01: Case Study
Inclusivity and Exclusivity
Introduction
This week, my partner, Eunice Choe, and I had an opportunity to research two design examples that address issues of inclusivity and one example significant in design history that lacks inclusivity. We specifically looked for designs focusing on Communication Design. Through these case studies, I was able to understand what role inclusivity plays in design, what to consider when designing for inclusivity, and to reflect on possible project opportunity spaces for the UPMC project. We focused on three different designs: Apple Accessibility Keyboard, Stark, and Mercator Map.
Apple Accessibility Keyboard
Apple Accessibility Keyboard is a keyboard that allows anyone to use Mac-book computers without physically interacting with a keyboard / mouse. It was designed for people with mobility impairments. Today, people now do not have to physically interact with a mouse/keyboard to use their computers. One interesting research from the Apple Accessibility Keyboard is that its inclusive design breaks the assumption that computers could only be used through physical interaction. Before the accessibility keyboard, keyboard that could be typed with fingers was the norm. However, it broke that norm, and people can now take the advantage of complex features without physical limitations. Another interesting part about the keyboard is the customization of the keyboard. Anyone can comfortably customize their font, color, button colors, and more. Thinking about this customization, I believe giving people the autonomy to change facilities based on their needs could be an interesting opportunity. For example, when going to hospitals’ waiting rooms, I noticed that hospitals are changing to a self service approach for less waiting time and an easier payment method. Some kiosks simply assume that everyone is a young patient who experienced usability of kiosks before. Elderly people are often not included because there are no directions on how to use a kiosk or the text is too tiny for them to see. I wonder how these digital facilities could be more accessible based on the needs of each patient.
Stark
Another design example that addresses the issue of inclusivity is Stark, which is a color contrast checker that allows designers to select or enter color values to test. The product was made so designers can create design products that are accessible, ethical, and inclusive to everyone. It solves two problems: a challenge of designers forgetting to design with accessibility in mind and a challenge of designers to be in the shoes of people with vision impairment. Designers can easily select the layer or component that they want to run a contrast check on, and Stark gives the color contrast ratio. Stark also makes it easy to simulate the design through the eyes of colorblind. After our presentation and discussion with the group, I learned that although Stark is created to indirectly impact the lives of the colorblind by supporting designers to practice how to design for inclusivity, there wasn’t any direct feedback from color blind people on the product. There was that missing piece of “What do people with vision impairments think of Stark?” because the product is supposed to eventually impact them in the end. This reminded me of the problem space in exam rooms, where doctors have trouble communicating with patients with disabilities. I realized when designing for inclusivity, it is important to consider different stakeholders’ experience too. In this case, it would be crucial to think about patients, doctors, and even caregivers.
Mercator Map
One design example in design history that lacks inclusivity is Mercator Map. It is a commonly used map projection that is easily recognizable in places like classroom settings or Google Maps, but rooted in cultural bias. The map was designed for sailors to easily plot their courses and understand the relationships between land masses around the world. However, the design of the map is exclusionary because it was designed in a way that made European countries appear larger, which increased their prominence. Inaccuracy of the map also comes from a place of cultural bias and reinforces a sense of colonial superiority. Minority countries are downplayed and underrepresented which led to a lack of development in countries near the equator. I learned that although inclusivity in design is becoming more prominent today, there are designs that can give misconceptions to people. In the context of hospitals, it would be crucial to bring the right communication for patients, not delivering any misconceptions to them.
Design Opportunities
Through learning about inclusivity in design and what to consider for inclusive design, I thought about what accessible design we could bring to UPMC. I am interested in making digital facilities more accessible to elderly or people with disabilities. I wonder how we could bring an experience that patients will find comfort in finding things they want to discover, not an experience that people have to adapt to and still have trouble with. Moreover, I’m interested in the pain point of difficult communication between doctors and patients. Through this project, I would have to be considerate about not delivering any misconception to both stakeholder groups especially in this hospital setting where they talk about life and death.
