This paper describes the University of Cambridge, Engineering Design Centre's (EDC) case for inclusive design, based on 10 years of research, promotion and knowledge transfer. In summary, inclusive design applies an understanding of customer diversity to inform decisions throughout the development process, in order to better satisfy the needs of more people. Products that are more inclusive can reach a wider market, improve customer satisfaction and drive business success. The rapidly ageing population increases the importance of this approach. The case presented here has helped to convince BT, Nestlé and others to adopt an inclusive approach.

Inclusive design has unique challenges because it aims to improve usability for a wide range of users. This typically includes people with lower levels of ability, as well as mainstream users. This paper examines the effectiveness of two methods that are used in inclusive design: user trials and exclusion calculations (an inclusive design inspection method). A study examined three autoinjectors using both methods (n=30 for the user trials). The usability issues identified by each method are compared and the effectiveness of the methods is discussed. The study found that each method identified different kinds of issues, all of which are important for inclusive design. We therefore conclude that a combination of methods should be used in inclusive design rather than relying on a single method. Recommendations are also given for how the individual methods can be used more effectively in this context.

The built environment is increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of human health, profoundly influencing neurophysiological and psychological well-being. Previous studies show that specific visual patterns can elicit cortical hyperexcitation and visual discomfort, particularly in individuals with a predisposition to cortical hyperexcitability. However, traditional approaches to examining visual stress have yet to capture the complexity of ways in which the built environment may contribute to visual discomfort. This study presents a novel, integrated analytical methodology that merges generative artificial intelligence (using Midjourney v6.1) with advanced Fourier-based computational analysis to quantify the impact of architectural façades on visual stress. By systematically varying contrast ratios, pattern periodicity, spatial frequency distribution, stylistic elements, and geometric curvature across nine façade designs, the research generated a diverse array of stimuli that were then analyzed using the Visual Stress Analysis Tool (ViStA). This tool employs Fourier spatial frequency decomposition to extract key metrics that are proxy indicators of potential cortical stress responses. The results revealed that façades with regularly spaced elements at approximately three cycles per degree exhibited the highest stress metrics, particularly when combined with high contrast ratios and consistent repetition. Vertical wooden slats and vertical metal screening elements produced the most pronounced indicators of visual stress, while more varied geometric compositions demonstrated substantially lower stress metrics. This methodology offers a scalable, reproducible approach for the evaluation of visual stress. The framework lays the groundwork for developing a more robust evidence base to support architectural design decision-making that proactively addresses the health impacts of the built environment.

Dignity is a key value within healthcare. Technology is also recognized as being a fundamental part of healthcare delivery, but also a potential cause of dehumanization of the patient. Therefore, understanding how medical devices can be designed to help deliver dignity is important. This paper explores the role of empathy tools as a way of engendering empathy in engineers and designers to enable them to design for dignity. A framework is proposed that makes the link between empathy tools and outcomes of feelings of dignity. It represents a broad systems view that provides a structure for reviewing the evidence for the efficacy of empathy tools and also how dignity can be systematically understood for particular medical devices.