Kat Holmes: How inclusion shapes design

Summary

In this talk, Kat explores the evolution of inclusive design, reflecting on how her own journey shaped her understanding of accessibility. She highlights the significance of considering human diversity, especially disability, as central to design decisions. Through personal stories and historical examples, Kat illustrates how exclusionary design practices stem from ability biases and the concept of the 'average' human being. She challenges the traditional model of inclusion, urging designers to rethink assumptions and create solutions that cater to a wider range of human abilities. Ultimately, she advocates for a more inclusive, intentional approach to design that benefits all people.

Takeaways

• 😀 The traditional design approach often centers around an 'average' human, excluding people with different abilities or needs.
• 😀 Playground swings are a metaphor for exclusion in design, as they are often created for a specific set of physical abilities.
• 😀 Designing for the 'average' human being creates products and environments that don't work for everyone, leading to exclusion.
• 😀 The bell curve, popularized by Adolphe Quetelet, suggests that the middle represents the ideal human, but this idea is flawed and outdated.
• 😀 The concept of the 'average' human being can have deep societal impacts, including its influence on mass product development and public health policies.
• 😀 The 80/20 rule, often used in design, assumes that designing for the average human will cover 80% of people, but it fails to accommodate the diversity of human bodies and abilities.
• 😀 Adolphe Quetelet's work on the bell curve led to the problematic assumption that deviations from the center represent abnormalities.
• 😀 The historical use of the bell curve in design and policy has had long-lasting effects, such as influencing the creation of standardized desks and even the body mass index (BMI).
• 😀 Rethinking the idea of a 'normal' human being is essential for inclusive design. There is no such thing as a truly 'average' person.
• 😀 The speaker invites us to challenge our assumptions about human ability and design choices, recognizing moments where we can make more inclusive decisions.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker in this transcript?

The main focus of the speaker is to challenge the conventional assumptions in design thinking, particularly the idea of designing for an 'average' person. The speaker argues that this approach often leads to exclusion and biases, and advocates for a more inclusive and individualized approach to design.

How does the speaker view the traditional 'average' design model?

The speaker views the traditional 'average' design model as flawed and limiting. This model assumes that designing for the 'average' person will serve most of society, but in reality, it often excludes people with different abilities or needs, thereby reinforcing biases and limiting access.

What is the significance of the bell curve in the context of design?

The bell curve is used to illustrate the concept of 'average' in design, where the middle of the curve represents the 'ideal' or 'normal' person. The speaker critiques this approach, suggesting that it leads to designs that exclude those who don't fit within the middle of the curve, perpetuating a narrow and biased view of what is considered 'normal'.

What historical figure does the speaker mention in relation to the concept of 'average'?

The speaker mentions Adolf Quetelet, a Belgian mathematician and astronomer, who first popularized the idea of the 'average' human being based on his measurements of human bodies in the 1800s. His work laid the foundation for the concept of the 'average' person in design and other fields.

What is the problem with designing for the 'average' human being according to the speaker?

The problem with designing for the 'average' human being is that it creates products, systems, and environments that are not accessible to a wide range of people. It ignores the diversity of human needs and abilities, leading to exclusion and reinforcing biases in society.

How does the speaker illustrate the impact of this 'average' mindset with the playground swing example?

The speaker uses the playground swing as an example to show how designing for the 'average' person leads to exclusion. Traditional swings require specific abilities, such as strength and balance, which may exclude people who don't fit these physical requirements, like those with different body types or disabilities.

What is the '80/20 rule' and how does it relate to the speaker's argument?

The '80/20 rule' suggests that designing for the 'average' person will serve 80% of people, while the remaining 20% will be excluded. The speaker argues that this approach is flawed and that designing for the 'average' still leaves a significant portion of people behind, especially those on the edges of the curve.

What book does the speaker recommend for further understanding of this issue, and why?

The speaker recommends the book *The End of Average* by Todd Rose, which explores the fallacies of designing for the 'average' person. The book provides a deeper understanding of how this concept became entrenched in society and its consequences for both design and public health.

What is the significance of the Body Mass Index (BMI) in relation to Quetelet's work?

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a direct legacy of Quetelet's work, as it is based on the 'Quetelet Index'. The BMI system, which measures body mass relative to height, exemplifies how the idea of the 'average' body has been institutionalized, despite its limitations and the exclusion of diverse body types.

How does the speaker suggest we should rethink the idea of 'normal' or 'average' in design?

The speaker suggests that we should abandon the concept of a 'normal' or 'average' person in design and instead embrace a more inclusive approach that recognizes the vast diversity of human bodies, abilities, and experiences. This would lead to designs that cater to a broader spectrum of needs and promote equity.