Design Inclusivity: Terminology, Guidelines, and Showcases
In the realm of marketing and graphic design, inclusive design is no longer just a buzzword, but a vital aspect that benefits both businesses and consumers.
Inclusive design is a movement that accounts for the spectrum of human diversity, considering factors like language, culture, age, gender, ethnicity, and ability. It emphasizes empathy and considering how design choices may be perceived by others, with a focus on inclusivity rather than exclusion. Using the design principles learned, one can make their next project as accessible as possible.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2 can be consulted to ensure materials are accessible. These guidelines offer a comprehensive framework for making web content more accessible to people with disabilities.
An infographic that includes people of many ethnicities and identities is an excellent way of enhancing representation. In the context of designing an infographic, inclusive design might involve considering a diverse range of people or using alternative visualization techniques instead of a generic person silhouette.
Incorporating inclusive design offers substantial benefits. A broader reach and engagement are achieved by addressing diverse needs, increasing engagement, retention, and sales opportunities across different demographics. Brands perceived as socially responsible and committed to diversity gain positive visibility and customer trust, reinforcing loyalty and competitive differentiation. Better user experience is provided through accessible and inclusive designs, improving usability for all users.
Inclusive design also fosters innovation and problem-solving by challenging traditional norms and fostering creative solutions that benefit a wide range of users, resulting in more versatile and future-proof products. Legal and ethical advantages are also present, as inclusive design often aligns with legal accessibility standards, helping companies avoid litigation and demonstrating a commitment to equity and social responsibility.
Reducing costs is another advantage, as improved usability reduces support calls, training needs, and ongoing maintenance, economizing resources over time. Inclusive design in marketing campaigns and product offerings, such as diverse imagery and expanded sizing, helps brands authentically connect with underrepresented segments and avoid backlash from insensitive messaging.
Inclusive design is often seen as a process rather than an end goal. The Inclusive Design Research Center at OCAD University in Canada outlines three imperatives in inclusive design: recognizing diversity and uniqueness, using inclusive processes and tools, and striving for a broader beneficial impact.
Nearly two in three consumers said they are more likely to buy a product if the brand's advertisements reflect inclusion. There are concrete benefits to diversity and inclusion in design, as a 2021 survey found more than 60% of consumers are at least slightly more likely to purchase a product if they see an ad that reflects diversity and inclusion.
Our platform offers many diverse templates to get started with inclusive design. Whether you're designing for a specific audience like a business's HR department or social media subscribers, or creating an infographic that represents a wide range of people, embracing inclusive design is a strategic approach that not only fosters equity but drives measurable business success through broader audience access, enhanced loyalty, and operational efficiencies.
- To ensure an infographic is inclusive, one might consider using a diverse range of people, such as those of various ethnicities and identities, instead of a generic person silhouette, thus mirroring the color contrast that signifies diversity.
- In the context of education-and-self-development, learning about technology can help individuals use alt text to enhance the accessibility of their graphic designs, demonstrating a commitment to inclusive design principles.
