* Design Council Launches New Initiative to Promote Inclusive Design

Design Council Launches Initiative to Champion Inclusive DesignDesign Council Launches Initiative to Champion Inclusive Design The Design Council, a government-funded body promoting design excellence, has announced a new initiative to advance inclusive design in the United Kingdom. The initiative, titled “Design for Everyone,” aims to foster a society where everyone can access, understand, and engage with the built environment and products regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Inclusive design, also known as universal design, focuses on creating products, environments, and services that are accessible and usable by the widest possible range of people. By incorporating inclusive principles into the design process, businesses and organizations can cater to the needs of diverse users, including those with disabilities, the elderly, and those with differing abilities. The Design Council’s initiative will involve a series of workshops, toolkits, and guidance documents to support designers, architects, and policymakers in implementing inclusive design practices. The program will also feature collaborations with disability organizations and user groups to ensure that the needs of the intended users are understood and addressed. “Inclusive design is not just about meeting regulatory requirements,” said Fiona Norman, Design Council’s Chief Creative Officer. “It’s about creating products and spaces that are welcoming, usable, and enjoyable for everyone.” The initiative aligns with the UK’s National Strategy for Disabled People, which sets out a vision for a fully inclusive society. By promoting inclusive design, the Design Council aims to contribute to the creation of a fairer and more accessible society where everyone can participate fully. Businesses that adopt inclusive design practices can benefit from increased market share, reduced risk of legal challenges, and improved brand reputation. Additionally, inclusive design can lead to increased innovation and creativity, as designers are forced to think differently about the user experience. “We believe that inclusive design is good design,” Norman added. “It’s about creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest.”