Making Design Accessible
At Design B&B, we believe in making design accessible, and that means:
Be a doer, not a cockadoodledoer
Said differently: more empowerment, less talk. Provide the design skills and access to resources that empower people to create their own solutions. Know that everyone brings valuable experience to the table and can be a designer if we build confidence to unlock their creativity.
Be a doer, not a cockadoodledoer
Said differently: more empowerment, less talk. Provide the design skills and access to resources that empower people to create their own solutions. Know that everyone brings valuable experience to the table and can be a designer if we build confidence to unlock their creativity.
Hyperakt partnered with NYC students, providing the design tools and training to empower them to design their own campaigns around Mental Health x Design
Our Good Egg Grant partnership with Joel Hall Dancers & Center was guided by a review process that engaged their entire community and featured an in-depth design education component
Firebelly’s Planned Parenthood Brand Guide intentionally codifies this system in a way that enables and empowers those without formal design education to easily implement across touchpoints
Hyperakt partnered with NYC students, providing the design tools and training to empower them to design their own campaigns around Mental Health x Design
Our Good Egg Grant partnership with Joel Hall Dancers & Center was guided by a review process that engaged their entire community and featured an in-depth design education component
Firebelly’s Planned Parenthood Brand Guide intentionally codifies this system in a way that enables and empowers those without formal design education to easily implement across touchpoints
Weather vanes point to extremes
The best designs seek insights and validation from extreme users. By centering users with physical or mental disabilities in your design process, you emerge with a solution that’s better for everyone and maximizes the reach of your business. From lids designed to be easily twisted off by those with arthritis to high-contrast palettes that are easily viewed by those who are colorblind, inclusive design can lead to innovation that sets the industry standard.
Weather vanes point to extremes
The best designs seek insights and validation from extreme users. By centering users with physical or mental disabilities in your design process, you emerge with a solution that’s better for everyone and maximizes the reach of your business. From lids designed to be easily twisted off by those with arthritis to high-contrast palettes that are easily viewed by those who are colorblind, inclusive design can lead to innovation that sets the industry standard.
The Xbox Adaptive Controller was developed in close collaboration with gamers, like Spencer Allen, and even arrives in easy to open packaging.
These new Nike Go FlyEase sneakers are designed for those with reduced fine motor skills and can be put on without using your hands.
IBM’s Accessible Design guide teaches designers how to create inclusive digital experiences and optimize the web for all.
The Xbox Adaptive Controller was developed in close collaboration with gamers, like Spencer Allen, and even arrives in easy to open packaging.
These new Nike Go FlyEase sneakers are designed for those with reduced fine motor skills and can be put on without using your hands.
IBM’s Accessible Design guide teaches designers how to create inclusive digital experiences and optimize the web for all.
Freshly hatched!
And another metaphor, too! We truly believe that when the tide rises, all the boats float. By sharing knowledge freely and advancing the design practice, we increase the value of our entire industry. That’s why we seize every opportunity to educate others on design as a practice and a mindset, why we volunteer our time at high schools and colleges, and why we started this blog.
Freshly hatched!
And another metaphor, too! We truly believe that when the tide rises, all the boats float. By sharing knowledge freely and advancing the design practice, we increase the value of our entire industry. That’s why we seize every opportunity to educate others on design as a practice and a mindset, why we volunteer our time at high schools and colleges, and why we started this blog.
Gathered from the coop, enjoy a dozen of our favorite design resources (some general and others specific to inclusive design):
1. The Dieline Packaging Blog
2. Brand New Brand Identity Blog
3. Dezeen Architecture & Design Blog
4. 99% Invisible Design Podcast
5. Design Museum of Chicago Design Museum
6. BIPOC Design History Lecture Series
7. How to Begin Designing for Diversity Design Blog
8. Creative Reaction Lab Equity Centered Community Design
9. Where are the Black Designers? Community Organization
10. IDEO Design Kit Design Thinking Website
11. Fast Company Corporate News
12. What are the differences between universal design, accessibility, and inclusive design? Article on Medium
13. Bonus resource! Extra Bold is a not-yet-released book that our team is eagerly awaiting
opening doors
How can you champion accessibility in your design process and practice? When can you show up with resources instead of solutions and empower co-creation? What are some of your favorite design resources?
Interested in talking more about inclusive design? Our door is always open.