In today's digital world, user experience (UX) design has evolved beyond just aesthetics and functionality. It has become core for human-centric design, aiming not only to help users but also to empower them regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or circumstances.
The idea that products and environments should be accessible and usable by all people, regardless of age, ability, or status. In this blog post, we'll explore the relationship between humanising UX design and creating universally inclusive experiences.
UEYE solutions has collaborated with softwares and apps to improve the universal design to create better experiences for their users. Check our NeuronUp study where we improved the design to make it more inclusive for the people that struggle with cognitive disorder in our UX/UI portfolio.
What is Universal Design
Universal design goes beyond accessibility. It's about designing products, services and environments that accommodate the widest possible range of users, including those with disabilities, seniors, children, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Universal design's essence is to promote inclusivity, equity, and social responsibility, to remove barriers and create environments where everyone can participate fully and independently.
Humanising UX Design
Empathy-driven Design: Understanding the needs and challenges of diverse users through empathy-driven research methods such as user interviews, observations, and persona development. By putting ourselves in the shoes of our users, we gain valuable insights that inform our design decisions.
Inclusive Design Thinking: Embracing inclusive design thinking from the outset of the design process. This involves considering diverse cultures, perspectives, abilities, and contexts to ensure that our designs are accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of their individual differences.
Co-creation and Collaboration: Engaging users as co-creators and collaborators in the design process. By involving diverse stakeholders, including people with disabilities, advocacy groups, and community organisations. We can co-create solutions that address real-world needs and priorities.
Ethical Considerations: Avoid harmful stereotypes, biases, and exclusionary practices, and advocating for inclusive design principles within the organisations and industries.
Leveraging UX for Inclusivity
So, how can UX professionals use their skills to create universally inclusive experiences? Here are some strategies to consider:
Accessible Design Principles: By designing with accessibility in mind, you can ensure that your products are usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities. (Providing alternative text for images, ensuring keyboard navigation, resizing texts, and using high contrast colour schemes).
User Testing with Diverse Audiences: Conduct user testing with diverse audiences to identify usability barriers and gather feedback on how to improve accessibility and inclusivity. Involve people with disabilities, seniors, and other underrepresented groups in your testing process to ensure that their needs are addressed.
Continuous Learning and Improvement: Invest in continuous learning and professional development to improve your skills and deepen your understanding of the diverse needs of users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, UX design is essential for creating universally inclusive experiences that empower all users. By using the principles of Design thinking we can create empathy, inclusivity, and ethical considerations in our design process, we can break down barriers and make a positive impact on society.
As UX professionals, let's commit to designing with empathy, inclusivity, and creating products and services that reflect the rich diversity of the human experience.
At UEYE Solutions, we can help to building a more inclusive and accessible digital world for everyone.