Microsoft’s Inclusive Design Approach and What it Means to Us

Microsoft has taken an “inclusive design” approach to development of their products and solutions. What exactly does this mean?

Inclusive Design: What is it?

Essentially it is the initiative for designers to create a community where everyone is creating solutions based on the diversity of their environments. Their goal is to ultimately create solutions that are not in such a narrow window, and don’t ignore the wide range of humanity. The focus build experiences that unify people and embrace individuality is definitely a daunting one, and we’ll take a look at what it means to us below.

One methodology that the inclusive design approach takes is to recognize exclusion and build around it. For example, designing for those with disabilities can often create a solution that has more universal benefit. Therefore, the overall population benefits from taking the inclusive approach.

The real world has a lot of differences, and humanity is learning to grow and adapt despite the differences they see every day. Through a wide array of resources found on Microsoft’s website, you can begin contributing or just learn the overall foundations of inclusive design. From partnerships to teams, Microsoft has given other designers the platform to learn and grow through different methodologies.

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What does it mean for us?

Inclusive design creates multiple possibilities and angles to view problems in everyday life. As a result, the solutions and products created to solve these problems are more universal. It benefits all of us to have more universal solutions, such as those in the example of creating solutions for disabled people.

We believe this is a very progressive step from Microsoft, and more good than bad will come from it. Extending their reach to all designers, whether entity or individual, helps achieve the goal of connecting all designers. When designers are able to collaborate using their own experiences and constraints, it builds a stronger product. As the world continues to evolve and adapt, we believe it’s great that the way we problem solve and grow changes accordingly.

Have a great New Year, and see you all in 2019!