Title: Inclusive design: a step toward social integration and dependency elimination

Authors: Hamid Ullah

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, NWFP University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan

Abstract: The basic problems to stimulate the need for inclusive design are described. The key issues and approaches adopted by various groups, organisations, and researchers for solution of the basic problems are investigated. Two new terminologies for inclusive design (design for independence and design for integration) are proposed, which are more meaningful compared to the already exiting terminologies. A new and broad definition of inclusive design is also provided which gives emphasis on four important priorities of inclusive design, namely, flexibility, ergonomics, independence and integration. The important segments of a community responsible for playing their roles in the area of inclusive design are highlighted. The research trends and developments in the area of inclusive design and the various advantages inclusive design can offer are presented.

Keywords: design engineering; inclusive design; design for disabled; population ageing; design for independence; design for integration; flexibility; ergonomics; social integration; dependency elimination.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDE.2009.028448

International Journal of Design Engineering, 2009 Vol.2 No.1, pp.97 - 111

Published online: 17 Sep 2009 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article