Inclusive design is an integral part of product design. It’s more than just making products available to everyone; it’s about designing with empathy and consideration for all individuals.

When I hear the term “inclusive design,” I think of creating products and experiences that are accessible and useful to as many people as possible, regardless of their backgrounds, abilities, or identities. Inclusive design aims to ensure that everyone, regardless of their physical, cognitive, or cultural differences, can participate fully in society and benefit from the products and services that are available to them.

Inclusive design is not just about making sure that products are physically accessible, such as wheelchair ramps or subtitles on videos, but also about considering the diverse needs and preferences of all users, including those who are often marginalized or excluded. This takes into account gender and sexual diversity because it guarantees that products meet the distinct needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals in a thoughtful manner.

Understanding gender and sexual diversity

Before we dive into the principles of inclusive design for gender and sexual diversity, let’s start by defining what we mean by LGBTQIA+. The term refers to individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more.

Those who identify as LGBTQIA+ often face unique challenges in product design, such as being excluded from certain products due to assumptions about gender and sexuality. Inclusive design aims to address these challenges by creating products that cater to a range of gender expressions and sexual orientations.

Use gender-neutral language and images

Using gendered language and images can be incredibly limiting. It can make people who don’t identify with those gendered stereotypes feel like they don’t belong. And that’s not what we want in inclusive design! We want to create products that make everyone feel welcome and included.

The first principle of inclusive design for gender and sexual diversity is to use gender-neutral language and imagery. Not everyone identifies as a "he" or "she." It's important to use gender-neutral terms like "they" or "them" to make sure everyone feels seen and respected.

This also means offering products that cater to different body types, as well as products that are gender-neutral or gender-inclusive. It also means creating products that are inclusive of different sexual orientations, such as products that cater to the needs of queer individuals.

An example of a fashion e-commerce store, such as ASOS, features sections for women's and men’s clothing, much like a physical department store. An inclusive design would break the stereotypical gender mold and categorize the products by clothing type instead. This simple change could help make people of all genders feel included and increase the likelihood of them shopping at the store.

Using gender-neutral language and imagery can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show that we acknowledge and respect everyone’s identity.

Avoid assumptions

Assumptions are a tricky thing, especially when it comes to gender and sexuality. Inclusive design for gender and sexual diversity acknowledges that not everyone fits into the traditional binary definitions of male and female or straight and gay.

Avoid assumptions about gender and sexual orientation. For example, assume that not all women like pink, or that not all men are interested in sports. When gender is required in a form, provide an option for “other” as not everyone identifies as either male or female.

(Source: Screenlane)

Inclusive design means offering options and choices that allow individuals to define themselves on their own terms. It means providing a range of options for gender, including “other,” to ensure that everyone feels seen and included. When we avoid assumptions, we create products that cater to a diverse range of users and make everyone feel welcome.

Privacy and safety concerns

Finally, ensuring privacy and safety for LGBTQIA+ users is an essential principle of inclusive design. People should feel comfortable and safe using your product, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.

Review the default settings and privacy policies within your product. Are they designed to protect the privacy and safety of all users, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation? Are there any features or settings that could expose a user’s gender or sexual orientation without their consent? These are important questions to ask yourself as a designer to ensure that your product is inclusive and respectful of all users.

In addition, consider incorporating feedback from LGBTQIA+ individuals during the design process. They can provide valuable insight into the specific challenges and concerns they face when using products and help identify potential issues related to privacy and safety.

Examples of inclusive design

Several companies have successfully implemented inclusive design principles for gender and sexual diversity. For example, H&M launched a gender-neutral clothing line called the Unisex Shop that includes options for all body types, as well as a range of colors and styles. They aim to break stereotypes and put the focus back on clothes. They also avoid gender-specific marketing and advertising, promoting their products to everyone.

Another example of inclusive design is the gender-inclusive dating app, OkCupid. The app allows users to choose from a wide range of gender identities and sexual orientations, ensuring that users can find matches that cater to their needs. In fact, they launched an ad campaign that catered that targeted a wide range of genders and sexual orientations.

“When you’re truly inclusive, you’re bound to offend someone.”

(Source: MUSE by Clio)

Conclusion

Design has the power to bring people together and promote inclusivity and diversity. Inclusive design for gender and sexual diversity is about recognizing that every individual is unique and deserves to be seen and respected. It’s about designing with empathy and understanding, going beyond the status quo, and breaking down the barriers that limit who can participate and benefit from products and services.

By adopting principles of inclusive design, designers can create products that are truly accessible and welcoming to everyone, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Inclusive design reflects a commitment to creating a better world for all. Together, we can make a difference and create a more inclusive and equitable society through design.