Inclusion matters
Digital inclusion is the ability of individuals and groups to access and use information and communication technologies. Designing inclusively means stepping away from a reliance on one-size-fits-all solutions centered around the needs and abilities of the average user to delivering a satisfying user experience to as many people as possible. By accounting for diversity in all its forms including ability, language, gender, age, and other factors, inclusive design allows a greater number of people to engage with digital resources and to benefit from what they have to offer.
Access and use of information and communication technologies impacts individuals and the community as a whole. The technology itself is the tool. A digitally inclusive community is important to economic and workforce development, civic participation, education, healthcare, and public safety. Communications services and technological innovations should be accessible and affordable to all because of the implications they have for sustained economic development. The three elements supporting the success of technology in cities are high-speed Internet, understanding how to use it, and the effective application of it.
When products are created, they are ideally meant to be designed for all people, rather than just a section of them. Well that isn’t always the case.What product builders and designers need to be mindful of is that they are designing for millions of people, coming from different backgrounds, languages and different abilities. Inclusive Design makes it possible for a diverse set of people to participate in different ways and makes sure everyone has a sense of belonging. This also increases the product’s reach and puts the product and the people simultaneously at the top of the priority chain. Inclusive design, at the end of the day, is also fantastic for business.
References
https://www.webjunction.org/explore-topics/digital-inclusion.html
