged with by a wider audience. By taking a human-centred approach and considering the needs of all people, you can create a business that is truly inclusive and stands out from the competition.

Why is inclusive design important?

Inclusive design isn't just a buzzword or a feel-good gesture—it's a crucial aspect of modern business that can make or break your bottom line. By designing products, services, and marketing materials that are accessible and inclusive to all, it brings:

1. Access to a wider audience: By incorporating inclusive design principles into your products, services, and marketing materials, you can reach a wider audience that might not have been able to engage with your brand before. This can lead to increased sales and customer loyalty.
2. Innovation: When you prioritize inclusivity, you're more likely to tap into diverse perspectives and experiences. This can lead to breakthrough ideas and solutions that you might not have otherwise considered, giving your business a competitive edge.
3. Better customer experiences: By designing products and services that are accessible and user-friendly for everyone, you can create a better customer experience overall. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
4. Employee satisfaction: When you prioritize inclusivity in your workplace, you create an environment where all employees feel valued and supported. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, productivity, and employee retention.
5. Compliance: Inclusive design is also important from a legal standpoint. In many countries, there are laws and regulations in place that require businesses to make their products and services accessible to people with disabilities. By incorporating inclusive design principles into your business practices, you can ensure that you're complying with these regulations and avoiding potential legal issues.

In short, inclusive design isn't just a "nice-to-have"—it's a critical aspect of modern business that can help you stay competitive, attract and retain top talent, and ensure that you're meeting the needs of all customers. By taking a human-centred approach and designing with empathy and intention, you can create a business that is truly inclusive and stands out from the competition.

Inclusive Design Principles

Here are the 5 principles that can guide you in creating products and services that are accessible to all. These principles aren't just good in theory—they're grounded in real-world application, and can help you create products and services that truly meet the needs of your users. Whether you're designing a website, developing an app, or creating a physical product, these principles can help you create a more inclusive and accessible design. 

1. Recognize diversity: This principle emphasizes the importance of recognizing the diversity of people's abilities, backgrounds, and experiences. By understanding that there is no "one size fits all" approach to design, you can create products and services that are accessible and inclusive to all.
2. Involve users: Inclusive design involves actively involving users in the design process. This means listening to their feedback, incorporating their ideas and suggestions, and testing your designs with a diverse group of people. By involving users in the design process, you can ensure that your products and services truly meet their needs.
3. Provide choice: Providing choice means giving users options to customize and personalize their experiences. This could include features like adjustable font sizes, colour contrast settings, or the ability to customize the layout of a webpage. By providing choice, you can empower users to tailor their experiences to their unique needs and preferences.
4. Be flexible: Inclusive design is all about being flexible and adaptable. This means designing products and services that can be used in a variety of contexts and situations. For example, a product that is designed to be used with a mouse should also be accessible to someone who is using a keyboard or a touch screen.
5. Prioritize simplicity: Finally, inclusive design prioritizes simplicity and ease of use. This means designing products and services that are intuitive and easy to navigate, regardless of a user's experience or ability level. By prioritizing simplicity, you can create products and services that are accessible to all users, regardless of their level of expertise.

Inclusive design is more than just a trend; it's a crucial aspect of modern business. In a world that's becoming increasingly diverse, it's important to remember that not everyone has the same abilities or experiences. By incorporating inclusive design principles, you can create products and services that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their age, ethnicity, gender, ability, or any other characteristic. And, as we've seen, this doesn't just benefit your users—it can also benefit your bottom line. So, let's make inclusive design a standard practice, not just an afterthought. After all, who doesn't want to create products and services that make a positive impact on the world and generate more revenue? It's a win-win situation!

If you want to take your inclusive design thinking game to the next level, Spindle Design is here to help. Let's work together and co-create something amazing!