Jess Mitchell from the Inclusive Design Research Centre at OCAD University gave a presentation on inclusive design. There are three principles of inclusive design: 1) recognize diversity and uniqueness, 2) use an inclusive process and tools, and 3) have a broader beneficial impact. Mitchell discussed challenging implicit biases by recognizing diversity, using inclusive tools and processes, and designing for broader impacts. Practicing empathy, listening, curiosity and learning from mistakes can help achieve more inclusive design.

1. Jess Mitchell
Inclusive Design Research Centre
OCAD University, Toronto
Accessibility Advisory Committee Forum
York Regional Municipality May, 2017
Inclusive Design:
A Change in Perspective

2. What is Inclusive Design

3. 3 Principles of Inclusive Design
1. Recognize diversity and uniqueness
2. Use an inclusive process & inclusive tools
3. Have a broader beneficial impact

4. Sitting at the Table

5. About this Table…
• Who isn’t here?
• Is the table welcoming to all?
• Have they been at the table before?
• Do they know the culture of the table?
• Is the environment the table is in safe, welcoming, open?
• How is listening and capturing going to happen at the
table?
• Do those at the table have real ways to have an
impact? Are they empowered to act on what is
discussed?

6. What is Disability?

7. Mismatch

8. Inclusive Design/Thinking can
solve mismatch
Mismatch is solvable
Disability is a mismatch
All experience mismatch

9. How can we do inclusive design
and inclusive thinking?
1. Recognize diversity and uniqueness
2. Use an inclusive process & inclusive tools
3. Have a broader beneficial impact

10. Challenge your own implicit biases
Empathy | Listening | Curiosity | Learn | Make Mistakes
A. Recognize diversity and uniqueness
a. Of people
b. Of places
c. Of contexts
d. Of comfort
e. Of discomfort
Principle 1 + Action

11. Challenge your own implicit biases
Awareness | Perspective | Question Assumptions
A. Use an inclusive process & inclusive
tools
a. Interactions
b. Building, room, table, chairs
c. Form and Function
d. Co-design
Principle 2 + Action

12. Challenge your own implicit biases
Awareness | Perspective | Question Assumptions
A. Have a broader beneficial impact
a. Begin to address biases in ourselves and others
b. See beyond the minimum
c. Recognize all the DESIGN decisions you make
a. Ask: who did you just exclude?
Principle 3 + Action

13. *This* is innovation
1. Recognize diversity and uniqueness
2. Use an inclusive process & inclusive tools
3. Have a broader beneficial impact

14. Trampoline

15. Path

16. Chair

17. StopGap

18. Learning

19. • Twitter: @jesshmitchell
• Email: jmitchell@ocadu.ca
Contacting Me:

20. Images used:
• Welcome Mat
• Flickr Link
• Picnic Table
• Wikipedia Link
• Accessibility images
• Wikipedia image link
• Wikipedia image link
• Wikipedia image link
• Wikipedia image link
• Square Peg – Round Hole
• Flickr Link
• Trampoline
• Image Link
• Path in park
• Image Link
• Desk Chair Combo
• Flickr Image
• StopGap Wedge
• Image Link

21. Discussion Questions
1. how are you “accomplishing” or solving for
inclusion now?
2. What are practical ways you can approach
inclusion differently after today?
3. What are particular areas of inclusion and
accessibility you’d like to address that are not
changing?