AHFE Open AccessDesign for Inclusion
Editors: Giuseppe Di Bucchianico
Topics: Design for Inclusion
Publication Date: 2025
ISBN: 978-1-964867-45-8
DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005980
Articles
Challenges and obstacles in assembly work in sheltered workshops
Assembly work in sheltered workshops faces a variety of challenges and obstacles. In this context, these challenges have been identified in this paper and can be divided into structural and technological challenges, which will be discussed in detail. Additionally, an outlook is provided on the role digital assembly assistance systems can play in addressing these challenges. Digital assembly assistance systems offer promising solutions to meet these demands by increasing efficiency and accuracy, enabling customization, and serving as training tools.- Cost and access to technology: Purchasing and maintaining advanced digital assistance systems can be costly, which is a particular hurdle for smaller workshops.The paper discusses the identified challenges in detail and gives an outlook on the role digital assembly assistance systems can play in the context of these challenges. Digital assembly assistance systems offer promising solutions to address these demands by increasing efficiency and accuracy, enabling customization and serving as training tools.
Jessica Mack
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
VR4ALL: Exploiting Virtual Reality for Inclusive Product Design
As the demand for accessible and equitable solutions grows, the integration of inclusivity into product and space design has become increasingly urgent. Despite this, many designers lack direct exposure to the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities, often leading to unintentional exclusion in design outcomes. The VR4ALL project, a European initiative, addresses this gap by exploring the use of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) in the early stages of the inclusive design process. Grounded in the principles of Design-for-All and design thinking—where empathy is a central tenet—VR4ALL develops realistic simulations of visual and motor impairments through tailored 3D models and VR assets such as visual filters, wheelchair controls, and tremor modifiers. These tools allow users to navigate predefined scenarios from the perspective of individuals with disabilities, enhancing designers’ understanding of accessibility challenges. In parallel, the project introduces innovative pedagogical approaches in higher education, equipping educators and students with the skills and empathy necessary to create inclusive solutions. By validating these tools through pilot testing with design students and professionals, VR4ALL contributes to the development of more accessible, functional, and inclusive environments.
Paula Escudeiro, Nuno Filipe Escudeiro, Márcia Campos, Francisca Escudeiro
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Invisible Challenges, Visible Solutions: Human Factors Vehicle Design Considerations for Emotional Disabilities
Emotional disabilities (e.g., depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder) are among the most prevalent disabilities worldwide, affecting cognitive abilities (e.g., attention, executive function) and somatic symptoms (e.g., gastrointestinal disorders, changes in vision and hearing, and chronic pain). Despite advancements in disability-inclusive design, emotional disabilities remain largely overlooked. This research, supported in part by the EcoCAR Electric Vehicle (EV) Challenge, addresses this gap by presenting design considerations for emotional disabilities through the development of HarmonIQ. HarmonIQ, developed by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and Bethune-Cookman University (BCU), is a user-centered, biometric-authentication-based vehicle customization system to enhance the driving experience. With the appropriate design considerations, HarmonIQ could be a form of assistive technology (AT) that meets the needs of drivers with emotional disabilities. Therefore, a survey was conducted to gather insights from drivers with emotional disabilities to inform design directions. Data was collected from 47 participants, capturing AT usage, vehicle usage habits, and opinions on biometrics. Most respondents reported no usage of AT, suggesting a lack of interventions tailored for this group, particularly in vehicles. The results from this research were used to guide the design process and highlight human factors design considerations for emotional disabilities including minimal complexity, interface guidance, progressive disclosure, and supportive language. The considerations were translated into tailored features for drivers with emotional disabilities, including high-contrast displays to reduce visual strain, memory settings for vehicle features to reduce mental workload, and biometric authentication to minimize login frustration. Although HarmonIQ aims to address the daily challenges faced by individuals with varying disabilities, these considerations expand its ability to support emotional disabilities by helping to ensure that the system better reflects the cognitive, sensory, and emotional needs of this often-overlooked user population.
Olivia Honan, Brandon Dreslin, Barbara Chaparro, Alex Chaparro
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Challenges and Opportunities in Inclusive Design and Human Factors: A Case Study of Designers in Pakistan’s Industrial Sectors
Developing countries represent 17% of the global population, comprising over 1.3 billion individuals, with this proportion projected to increase to 50% by 2050. Over the past three decades, design paradigms such as Inclusive Design, Design for the Third Age, and Universal Design have emerged, emphasizing the development of accessible and equitable solutions. This study investigates the implementation of these approaches within Pakistan, analyzing progress, challenges, and actionable insights derived from professionals across multiple design-related industries.Data collection involved 105 participants from sectors including architecture, civil and urban planning, electronics, manufacturing, beverages, and design consultancy. The findings indicate that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives frequently serve as catalysts for inclusive design practices. However, only 36% of surveyed organizations reported having dedicated CSR roles, with the manufacturing and beverage sectors exhibiting the highest levels of adoption. Notably, 33% of respondents were unfamiliar with the concept of inclusive design, highlighting a critical awareness gap.Key drivers for the adoption of inclusive design were identified, encompassing social responsibility, market expansion, innovation, brand enhancement, customer satisfaction, and shifting demographic trends. Conversely, significant barriers include limited resources, insufficient guidance and awareness, resistance to cultural change, weak legislative frameworks, and perceptions of design complexity and cost. Comparative sectoral analysis further revealed disparities in levels of engagement and understanding.This paper underscores the pressing need for strategies that promote awareness, capitalize on motivating factors, and address obstacles to inclusive design. Such initiatives can empower designers to better address the needs of diverse populations, fostering business growth while enhancing quality of life and human well-being.
Salman Asghar
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
How to implement digital Assistive Technology Systems on the Labour Market for Persons with Disability
Digital Assistive Technology can foster the inclusion of persons with disability on the job market tremendously. At present however, its potential to increase their employability as partial solution to the current skills shortage remains untapped. The lack of knowledge around the applicability of digital AT in various industrial sectors and its usability for different types of disability or employer’s demands obstructs its further dissemination into the labour markets. More feasibility studies are needed exploring drivers of a successful implementation of digital AT in different industrial sectors and different needs of employees and employers on the non- sheltered job market. In this paper, we report preliminary results of an (ongoing) two-phase study on implementing digital AT in different industry sectors with employees with different types of disabilities. The preliminary findings from a thorough digitisation potential analysis reveal valuable insights on the requirements for the implementation of digital ATs.
Annika Reinersmann, Mario Heinz-jakobs, Eckard Bicker, Carsten Röcker
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
OlfaCare: A Portable Testing and Rehabilitation Assistance Service Designed for Groups with Olfactory Dysfunction
Olfactory dysfunction, including conditions such as anosmia, affects a significant portion of the population, particularly the elderly. It can substantially impair daily activities, including the ability to detect hazardous situations such as gas leaks, and diminish the enjoyment of food, ultimately affecting individuals' quality of life. Despite the high prevalence of olfactory disorders, existing at-home testing and rehabilitation solutions are often cumbersome and lack sufficient user engagement.The Olfacare system aims to bridge these gaps by providing a comprehensive, user-friendly solution for olfactory dysfunction. The proposed system consists of three main components: a portable olfactory test kit, an olfactory recovery kit, and a mobile application. The portable test kit enables users to self-assess their olfactory abilities at home using a series of standardized odour samples. The recovery kit, tailored for individuals with olfactory dysfunction, provides clinically proven odour-based stimuli for training, supporting personalised rehabilitation. The mobile application serves as the core platform for the system, guiding users through the testing and rehabilitation process, recording data, offering real-time feedback and supervision. Key features of the app include olfactory testing and training sessions, progress tracking and rehabilitation reminders.Through this approach, Olfacare addresses the major challenges faced by individuals with olfactory dysfunction, such as limited access to professional services and difficulties maintaining at-home rehabilitation routines. The system is designed to enhance user autonomy by offering a seamless, engaging experience that encourages sustained participation in olfactory training. This research represents an important step toward improving the daily lives of those affected by olfactory disorders, promoting independence, and reducing reliance on healthcare providers. Future evaluations and user feedback will further refine the system’s effectiveness and usability.
Qiuyu Lin, Kaiyuan Tang, Tianming Xu
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Subjective Evaluation of Identifying Boundaries of Railroad Crossing by the Visually Impaired Based on Walking Experiment
In Japan, various safety measures have been installed to assist visually impaired individuals in walking outdoors, including at railroad crossings. Specifically, even with the installation of Tactile Walking Surface Indicators (TWSI), which focus on preventing deviations toward the roadway or ballast, there is a risk of misidentification between the inside and outside of the crossing because the bar blocks inside the crossing have the same shape as those on the sidewalk. Furthermore, the walking characteristics of visually impaired individuals have not been sufficiently considered. In this study, we conducted an evaluation experiment at a railroad crossing near Okusawa Station to clarify issues related to the TWSI installed both inside and outside the crossing from the perspective of visually impaired individuals. In the experiment, two types of trials were conducted with visually impaired individuals: first trial involved the use of TWSI both inside and outside the crossing, while in the second trial, walls or fences were used in place of the TWSI outside the crossing. After the trials, participants were interviewed about their “level of confidence in determining the position of the crossing boundary” and “ease of understanding the boundaries between the inside and outside of the railroad crossing.” The results indicated that participants found it more difficult to understand the boundaries when exiting the crossing than when entering it. This suggests potential issues with the current TWSI installations at railroad crossings.
Sota Matsui, Tomoyuki Inagaki, Shoichiro Fujisawa
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
An AI Powered Glasses Attachment for the Visually Impaired
This research presents the development and evaluation of a prototype AI-powered glasses attachment designed to enhance the daily mobility and independence of individuals with visual impairments. The work addresses the significant challenges faced by millions who experience limitations in navigating, recognising objects, and accessing information. It aims to contribute to the field of assistive technologies by creating a cost-effective and versatile solution. The project emphasises the importance of designing inclusive technology that is not only functional but also user-friendly and accessible to all. The system has several strengths:* Compact and portable design making it a discrete companion in daily life.* Versatile functionality combining object/text recognition with speech interaction.* Cost-effective approach making it accessible to a broader range of users.The core of the prototype integrates real-time object and text recognition, along with speech interaction capabilities. The system uses image processing algorithms, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to identify objects. Optical character recognition (OCR) is implemented to transform printed text into digital formats, enabling text-to-speech functionality. The prototype also incorporates a natural language processing (NLP) powered chatbot, facilitating spoken interaction and information retrieval. The project involved a thorough analysis of user requirements, focusing on the needs of individuals with varying degrees of visual impairment. This included understanding the challenges faced by people with different levels of sight loss, from moderate to complete blindness. The study also highlighted the importance of intuitive design and accessibility. The hardware design incorporates a compact ESP32-S3 microcontroller coupled with an OV5640 camera module, chosen for their balance of performance and power efficiency. The software is developed using Python for data processing and C++ for the microcontroller. Cloud-based AI services, including Google Cloud Text-to-Speech API and OpenAI's GPT API and Whisper API, are used for text-to-speech, object and text recognition, and speech recognition, respectively. The 3D-printed enclosure for the attachment was designed with several key considerations, including compactness, component integration, and user comfort. Key aspects of the hardware design are:* Component Layout: The enclosure was designed to house the ESP32 microcontroller, the OV5640 camera module, and a TTP223B touch sensor. The internal structure includes a separate compartment for the camera with a heatsink to manage its operating temperature.* Touch Sensor Integration: The touch sensor is located on the underside of the enclosure, designed with a concave depression for easy access and covered with a rubber membrane. This placement allows for user interaction and control of the system’s functions.* Size and Weight: The prototype has a weight of 23 grams. Its design aimed to be as small as possible whilst being able to accommodate the necessary hardware.The conducted functional tests focused on the accuracy of text and object recognition, and the efficacy of the chatbot. The text and object recognition performed well, however, issues with the camera quality, particularly in low-light conditions, limited the system's performance with smaller details and text. The speech interaction, while functional, encountered some difficulties with complex questions. The prototype is promising, future development should focus on addressing its limitations. Potential improvements include an automated configuration process, the integration of a navigation system and a more robust camera. Enhancing the user interface with a more tactile feedback system could improve accessibility.
Khac Trong Nguyen, Jan-torsten Milde
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
How to design inclusion in Cultural Heritage: an innovative approach
This paper will present the procedures and outcomes of experimentation carried out in the framework of the national research project PRIN-Neuromuseum. The set of experiments implemented in an ecological environment, saw the involvement and support of the neurosciences.In the perspective of Cultural Heritage, the Neuromuseum project promotes growth and integration, social inclusion and well-being; the project investigates new forms of "cultural learning" in museums, focusing on the museum environment to examine visitors' responses by comparison of neuropsychological and cognitive processes. The main objectives are to identify, via an experimental activity and studying different publics, “empathic design” principles to develop and create engaging cultural experiences with long-lasting effects at personal level.The carried out activities regard the experimental stage and its interpretation and assessment, relative to the design of different museum set-ups and implementation the Pilots. This paper presents the first outcomes and results of experiments carried out in three national cultural institutions and museums: Fondazione Museo delle Antichità Egizie di Torino - Torino, Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia – Roma and Necropoli Etrusca della Banditaccia – Cerveteri, Roma.Experiments were designed to delve into the visitors’ experience by proposition either of different narrations or design solutions; the use of wearable devices allowed the monitoring of the bodily response during the experience, later followed by a questionnaire aimed at the assessment of the rational and cognitive response to the testing experience.The neurophysiological lens will provide an instrument to assess the efficacy in producing emotion in visitors to be compared to the conscious self-assessment data provided through the questionnaires filled out by participants. This paper showcases an array of trends that highlight differences of parameters (e.g. Cognitive Effort, Pleasant Index) according to the different set-ups subjects were proposed. The different scenarios were design aiming to induce an emotional response that would better stimulate the cognitive process based on the cultural values and meaning of the selected artifacts in museums collections. Aforementioned data acquired shall implement the research and development of guidelines and best practices to enhance the impact of Cultural Heritage on people.
Michela Benente, Valeria Minucciani, Francesco Paganelli
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Can the risk caused by design changes against population stereotypes be avoided: issue of direction-of-motion of cooking controls
Population stereotypes have long been studied and discussed for years. Most of the designs have abided by the long-established customs, thereby drastic changes were rarely made. When there exists a de-facto or de-jour standard, it will be accepted as such, and no serious problems occur because people are accustomed to the state-of-the-art. However, if someone attempts to change something, problems can arise. However, the author quite recently noticed a change that can cause accidents under serious situations: it is related with the control system of gas burners - change of direction of motion (both rotation and sliding designs). Worse, the portable cooking stove with cassette gas container still follows the traditional design, i.e., turn left to ignite and increase power. Coexistence of completely colliding concepts can lead to accidents when the instant action to shut off the power is necessary. This paper argues the potential danger as the users grow older since they will stick to the long-established behavior, which is contradictory to the modernized appliance design.
Satoshi Kose
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Redeeming the copy: a valuable tool for enhancement of cultural experience
The copy has historically been deemed as an unworthy reproduction of an original, the sole holder of undoubted value, thus rendering the reproduction a mere, less-than duplicate. However, this evaluation is supported by the notion that an artifact inherent value is in the authenticity of its material, which bore witness to a particular time, event or an idea, This narrow understanding of material heritage calls into question the extent to which material is fetishized hindering the chance to recognize the potential of the copy as worthy for something rather than just a thing.Among the first minds to realize the possible use value of copies, Viollet-le-Duc in the XIX century proposed an entire museum filled with these, formally opening to the recognition of the educational potential and as viable tools for the diffusion of culture. This paper aims to delve into the contrast between the copy and the original, thus proving how the preconceptions on the topic thwarted the usage of copies as an instrument to draw the public up to a higher degree of the cultural experience: rather than mere accessibility or child-friendly features, these could act as a democratizing tool whenever other supports may not be as immediate. With the support of the first informal experiments carried out in the research, the copy potential to startle the visitor is explored, its ability to fix the cultural episode in their minds, favoring an act of personal appropriation by the public through a co-creative process. The copy shall therefore be intended as an aid to a well-designed experience involving a narration and something able to spark co-creation; to encourage the appropriation that comes in the co-creation process through the projection of a personal input onto the object – whether physical or not; inviting the public to actualize what showed them through the posing of a question has demonstrated its potential to facilitate such co-creative action. The pondering that follows – especially in the case of stimulating, abstract questions – forces an introspective reflection that frees the cultural experience from the strings that tie it to the need of learning rather than understanding, simultaneously pinning the memory of the experience. If the visitor gets to hold on to the object, say through a souvenir – a copy –, then this will most likely trigger in the future a bodily response that recall that memory and take back the visitor to the moment of the experience, having therefore enhanced the perceived value by the individual and the value of the object/event itself as this it depends on the share of such recognition.
Michela Benente, Valeria Minucciani, Francesco Paganelli
Open Access
Article
Conference Proceedings
Implementing Design for All: the role of ANAs in addressing Human Diversity
This paper explores ANAs (Aspirations, Necessities, Abilities), a design research tool with a constructivist ontology within a Design for All (DfA) approach. It highlights its importance in understanding and addressing Human Diversity (HD) in design, both in research and implementation. ANAs focuses solely on the HD factors of real experiencers that can impact and be impacted by the designed PSS (Product, Service, System) in a specific context. Methodologically, ANAs pertains to problem-setting and emergent-evolutionary-learning design's epistemological approaches; ANAs also supports functional analysis and problem-solving approaches in the design's implementation phases. To situate ANAs within the broader landscape of design research tools, this study conducts a comparative analysis with three established tools: Persona, Affinity Diagram, and the Behaviour Change Wheel. These tools were selected due to their shared focus on exploring user capabilities, needs, and aspirations. The comparative analysis and phased implementation of the ANAs framework highlight its distinctive strategic structure: a data-driven and context-specific tool combining first- and second-hand data that does not rely on fictionalised user profiles. Thus, ANAs supports designers in creating platforms that enable All Who Wish to participate satisfactorily, minimising discrimination. This is achieved by synergising Necessities and Aspirations to lead the definition of target experiencers, and Abilities subsequently participating in informing specific design solutions. ANAs enables designers to understand and then manage the complexity posed by the HD Factors of their target experiencers, minimising designer bias and promoting social integration. This paper explains how the ANAs tool equips designers with a highly inclusive perspective, empowering them to develop richer, contextually relevant design answers that promote sustainable development and social innovation.
Avril Accolla, Xinyang Shan
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Design method for the integration of Chinese and French culture: The Case of product packaging design
With the rapid development of economic globalization, the exchange and integration of international culture has become an important factor to promote the development of design industry. This paper takes the packaging design work camp project cooperated by Shanghai Vocational College of Arts and Crafts and the French Designers Union as an example, and uses the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to analyze the differences and commonalities of Chinese and French packaging design in cultural background, aesthetics, functionality, environmental protection, market demand and teaching application. It reveals the unique style and development direction of China and France in the field of packaging design, and provides a new perspective and enlightenment for cross-cultural design exchange.
Huajie Wang, Zhang Jin, Xingen Yao, Rong Chen, Xikai Tan
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Human and Artificial Systems in the Design for Social Innovation: Critical issues and opportunities.
The complexity of human and artificial systems plays a crucial role in Design for Social Innovation (DfSI), an approach that aims to solve social problems through the co-creation of innovative solutions. In this context, design must take into account the dynamic interactions between individuals, communities, and advanced technologies. Indeed, the concept of systemic complexity is fundamental to understanding how heterogeneous elements can interact, influence each other, and generate nonlinear and often unexpected outcomes. In the field of DfSI, the main challenge is to integrate human systems, characterized by diverse behaviors, needs, and values, with artificial systems, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cybernetic systems, which operate according to algorithmic logic. This integration requires a thorough understanding of socio-technical dynamics, including the analysis of social networks, collective decision-making processes, and technological mediation. Human systems, inherently complex, are defined by a network of social, cultural, and economic relationships. In DfSI, these systems must be viewed not only as recipients of innovations but also as active co-creators. Indeed, human participation is essential to ensure that design solutions are sustainable, accepted, and adapted to local contexts. The systems approach to DfSI, therefore, requires interdisciplinary collaboration that integrates expertise in design, social sciences, technology, and ethics. The goal is to develop design methodologies that are capable of managing complexity and promoting inclusive, sustainable, and adaptive social innovation. Internationally, there are interesting case studies demonstrating the potential of integrating artificial systems into complex social problems in a wide variety of contexts. For example: i) Smart Cities and Social Innovation - Case Study: the city of Barcelona; ii) Healthcare Innovation with AI - Case Study: Babyl in Rwanda; iii) Educational Innovation and AI - Case Study: Adaptive Learning Platforms; iv) Sustainable Agriculture and AI - Case Study: Precision Agriculture in Kenya. In Italy, too, the application of advanced digital technologies in the social context is now widespread. Significant examples include: i) "Educational Robotics" project - Stripes Cooperative; ii) "AI & Welfare" project - Idee in Rete National Consortium; iii) Artificial Intelligence for Social Good project - ABN Consortium; iv) "Care for Carers" project - ASAD Social Cooperative. This research has systematized DfSI initiatives that integrate artificial systems into complex social problems currently present in the Umbria Region, with the aim of addressing the challenge of scalability, i.e., the ability to adapt design solutions to different contexts and communities. This process aims to create a map of criticalities and potentials, facilitating interactions, as well as the development of operational guidelines that can stimulate the emergence of new creative and innovative opportunities. The goal is to develop design methodologies that can manage complexity and promote inclusive, sustainable, and adaptive social innovation. In conclusion, the complexity of human and artificial systems is a key challenge in DfSI, but it also offers significant opportunities to develop more effective and resilient solutions. The interaction between these systems must be carefully managed to ensure that social innovation is driven by people's needs and supported by technologies in an ethical and responsible manner. 1. Manzini, E. (2015). Design, When Everybody Designs: An Introduction to Design for Social Innovation. MIT Press. 2. Mulgan, G. (2019). Social Innovation: How Societies Find the Power to Change. Policy Press. 3. Latour, B. (2005). Reassembling the Social: An Introduction to Actor-Network-Theory. Oxford University Press. 4. Smith, A., & Stirling, A. (2018). Grassroots Innovation and Innovation Democracy. Science and Technology Studies, 31(2), 35-52. 5. Ratti, C., & Claudel, M. (2016). The City of Tomorrow: Sensors, Networks, Hackers, and the Future of Urban Life. Yale University Press. 6. Fu, Z., & Zhou, Y. (2020). Research on human–AI co-creation based on reflective design practice. CCF Transactions on Pervasive Computing and Interaction, 2(1), 33-41. 7. Dionisio, M. et al., (2023) The role of digital social innovations to address SDGs: A systematic review Environmental Management and Sustainable Development” (23 February 2023), Springer 8. Cila, N., Giaccardi, E., Trotto, A., & Bogers, S. (2017). Products as agents: Metaphors for designing the products of the IoT age.
BENEDETTA TERENZI, Giovanna Binetti, Sofia Busti
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