Abstract
One of the many definitions of inclusive design is that it is a user-led approach to design. To date its
focus has been on ‘critical’ users, in particular disabled people. As such, there is pressure to design
environments that meet the often urgent and complex demands of these users. Designers, uncertain of
their knowledge, rely heavily on user input and guidance, often resulting in designs that are ‘solution’
driven (rather than solution seeking) and short term; users focus on what they need, not what they
might need. This paper argues that design needs to reclaim an equal presence within inclusive design.
It proposes that the ‘weakness’ of design lies in the uneasy and at times conflicting relationship
between ethics and aesthetics. The paper itself is constructed around a dialogue between two
academics, one concerned with critical user needs, the other with aesthetics, but both directed towards
the support of design quality
Original language | English |
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Number of pages | 5 |
Publication status | Published - 01 Oct 2004 |
Event | Open Space - People Space An International Conference on Inclusive Environments - The Hub, Edinburgh, United Kingdom Duration: 27 Oct 2004 → 29 Oct 2004 |
Conference
Conference | Open Space - People Space An International Conference on Inclusive Environments |
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Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
City | Edinburgh |
Period | 27/10/2004 → 29/10/2004 |