Design Meets Disability
This article made me rethink how I see design and disability. At first, I used to think of design for disability as something separate or special, but the article shows that it actually influences mainstream design in powerful ways. For example, ideas that started from solving disability-related problems have inspired everyday products and furniture. This made me realize that designing for disability is not a limitation. It can actually lead to more creative and useful solutions for everyone.
One idea that really stood out to me was the tension between hiding disability and expressing it. Some designs try to make disabilities invisible, like hearing aids that are hard to notice. Others, like stylish glasses or expressive prosthetics, embrace visibility. This made me think about how design can shape how people feel about themselves. If something is always hidden, it can feel like it is something to be ashamed of. But if it is designed in a beautiful or expressive way, it can become something empowering instead.
Inclusive design should not feel like an extra feature. It should be part of normal design thinking. Going forward, I would want to design things that include everyone and make people feel confident using them, not just functional.