Latest news!
We've got new dates for our new Inclusive Product Design Course, in conjunction with the Inclusive Design Toolkit experts at the University of Cambridge.
Visit the Inclusive Product Design training page to find out more and book your place!
What is Inclusive Design?
Inclusive product design involves designing mainstream products and services in such a way that as many people as possible can use them easily - whatever their age and ability.
This does not mean that you are expected to design every product to be usable by everyone. There will always be some people who need specialist equipment. But when inclusive design principles are adopted, the number of people requiring specialist and expensive alternative equipment will be reduced.
We've been told about inclusive designs that have over-achieved their business plans, beaten competitor products and sold more units. So with our ageing population, the business case is already proven. What are you waiting for?
How RNIB can help you
We assess mainstream and specialist products to give feedback and award an RNIB Reference to those who meet the recommendations.
Our Inclusive Product Design Service is there to help you improve the usability and marketability of your mainstream or specialist products for people with sight loss or other disabilities
It's a tailored service, depending on where you are in your design process. We can work on drawings or prototypes as well as production models. But the earlier we can work on the design, the easier it is for all of us.
The process may include ergonomic assessments, user trials and expert design advice. This can often lead to the award of an RNIB Reference which recognises accessibility and inclusive design.
Which products has RNIB assessed?
We've worked on products ranging from household items to street furniture. These case studies are a small selection of approved products:
Titan Environmental Ltd - wheeled bin lid
Triton Showers - Safeguard T100 care shower
Mira Showers - range of showers
Designing great products already?
Then let us know! We love to hear about accessible products that are already in the market, as it's good to know there are an increasing amount of manufacturers designing for the real end user.
Contact us
RNIB Disability Access Services
PO Box 173
Peterborough
PE2 6WS
Phone: 01733 37 53 70
Email: businesslink@rnib.org.uk