The Inclusive Design Canvas. A Strategic Design Template for Architectural Design Professionals

Abstract

Designing accessible and inclusive buildings is essential if they are to provide enjoyable and inspiring experiences for all their occupants. Research revealed that many architectural design professionals perceive a lack of awareness of the aspects to consider when designing to be a limiting factor in the uptake of Inclusive Design. By involving expert stakeholders this study provides evidence for the demand to create an Inclusive Design Canvas, a strategic design template offering an educational springboard for building industry professionals to embed Inclusive Design in the design process.

Assessment of empowerment via inclusion of people in product lifecycle processes

“…Inclusivity in design processes is limited to considering inclusion of people only as users, with accessibility and usability of products as the main focus. Zallio et al (2022) proposed 'inclusive design canvas' for fulfilling people's needs for accessibility based on a comprehensive analysis of requirements (physical, sensory, cognitive) by targeting inclusion, diversity, and equity. Without encouraging people to empower themselves, supporting equity by providing accessibility via a product, service, or system cannot be a sustainable solution for changing the development processes from imbalanced to balanced.…”

A study to depict challenges and opportunities building industry professionals face when designing inclusive and accessible buildings

“…Notwithstanding the educational efforts developed by scholars, practitioners and institutions with the creation of standards (BSI 2005 ), career professional development courses and books (Bichard and Gheerawo 2013 ; Coleman 1994 ; Fernandez et al. 2021 ; Zallio and Clarkson 2021b ) a number of challenges, such as the lack of accessible entrances or the absence of wayfinding for people with cognitive impairments in several buildings across the world, appear to still be present (Zallio and Clarkson 2022a ).…”