5 Key Principles of Inclusive Design — Beyond Compliance
A Sneak Peek from Reginé Gilbert’s Upcoming Book, Inclusive Design V2
Hi there,
I’m so glad you’re here. Designing for accessibility isn’t just about meeting standards, it’s about creating products and experiences that work better for everyone: people with disabilities, people from all kinds of backgrounds, and people who interact with technology in all kinds of ways.
In my work, I’ve learned that true inclusion requires more than expertise or a checklist. It calls for what Dolly Chugh calls being goodish, approaching the work with humility, curiosity, and a willingness to learn and grow. Inclusion isn’t something we ever fully “master”; it’s a practice of staying open, noticing more, and doing a little better each time.
Here are five key principles to help you get started on that journey:
1. Design with an Open Mind
People experience accessibility in deeply personal ways. The best designs come from listening carefully, including people with disabilities from the start, and keeping an open mind. They should never be an afterthought, they are partners in the process.
When you design this way, your products feel easy to use, respectful, and empowering. It means knowing that your way of seeing the world isn’t the only way. It’s more than empathy, it’s about listening and trusting what people tell you, even when it’s different from what you expected.
2. Design with People, Not Just Standards
Following accessibility guidelines is important, but it’s only the beginning. Rules can help people use your product, but real inclusion makes them feel like they belong. Go beyond the rules. Ask yourself: Does this design feel welcoming to everyone? Or does it just avoid leaving people out?
3. Make Assistive Technology Part of the Experience
People use assistive technologies every day, like screen readers, voice commands, and alternative keyboards. These tools aren’t “special”, they’re part of daily life for many. When you design and test with them, and learn how they really work, you make your product better for everyone.
4. Inclusion Is a Journey, Not a Destination
Accessibility testing isn’t something you do once and forget. It’s an ongoing part of your work, because people’s needs and lives keep changing. Listen carefully to what users tell you, learn from every test, and show you care by making things better each time. This helps your design stay useful and meaningful for everyone.
5. Plan for Inclusion at Every Stage
If you don’t plan for inclusion from the start, you’ll have to fix bigger problems later. Whether you’re organizing content, building design systems, or developing apps for mobile or gaming, it’s easier and better to design with everyone in mind from the beginning. Thoughtful planning saves time, money, and headaches in the long run.
Quick Reflection: How Inclusive Is Your Design Process?
Ask yourself these five questions:
Am I starting with an open mind, knowing I won’t get everything right the first time?
Have I invited people with disabilities to be part of my research or testing?
Am I going beyond just meeting rules and aiming to make my design truly work for everyone?
Do I check my designs with assistive tools like screen readers or voice controls?
Am I thinking about inclusion from the first sketches through to the final product and after launch?
If you found this helpful, there’s so much more coming in my upcoming book Inclusive Design V2, and in my newsletter, Access Blueprint.
I’d love for you to join our community, where we share stories, tools, and real-world strategies for inclusive design.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
Reginé Gilbert