Making Design Accessible

At Design B&B, we believe in making design accessible, and that means:

illustration depicting a chicken making design accessible to chicks

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.

illustration depicting a chicken making design accessible to chicks

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.

photo of two NYC students proudly holding their artwork

Hyperakt partnered with NYC students, providing the design tools and training to empower them to design their own campaigns around Mental Health x Design

Design B&B design samples that show identity work created for Joel Hall Dancers & Center

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 design sample that shows brand guideline work created for Planned Parenthood

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

photo of two NYC students proudly holding their artwork
Design B&B design samples that show identity work created for Joel Hall Dancers & Center
Firebelly design sample that shows brand guideline work created for Planned Parenthood

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.

illustration depicting a chicken balancing on a weathervane on top of a barn
Coffee Mate Star Wars Creamers

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.

photo of the Xbox Adaptive Controller
photo of Nike Go FlyEase sneaker
illustration depicting IBM's Accessible Design guide

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.

photo of the Xbox Adaptive Controller

The Xbox Adaptive Controller was developed in close collaboration with gamers, like Spencer Allen, and even arrives in easy to open packaging.

photo of Nike Go FlyEase sneaker

These new Nike Go FlyEase sneakers are designed for those with reduced fine motor skills and can be put on without using your hands.

illustration depicting IBM's Accessible Design guide

IBM’s Accessible Design guide teaches designers how to create inclusive digital experiences and optimize the web for all.

illustration depicting a carton of eggs and a sign that reads, "Free eggs!"

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.

illustration depicting a carton of eggs and a sign that reads, "Free eggs!"

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.