Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Pictograms designed by Otl Aicher for the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.
Inclusivity
The British Standards Institute defines inclusive design as 'The design of mainstream
products and/or services that are accessible to/and usable by, as many people as reas-
onably possible … without the need for special adaptation or specialized design.'
Put simply, inclusive design is user-centred; it understands that people are not either
disabled or fully abled. There is a wide spectrum of capabilities within the population;
inclusivity involves making sure that as many of those as possible are catered for
within one design.
Inclusivity may take many factors into consideration. In 2009-2010, the British gov-
ernment commissioned a Family Resources Survey to provide statistics about the typ-
ical British household. The survey included questions on disability. Statistics from
the survey show that within the categories of cognitive, sensory and motor abilities,
16.8 per cent of the population have less than full ability in one or more. This might
include visual impairment, auditory impairment, dyslexia, memory loss, mobility and
other cognitive functions such as communication. Out of a population of 61.8 million
people, this means that about 10 million people have an impairment of some sort.
It may not be possible to take all of these into consideration when producing a design.
However, there are guidelines available on the use of typography, colour combina-
tions and scale of visual elements that may result in a design that works well for a
greater percentage of the audience.
Visual impairment
Another important consideration when visualizing information is that of visual
impairment. In the UK, more than 1 million people are registered as blind or partially
sighted. Almost 700,000 people have a visual impairment, which makes it difficult
