Innovative Access: Spring 2021

All too often, real and perceived barriers prevent people from accessing the things they need. These barriers can be physical such as a building that lacks ramps or whose steps are too steep. But invisible obstacles are just as limiting. Policies and rules can prevent people from quality healthcare. Attitudes can prevent people from being respected or heard in their community just because of their social class, race, or physical makeup.

We believe design has the power to reduce barriers and to empower people. Applying inclusion principles and methods from Annie Jean-Baptiste’s book, Building For Everyone: Expand Your Market With Design Practices From Google’s Product Inclusion Team, xd’ers identified barriers and developed these Innovative Access projects.