Did you know that 1.3 billion people—16% of the global population—experience significant disabilities? From navigating public buildings to participating in the workforce, barriers to accessibility affect nearly every aspect of life for these individuals.
The challenges don’t stop there. Disabilities can also shorten lifespans, with some individuals living up to 20 years less than their peers without disabilities. So, when designing experiences, can we afford to overlook this vast, diverse audience?
What Role Does Experiential Design Play in Inclusion?
formula D_, a leader in experiential design, takes this challenge head-on. The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed annually on December 3 rd , inspires our mission – to craft immersive experiences that are not just engaging but also inclusive for everyone. As Head of Design, Jean-Jacques Rossouw puts it:
“Our experience has shown that visitors’ needs must be taken into account from the outset in the conceptualisation, design, and manufacture of interactive displays.”
From science centres to museums, formula D_ approaches accessibility with intention, ensuring designs embrace inclusivity as a standard, not a bonus.
How formula D_ Addresses Mobility and Sensory Needs
Let’s talk about some practical applications. formula D_ prioritizes wheelchair accessibility, ensuring exhibit spaces are navigable for those with mobility challenges. For visitors with sensory sensitivities, our designs include options to control audio levels and minimize disruptive visual effects, such as flashing lights.
However, there’s room for growth. The team acknowledges that features like captions, audio descriptions, and tactile elements are areas they’re actively exploring. Interestingly, many client briefs don’t address accessibility requirements at all. formula D_ takes it upon ourselves to go beyond legal standards, making inclusivity a proactive part of our design ethos.
Can Cutting-Edge Tech Make Accessibility Seamless?
Emerging technologies are helping formula D_ create truly inclusive interactive experiences. Eye-tracking systems and facial recognition tools allow users with physical disabilities to engage with displays without needing to manipulate hardware. These tools open up new possibilities for creating touch-free interactive displays that cater to individuals with physical disabilities.
For instance, eye-tracking hardware allows users to control a screen cursor simply by moving their eyes, enabling participation in educational games and interactive exhibits without needing to handle physical equipment. Facial recognition adds an additional layer of accessibility and security.
What’s more, this tech isn’t just for accessibility—it can also help able-bodied visitors understand the challenges faced by those with disabilities, fostering empathy and awareness.
Interactive experiences in a Post-Pandemic World
COVID-19 reshaped how we think about interactive experiences. Museums and science centres are increasingly looking for touch-free solutions that reduce the spread of germs. formula D_ believes that integrating proximity sensors, hand-wave detectors, and eye-tracking technologies can create safer, more inclusive experiences for everyone.
How Can Inclusive Design Shape a Better World?
formula D_’s mission is clear: to design better experiences for a better world. Embracing accessibility at every stage of the design process is not about ticking a box – it’s creating design solutions that allow everyone to engage, learn, and connect.
Accessibility isn’t just good design; it’s good business, too. For a global audience, inclusivity signals that everyone is welcome. By prioritizing accessibility, experiential design can elevate not only the visitor experience but also the world we live in.
Does Your Venue Cater to Everyone?
If you’re in the business of creating visitor experiences, now’s the time to ask: are your spaces and exhibits truly inclusive? If the answer isn’t a resounding “yes,” formula D_ is here to help.
