The legal argument for inclusive design

Abstract

The legal drivers for inclusive design based on the UK context are explored in this chapter. The principles are equally applicable in other countries if their legislative framework is applied instead. Differing design environments are considered, starting with the designer’s own practice and moving through transport design, services and facilities related design, education design, products and goods related design, and concluding with the design of premises and the built environment. The overlap between the differing design environments is explored and the conclusion drawn that increasingly the legal drivers are seeking to remove barriers and discriminatory situations. The legal frameworks that are currently being put into place should assist designers to produce convincing arguments for their clients to adopt an inclusive approach in their commissions.