Foundations of Inclusive Design

This unit introduces core concepts of inclusive user experience and the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in software and systems design. Students will explore empathy, vulnerability, bias mitigation, systemic impacts, and basic tools for assessing user needs to prepare for applied design and development in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze core principles of inclusive design and diversity, equity, and inclusion by identifying examples of exclusion and potential harms in existing digital products
• Apply basic needs-assessment tools (e.g., interviews, empathy mapping, accessibility checklists) to collect and synthesize user insights that inform inclusive design decisions
• Demonstrate strategies to reduce personal and systemic bias during research and team collaboration by producing a short research protocol or reflective artifact that incorporates vulnerability-informed empathy practices
• Evaluate the systemic impacts and narratives of design choices through a scenario-based impact analysis and propose at least two design changes that shift outcomes toward greater equity and inclusion