How can we make design and research processes more inclusive? by Marian Avery and Kevin McLaughlin (Freelance)

This will be a short introductory talk which prompts people to examine the accessibility and inclusivity of the design process and the tools we use. We’ll discuss the importance of representation in design, and how we can’t achieve that without focusing on inclusion.

We’ll highlight some areas for consideration, including:

• how to make ideas easier to follow and make digital whiteboards less overwhelming
• what makes a good colour contrast
• considerations for zoom/magnification levels
• describing, as well as showing, ideas
• collaborating better to involve everyone

We’ll discuss the kinds of tools we use, and how none of them are ‘fully accessible’, but how using them in a more inclusive way means everyone can participate in design.

We’ll then move to a workshop, in which participants will:

1. consider a specific design process or set of tools, for example whiteboarding, prototyping and presenting tools, and where they might present accessibility problems
2. come up with ideas for using those tools in a way that builds in accessibility and inclusivity, to overcome barriers
3. learn some techniques to apply across their design work to build inclusivity

Ultimately, we want everyone to be able to participate in design so that the design industry represents the whole of society that we’re designing for. You won’t need years of design experience to attend this workshop, just an idea of the types of digital tools we use in design.

Both Marian and Kevin put accessibility and inclusion at the heart of their user focus. They have worked on various accessibility teams and created guidance for the UK Public Sector about the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations. They speak and run workshops about accessible design, appear on inclusive language panels and train others in making content accessible.