Year 10 Design & Technologies · Technologies and Society · 12m read

User-Centred and Inclusive Design

Great products feel effortless because designers studied the people using them. User-centred design puts real needs — including those of people with disability — at the centre.

Learning objective: Apply user-centred and inclusive design methods, including ergonomics and accessibility.

By the end of this lesson you can:

• I can research users with interviews and observation.
• I can apply ergonomics and anthropometric data.
• I can design for accessibility.

Inclusive design is a ramp, not stairs. A ramp helps wheelchair users — and also parents with prams, delivery workers and travellers with suitcases. Designing for the edges improves life for everyone.

User-Centred and Inclusive Design

USER RESEARCH:
• Interviews, surveys, observation, personas, empathy maps.

ERGONOMICS:
• Designing for comfort, safety and efficiency of the human body.
• ANTHROPOMETRIC DATA — body measurements (e.g. hand size, seat height) used to size products for a range of users (often 5th–95th percentile).

INCLUSIVE DESIGN:
• Universal design principles: equitable use, flexibility, simple and intuitive, perceptible information, tolerance for error, low physical effort, size and space for use.
• Examples: lever door handles, high-contrast signage, adjustable furniture.

TESTING WITH USERS:
• Prototype and test early; iterate based on feedback.

| Principle | Example |
|---|---|
| Equitable use | Automatic doors |
| Flexibility | Left- and right-handed scissors |
| Simple, intuitive | Clear icons |
| Perceptible information | Tactile + visual signs |
| Tolerance for error | Undo buttons |
| Low physical effort | Lever door handles |
| Size and space | Wide aisles |

Key ideas at a glance

• Empathise with users: Interviews, observation.
• Personas: Represent real needs.
• Test with diverse users: Feedback.
• Universal design benefits all: Curb-cut effect.

Worked example (Medium)

Why design a tool handle for the 5th–95th percentile of hand sizes?

1. Range. Covers 90% of users.
2. Effect. Comfortable and safe for most people without extreme sizes driving the design.

Answer: It accommodates most users comfortably.

Worked example (Hard)

Redesign a kitchen tap for users with arthritis.

1. Need. Limited grip strength.
2. Solution. Long lever or sensor tap.
3. Benefit. Easier for everyone with messy hands too.

Answer: Lever/sensor tap — low effort, universal benefit.

Common mistakes

• Designing for yourself Your body and preferences are not everyone's. Fix: Use data and user testing.

The curb-cut effect

Curb cuts (ramps in footpaths) were designed for wheelchair users but benefit cyclists, parents and travellers. This curb-cut effect shows how inclusive design helps everyone.

Practice questions

1. Lever handles instead of round knobs improve:

   1. Aesthetics only
   2. Accessibility
   3. Cost
   4. Weight

   (1 marks)

2. What are anthropometric data?

   (2 marks)

3. Lever door handles demonstrate:

   1. Low physical effort
   2. Size and space
   3. Error tolerance
   4. Colour

   (1 marks)

4. Explain the purpose of a user persona.

   (2 marks)

Summary

• Research real users.
• Use ergonomics and anthropometrics.
• Apply universal design principles.
• Design for diverse users; everyone benefits.