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The need has never been greater for products, services and environments to be designed in such a way that they include and reflect the diverse demands of today’s consumers – including young families, older people and disabled people. So along with growing calls for more sustainable building practices, there is also an international movement towards mainstreaming inclusive design.
In particular, inclusive design aims to meet the needs of people who have been unable to use mainstream products because of age or disability. Historically, legislation that has formed the basis of the rights of disabled people over the last decade, the 1995 Disability Discrimination Act, says nothing about product design. Products have to be safe and fit for their purpose but are not required to be accessible. However, the business case for inclusive product design is undeniable.
The Helen Hamlyn Research Centre runs the annual DBA inclusive design challenge which takes a user-centred approach to product design. An international panel of designers are given specific design challenges and are awarded for their innovative design solutions. The 2009 challenge is focused on 'Sedentary Lives'.
In the UK, there are increasing numbers of businesses embracing inclusive design at the core of their ethos, a massive step forward in prioritising good quality design and meeting the full range of customers' needs.
Cloud Nine have designed an eco house building system that can produce low carbon houses. The invisible benefits of the Lifetime Homes standard have been designed in, alongside accessibility features that exceed the Lifetime Homes requirement, in order to ensure homes that are marketable to the widest range of homeowners.
Easy Living Home uses the ‘Easy Living’ concept (which is based on ‘inclusive’ design) to assess and address all the issues of daily life to create homes which make life easier today and with an eye to the future.
Graham's 'Living Works' comprehensive range includes baths that are designed to make access just that little bit easier, hands free cloakrooms and finishing touches that will make all the difference to the style and functionality of your bathroom. The range has been developed in conjunction with an award winning inclusive design team.
B&Q are committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination and ensuring an inclusive environment. Market leaders in DIY home improvements, B&Q's diverse product range mainstreams functional, well designed and attractive home appliances. Their 'Can Do' range supplies a range of accessible products for the home.
The Armitage Shanks range will supply all you need to build a room that suits your budget and lifestyle. Armitage Shanks can provide precisely the right combination of bathroom appliances to facilitate independence at home. Armitage Shanks work closely with organisations such as the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (RADAR), JMU Access Partnership (part of The Royal National Institute of the Blind) and the building control association LANTAC.