Inclusive Design - Interrupt the Cycle of Exclusion

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Questions and Answers

What is the Latin word for 'to close or shut'?

Claudere (correct)

Preservare

Excludere

Includere

What is the shut-in-shut-out model of exclusion based on?

A fixed way of thinking about exclusion

A century-old framework

A desire to include everyone

Human nature to want to protect the status quo (correct)

What happens when design choices aren't fixed?

Inclusion is guaranteed

The design process stops

Exclusion also happens in cycles (correct)

Exclusion becomes permanent

What can happen when a company refreshes its website without considering the consequences?

The website suddenly becomes inaccessible to people with color blindness Signup and view all the answers

What is the alternative framework to the shut-in-shut-out model of exclusion?

The cycle of exclusion Signup and view all the answers

Why is the shut-in-shut-out model of exclusion simplistic?

Because it leads to a fixed way of thinking about inclusion Signup and view all the answers

What can perpetuate exclusion in the design process?

Our habits Signup and view all the answers

When can exclusion happen in the design process?

At any point Signup and view all the answers

What leads to a cycle of exclusion?

Incorrect assumptions designers make about people Signup and view all the answers

What are the building blocks of exclusion?

Mismatches Signup and view all the answers

How many interrelated elements make up the cycle of exclusion?

5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of prioritizing inclusion in the product development process?

It is less expensive in the long run Signup and view all the answers

What are exclusion habits?

Design practices that lead to exclusion Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to ask questions during the design process?

To interrupt the autopilot nature of our exclusion habits Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential pitfall in designing products or solutions?

Wanting to be a hero who saves the day with a design Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of successful design?

The user of that design confirms it has achieved its purpose Signup and view all the answers

What was the issue with the pen company's launch of pens for women?

The pens were designed based on stereotypes and incorrect assumptions Signup and view all the answers

What is the key to implementing inclusive design practices?

Starting wherever it makes sense for your situation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Study Notes: Interrupt the Cycle of Exclusion

Learning Objectives

By completing this unit, you will be able to:

Discuss the shut-in-shut-out model of exclusion.
Describe the five elements of the cycle of exclusion.
Define exclusion habits.

Shut In, Shut Out Model

Definition: The shut-in-shut-out model represents inclusion and exclusion through a closed circle, with "in" groups inside and "out" groups outside.
Historical Context: This model is centuries old and reflects a basic instinct to protect certain interests, leading to a fixed way of thinking about inclusion.
Challenges: It restricts thinking to creating entry points rather than removing boundaries for free movement.

Cycle of Exclusion

Concept: Exclusion is not static but a cycle that can occur at any point in the design process.
Impact: Design choices affect future designs, perpetuating exclusion if not addressed.
Five Elements:
Why we make: The motivations of the problem solver.
Who makes it: The problem solver.
How we make: The methods and resources the problem solver uses.
Who uses it: The assumptions the problem solver makes about the people who use the solution.
What we make: The solution or product that the problem solver creates.

Addressing Exclusion

Interrelated Elements: Each element offers opportunities to identify and resolve mismatches.
Incremental Approach: Start addressing exclusion where it makes sense for your circumstances; prioritize early to reduce costs and effort later.
Example: Changing website colors without considering color blindness can unintentionally exclude users.

Exclusion Habits

Definition: Design practices that perpetuate exclusion, often due to assumptions or lack of accountability.
Examples: Designing a restroom sensor that requires hand movement, assuming all users have hands or can see the sensor.
Breaking Habits: Question design practices to identify and resolve mismatches, moving from exclusion to inclusion.

Avoiding the Hero Complex

Pitfall: Attempting to "save the day" with a design without proper input from diverse users.
Example: The failed launch of pens designed specifically for women based on stereotypes.
Best Practice: Engage with actual users to confirm the design meets their needs and avoid making unfounded assumptions.

Action Steps

Start Where It Makes Sense: Begin addressing exclusion based on your specific context and resources.
Ongoing Effort: Inclusion is a continuous process requiring consistent work and adaptation.
Be Exclusion Busters: Commit to interrupting exclusion habits and promoting inclusive design practices.

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Description

Learn about the centuries-old model of exclusion that influences how cultures interpret inclusion, and how it appeals to society's basic instinct to protect power and status. Discover the Latin roots of 'include' and 'exclude' and their significance in shaping our thinking.