Sinéad Burke addresses the issues we face in the design world, and the impact the lack of accessibility has on those with various disabilities, especially those who are short in height. She raises the problems she faces on a daily basis, issues using a public bathroom, the somewhat danger aspect when ordering a coffee and difficulties in going from "a standing position to a sitting position gracefully". This highlights the main questions of "Who are we not designing for?" and the immense impact design has on all lives. It is something that can "uphold a persons dignity", and is far more than just creativity and functionality. This was an excellent talk which has given me food for thought.
"Design is an enormous privilege, but it is a bigger responsibility"
Sinéad Burke
Why design should include everyone
Stella Young
I'm not your inspiration, thank you very much
Rosie King
How autism freed me to be myself
Ted Talks: Designing for Disability, has shaped my perspective of the benefits of universal design immensely. I have gained a greater understanding of the extra considerations that need to be studied before beginning a design project. I have listed some of the talks that I feel have enhanced my thoughts on the design process and that will aid me in establishing my final project.
American architect Chris Downey discusses his sudden loss of sight and the questions of what a city would be like if it were to be designed for the blind. He reviews how 'thoughtful' design would benefit every individual's life, whether they have sight or not. In conjunction with my recent visit to Hazelwood School; designing with the blind in mind is something which I feel is extremely important; and ensuring that those who can, can be as independent as possible.
"I believe that losing my hearing was one of the greatest gifts I've ever received," says Elise Roy. As a disability rights lawyer and design thinker, she knows that being Deaf gives her a unique way of experiencing and reframing the world -- a perspective that could solve some of our largest problems. As she says: "When we design for disability first, you often stumble upon solutions that are better than those when we design for the norm."
"How can technology help improve our quality of life? How can we navigate the world without using the sense of vision? Inventor and IBM Fellow Chieko Asakawa, who's been blind since the age of fourteen, is working on answering these questions. In a charming demo, she shows off some new technology that's helping blind people explore the world ever more independently ... because, she suggests, when we design for greater accessibility, everyone benefits."
"Stella Young is a comedian and journalist who happens to go about her day in a wheelchair — a fact that doesn't, she'd like to make clear, automatically turn her into a noble inspiration to all humanity. In this very funny talk, Young breaks down society's habit of turning disabled people into "inspiration porn."
“People are so afraid of variety that they try to fit everything into a tiny little box with a specific label,” says 16-year-old Rosie King, who is bold, brash and autistic. She wants to know: Why is everyone so worried about being normal? She sounds a clarion call for every kid, parent, teacher and person to celebrate uniqueness. It’s a soaring testament to the potential of human diversity.