Design Meets Disability:
https://intro.nyuadim.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Design_meets_disability.pdf
In the reflection article on Graham Pullin’s book “Design Meets Disability,” important themes are discussed that relate design principles to real-world requirements and societal views on disability. Pullin is a proponent of minimalist design, contending that functionality demands it, particularly when creating for people with disabilities. I identify with this point of view since it goes against the grain of conventional thinking, which prioritizes aesthetics over usefulness. The user experience can be greatly improved by both useful and aesthetically pleasing aspects, therefore I find myself thinking about how to strike a balance between both.
An important ethical problem arises from Pullin’s claim that “disability inspires design” and that such designs should strive to make the user blend into their environment. It implies a hidden desire to hide a disability, which could reinforce the stigma instead than celebrating variety. Pullin uses eyewear as an example of how design and function can be successfully combined, turning glasses from basic medical devices into fashionable accessories that are generally accepted in society. This change demonstrates how design has the ability to affect society norms and perceptions.
But this begs the question of whether the goal of design ought to be to celebrate individuality and promote empowerment, or to assist people with disabilities in “blending in.” It may be restrictive to assume that excellent design equals to being discrete, as design has the power to question and transform social norms.
Furthermore, while its importance, Pullin’s emphasis on usefulness and simplicity ignores the nuanced interactions that exist between a person’s identity and their tools or assistance. This error makes me wonder about the possibilities of design as a means of expressing uniqueness as well as serving as a functional solution. Could designs celebrate and reflect the variety of user experiences in addition to meeting practical needs?
The book “Design Meets Disability” definitely made me rethink design concepts by highlighting how important it is to take an inclusive approach that prioritizes both beauty and practicality. It also made people think more deeply about how designs affect how society perceives identity and disability. After reading this, I’m left feeling that there are a lot of opportunities for careful design to make the world more inclusive.