Designing for all: Accessibility and key inclusive design principles

We caught up with Jeni about the importance of prioritising accessibility, challenges faced by occupiers, and some of the key inclusive design principles that can be leveraged to enhance accessibility.

Design beyond aesthetics

”Design has a profound impact on our health and safety,” Jeni explains, “which becomes particularly important when thinking about inclusivity and accessibility. The environment we live and work in shapes our well-being, whether positively or negatively.”

Inclusivity and accessibility fall under the broader umbrella of universal design, which Jeni has seen an expanding empathy and awareness towards over time. "Inclusive design is not just a one-time consideration, but something that should evolve alongside an individual’s experiences and societal shifts.” Jeni explains.

“Traditionally, designers were taught to design for the "95th percentile," or the average person. This excluded those with disabilities or other unique needs, but now we are seeing a change in focus, we’re starting to recognise that not everyone falls into that 95th percentile, and that small changes can make a significant difference in helping everyone,” Jeni explains.

Empathy is a crucial part of Jeni’s approach to design: “Personal experiences – travelling with a pram or dealing with an injury, for instance - can dramatically shift our understanding of space. Design that focuses on inclusivity is not just about ticking boxes; it's about designing spaces that feel intuitive and welcoming.

“Good design should make the user feel like they’ve been there before, even if they haven’t,” Jeni explains.

This mindset aligns with what Jeni believes to be one of the biggest challenges in designing for inclusivity: the need may not always visible or immediately apparent. Accessibility can often be a subtle, subconscious consideration - like tactile flooring, multi-sensory cues, or simple wayfinding options. The key, she believes, is to make design fluid and easy to use without overwhelming the user with excess detail or confusion.

Photography by A-Frame Photography

The business case for inclusivity

As businesses and organisations increasingly recognise the value of inclusive design, Jeni emphasises its impact on employee well-being and productivity. “When employees feel comfortable and safe in their environment - when they can be authentic - it boosts their productivity and contributes to a healthier workplace culture,” she explains. Companies that prioritise accessibility are not only making ethical strides but also attracting a wider, more diverse pool of talent. Creating inclusive spaces leads to a “virtuous circle” where both the organisation and its employees thrive.

"Research from the Harvard Business Review found that productivity increases by 30% with neurodiverse teams," Jeni continues, “When organisations embrace diversity - whether it’s neurodiversity, cultural diversity, or any other form - they see tangible benefits in terms of innovation, creativity, and overall success. "A more diverse team means more perspectives, more ideas, and more opportunities to improve," she notes.

For this to be the case, leadership teams and stakeholders need to take accountability, be engaged, willing to listen, and to plan for the future.

Key principles of inclusive design

When discussing the core principles of inclusive design, Jeni advocates a holistic approach that doesn’t separate accessibility from the broader concept of inclusivity. “Good design should be accessible, inclusive, and universal,” she stresses. Some key elements of inclusive design include:

• Ease of use: Spaces should be intuitive, minimising the need for complex signage or instructions. The user should be able to navigate easily without feeling overwhelmed.
• Multi-sensory design: Including tactile, visual, and auditory cues can make spaces more accessible for a wider range of people, particularly those with variations in sensory processing.
• Flexibility: Design should be adaptable to the diverse needs of users. For example, multi-purpose rooms that can serve as a mother's room, sensory space, or wellness room provide flexibility for different needs without restricting usage.
• Consideration of the mental load: Good design reduces the mental load on users, ensuring they can interact with spaces in a way that feels natural and comfortable, even if they have specific needs.

Photography by Mario Wibowo

A continuous evolution

Inclusive design is an ongoing process that will continue to evolve; whether a new construction or retrofitting older buildings, design should always aim to be as inclusive as possible. “It’s not about perfection,” Jeni says, “but about making continuous improvements and being open to new ideas and solutions.” As our understanding of inclusivity deepens, the design world is gradually evolving toward a more empathetic and thoughtful future, where everyone - regardless of ability - can thrive in well-designed spaces.

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