Design for inclusive environments

Inclusive Design empowers the people who use products, buildings and communities by taking their perspective and making it the central focus of the design process. Rooted in a critique of designer-centric practice and embracing an ethic of social responsibility, this new paradigm focuses on developing form from function to increase the usefulness and responsiveness of our physical world for a diverse range of people. Students selected a group of individuals currently excluded from the environment and prepared a literature review. Students then conducted a focused interview with a person currently excluded from the environment. Based on the interview, students identified a design need and developed a preliminary schematic plan and/or design proposal.