The AIG team, winners of the 24 hour design challenge
Include 2005
International conference on inclusive design
Royal College of Art, London, UK
5-8 April 2005
As companies seek a better understanding of their customers, designers explore more user-centred methods and educators introduce social issues into the curriculum, the time is right for inclusive design.
That was the encouraging message to emerge from the third Include conference held at the Royal College of Art, 5-8 April 2005, which was attended by 170 delegates from 19 different countries (up from 14 in 2003).
In paper sessions, poster presentations, workshops, panel discussions and design stories, the mood was clear: business, the design profession and academia are all gearing up to create a more inclusive future in which empathy with users of all ages and abilities holds the key to commercial success and social equity.
The industry response in particular featured strongly at Include 2005 with a breakfast briefing by five Japanese corporations, members of the dynamic International Association of Universal Design, one of the highlights of the conference.
Another well-received innovation was the 24 Hour Inclusive Design Challenge with the Design Business Association, which demonstrated the commitment of professional designers to the cause.
The presence of researchers from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, UK and USA revealed what a global phenomenon the inclusive design movement has become in recent years.
The task now is to build on the sense of energy and initiative generated by Include 2005 and continue to press for change in the way we design our world.