Beyond the Screen: Inclusive Design and the Impact of AI

Some businesses may think of inclusive design as a niche approach—something that only caters to specific groups. However, this methodology ensures that products and services are accessible and usable by people of all abilities and backgrounds. Because when we consider the needs of individuals with disabilities, we inadvertently create solutions that benefit everyone.

This principle is often referred to as the “curb cut effect”; when accommodations are made for specific groups, they often have broader positive impacts. Curb cuts, initially designed for wheelchair users, have also improved accessibility for parents with strollers, delivery personnel, and individuals with luggage. Similarly, closed captioning, elevators, electric toothbrushes, and SMS messaging, initially developed for people with disabilities, have become widely adopted and enjoyed by the general population.

When businesses prioritize inclusive design, more equitable and user-friendly experiences for a much wider audience can be created, opening doors to new opportunities for innovation and business success.

Learn how inclusive design enhances applications, making them easier to use and compliant with accessibility standards—and how AI is transforming the process.

The Business Case for Inclusion

“We are all going to be disabled someday, some of us just beat you to it.”

– Dave Dame, Technology Executive, Product Professional, Microsoft

It’s important to recognize that anyone, at any time, may experience limitations that impact their ability to fully participate in society. Disabilities can also include temporary conditions (like post-surgery recovery or pregnancy) and situational limitations (like carrying heavy loads).

By prioritizing the needs of people with disabilities from the outset of product design, businesses can streamline the development process and avoid costly, after-the-fact modifications.

This inclusive approach ensures that products and solutions are accessible to everyone from the moment of launch, removing the need for additional coding or testing down the road. To achieve this, consider adopting a “shift left” model, integrating accessibility into the early stages of design and development.

Expanding a company’s customer base by creating products and services accessible to a wider range of people will potentially lead to increased revenue, improved brand reputation, and reduced costs for retrofits.

Plus, when businesses show respect and consideration for individuals with disabilities, they can cultivate brand loyalty and a positive reputation. In fact, research from The National Business and Disability Council shows that consumers are more loyal to brands that invest in accessibility and inclusion. Integrating accessibility standards into product development from the start ensures compliance and maximizes these benefits.

Designing for the Visually Impaired

In a world dominated by visual interfaces, businesses have a unique opportunity to empower individuals with visual disabilities. The World Health Organization reports that globally, 43 million people live with blindness, 295 million live with moderate-to-severe visual impairment, and 2.2 billion have some form of vision impairment. Adding to the complexity, color blindness affects around 4.5% of the population.

While numerous applications exist for the visually impaired, many are plagued by complex interfaces and ineffective or misleading visual cues. They are often impractical as well, relying on the user’s ability to hold and manipulate devices correctly.

Common issues include poor color contrast, reliance on color to convey information, technical limitations in image recognition, as well as rapid battery drain from constant use of camera functions and GPS tracking.

AI to Improve Accessibility

AI has the power to reshape accessibility for the visually impaired. Here are key areas where it can make a significant impact:

• Seeing the world: Identify objects in photos and videos and provide an audible description.
• Getting around: Guide people through unfamiliar places, using GPS and other sensors to avoid obstacles.
• Recognizing people: Identify faces and provide information about people, making social interactions easier.
• Using technology: Enable voice control and adaptive interfaces, making it easier to use computers and smartphones.
• Accessing information: Convert text into audio, making books, articles, and websites accessible to everyone.

Examples like Microsoft’s “Seeing AI” and “Be My Eyes” demonstrate how AI can enhance independence for visually impaired individuals. However, implementation challenges remain, such as the need for substantial computational power, steep learning curves and high costs for users, and privacy concerns.

Addressing these challenges requires collaboration among researchers, developers, policymakers, and visually impaired individuals to ensure that AI-powered technologies are both accessible and effective.

How to Design for Inclusion: The “No UI” Approach

“There is an obsession with drawing wireframes to solve problems instead of thinking of how technology can really solve our needs. We have an ability to make use of so much incredible technology out there. Screens have their place, but there’s so much more we can do to make people’s lives easier.”

Golden Krishna, Author and Designer, Google

To create a more inclusive future, we need to rethink how we design technology. Golden Krishna, Head of Design Strategy, Platforms and Ecosystems at Google, had proposed a “No UI” concept, which offers a promising solution. This focuses on solving real problems, understanding user needs, and using technology that responds to user context without explicit input.

Imagine a world where devices understand your intentions, whether it’s through voice commands, gestures, or even subtle body language. This is the vision of “No UI“: prioritizing user experience and eliminating unnecessary visual clutter to create products that are more accessible to everyone.

For visually impaired users, “No UI” can unlock new possibilities. Voice-activated systems, haptic feedback, and spatial audio can provide rich sensory experiences. Intuitive gesture controls can replace complex touchscreens. AI-powered assistants can anticipate needs and provide assistance without relying on visual cues.

Build Inclusive Solutions with Orion

The future of inclusive design is incredibly promising. AI and advanced sensors are set to transform how individuals with disabilities interact with the world. These advancements go beyond simply compensating for disabilities; they promise to create new ways of understanding and engaging with the world.

At Orion Innovation, we are committed to making technology more inclusive for everyone. Because embracing inclusivity doesn’t just improve user experience; it drives innovation. The products and services that end up being widely adopted often come from an inclusive design philosophy. These solutions meet the diverse needs of society and lead to greater customer satisfaction, loyalty, and, ultimately, success in the market.

For decades, Orion has been focused on reimagining enterprise experiences through the power of UX to provide true business impact. Learn more about our Experience Design solutions.

Walter de la Vega is a Senior UX/UI Designer with vast experience in publishing, advertising, professional services, and product design, channeling his expertise into finding innovative solutions. Walt’s personal experience has fueled a commitment to creating accessible and effective tools for the visually impaired.