The Power of Inclusive Design: From Cards for Humanity to Investing in ShareChat

The Power of Inclusive Design: From Cards for Humanity to Investing in ShareChat

Introduction:
Inclusivity and accessibility are crucial considerations in today's design industry. From the creation of Cards for Humanity, a tool that promotes inclusivity and accessibility, to the potential investments by Google and Snapchat in ShareChat, a platform catering to users in multiple Indian languages, the importance of reaching diverse audiences and creating products that benefit everyone is becoming increasingly evident. In this article, we will explore the common threads between these two topics and discuss the impact of inclusive design on businesses and society as a whole.

Designing Inclusively:
The concept of inclusive design revolves around putting humans at the center of the design process. Cards for Humanity, for example, was developed to facilitate conversations about accessibility and inclusion. By considering the needs and perspectives of individuals with different conditions and disabilities, the game acts as a flexible tool for workshops, brainstorms, and casual conversations. This highlights the importance of empathy in the design process and the potential for inclusive products to reach unexpected audiences.

Expanding Audiences:
Designing inclusively requires considering a broad range of audiences. While Cards for Humanity initially expected a strong reception from designers and developers, it was surprised to find that lawyers, gamers, clinicians, and educators also found the tool useful. This demonstrates the need to avoid assumptions about the target audience and to make products as accessible as possible through the use of language and the avoidance of jargon. By broadening the scope of design, products and services can benefit more people and lead to better outcomes and happier clients.

Balancing Personal Investment:
Inclusive design goes beyond being a business case or a missed opportunity; it is about inclusion in society. As makers, designers, and developers, we have a responsibility to consider the impact of the products we create. However, finding the time and resources to invest in inclusive design can be challenging. It requires a personal investment and a commitment to making better products. Striking a balance between client work and inclusive design can be achieved through personal dedication and a recognition of the importance of creating products that benefit everyone.

Lessons from ShareChat:
The potential investments by Google and Snapchat in ShareChat highlight the significance of reaching diverse audiences. ShareChat's app caters to users in 15 Indian languages and has gained a large following in small Indian cities and towns. This is in contrast to platforms like Twitter and Snap, which struggle to expand beyond urban areas in India. By recognizing the need to connect with users beyond major cities, ShareChat has tapped into a market that is currently dominated by Facebook and Google. This demonstrates the potential for inclusive design and the business imperative of creating products and services that benefit a wide range of individuals.

Actionable Advice:

1. Start with empathy: When designing inclusively, it is important to put yourself in the shoes of your target audience. Consider their needs, perspectives, and potential limitations to create a more accessible and inclusive product.

2. Broaden your audience: Don't limit your target audience to a narrow group. Consider the potential reach and impact of your product on a wider range of individuals. Avoid assumptions and make your product as accessible as possible through language and design choices.

3. Make inclusivity a business imperative: Inclusive design is not only the right thing to do; it is also a smart business move. By creating products and services that benefit everyone, you can tap into new markets, increase revenue, and improve client satisfaction.

Conclusion:
The power of inclusive design cannot be underestimated. From the development of Cards for Humanity to the potential investments in ShareChat, these examples highlight the importance of reaching diverse audiences and creating products that benefit everyone. By incorporating empathy, broadening our target audience, and recognizing the business imperative of inclusivity, we can make a positive impact on society and create better products for all.