Inclusive design

People are all different, old, young, living all abilities, or with physical limitations But many products- and services - are designed without taking this diversity into account

This is where the concept of inclusive design comes in, to improve widespread access and usability, which leads to more people being included. This benefits both companies and consumers

Inclusive design has its roots in the disability rights movement and has been around for several decades. The concept was first developed in the 1970s by a group of architects, product designers, and disability advocates who were seeking to create more accessible and usable products and environments for people with disabilities.

In the past, designers used to design products that fit their own ability level, without considering the fact that there might be a huge gap between their own abilities and those of other people. Therefore, a lot of people used to find it difficult - if not impossible - to access their products .

It is often the case for objects of daily use, especially in the kitchen, where many utensils are not usable by people with reduced mobility or elderly people for example

So, without really intending to do so, these designers exclude a large number of consumers from the products they create .

Inclusive design, also known as universal design, is an approach to designing products, services, and environments that are accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or background. The goal of inclusive design is to create a world where everyone can participate fully and equally in all aspects of life, without the need for special accommodations or adaptations.

One key factor driving the adoption of inclusive design is the aging of the population in many countries. As people live longer, the proportion of people with disabilities or age-related impairments is increasing, creating a growing market for products and services that are designed with their needs in mind

This is what we do, atGeneration Plus, when we first think about the challenges for seniors, people with disabilities or temporary impairments , and then have a general user-centered approach when we design and engineer our projects. By designing products, to be inclusive from the outset, Generation Plus makes them more accessible, usable, and appealing to a broader range of people.

Inclusive design principles can be applied to many areas of the home, including the kitchen

All Generation Plus products have been designed and engineered focusing on ergonomics and safety, to be used not only by people with a wide range of abilities, but also to improve their accessibility for older people or individuals with disabilities

we focus on :

1. Ergonomics: Designing kitchen gadgets that are comfortable and easy to use for people with different hand sizes and abilities.
2. Improved accessibility: By designing kitchen tools and gadgets that are usable by people with a wide range of abilities, we can improve the accessibility of these products for individuals with disabilities, who may otherwise have difficulty using them.
3. Simplified controls: Designing kitchen gadgets with simple, intuitive controls that are easy to understand and use for example large buttons
4. Safety: By designing kitchen tools and gadgets that are easier to use, we can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the kitchen, especially for individuals with disabilities or elderly individuals who may be more vulnerable to injury. We incorporate safety features into the design of kitchen gadgets, such as automatic shut-off or safety locks. This is especially important for gadgets that involve sharp blades, to ensure that they can be used safely by all users.

To conclude, there is obviously a growing awareness of the importance of inclusive design, and a growing recognition of its benefits for both consumers and companies

Inclusive design can lead to a much broader market impact, and companies that will sell Generation Plus products will improve customer satisfaction and loyalty, and create a greater competitive advantage.

The prospects for inclusive design are promising, as there is increasing recognition of the need for more accessible and inclusive products, services, and environments.

Inclusive design, as we understand it, at Generation Plus, is adapting our design and engineering skills to a rapidly transforming world and enabling everyone to gain autonomy, independence and comfort in everyday life.