QUICK SUMMARY
Samantha Johnson, founder and CEO of Tatum Robotics, and Elaine Ducharme, a deaf-blind woman working in quality and testing, presented on inclusive design principles and their application in developing a robotic hand that enables tactile communication for the deaf-blind community. The session emphasized that inclusive design is not just for assistive technology but should be a fundamental approach for all product development, benefiting the 25% of adults who identify as having a disability while creating better innovation for everyone. Through their work at Tatum Robotics, they demonstrated how co-creation with users, understanding diverse needs within communities, and rapid iteration based on direct feedback leads to more effective and impactful products.
KEY QUOTES
- “Inclusive design is not a limitation, not a setback, but really helps to create great and better innovation. It allows you to be more creative, helps you think outside the box, and collaborate with a great amount of people.”
- “What’s really important is to make sure that all ideas and decisions are made from the needs of the deaf-blind community, and not just one deaf-blind person either… what’s important when designing technology is to understand the community and the variety in that community.”
- “Having this be done at an early stage is so important… if you end up in that last packaged box and then jump back to redesign, that’s gonna cost you a lot more.”
FULL SUMMARY
Introduction to Inclusive Design
Samantha Johnson and Elaine Dharm opened the session by introducing themselves and their work at Tatum Robotics, which develops accessibility solutions for the deaf-blind community. Elaine, who is deaf-blind herself, explained how inclusive design is vital for her connection to the world, using examples like her Braille tablet that makes computers accessible to her. Sam highlighted that one in four adults identify as having a disability—visible or invisible, physical or cognitive, congenital or acquired—making inclusive design not just a moral imperative but a significant market opportunity.
The presenters emphasized that inclusive design should not be limited to assistive technology but should be applied to all products and services. Whether developing a vacuum cleaner, a pen, or setting up a conference stage, considering accessibility from the beginning leads to better innovation for everyone.
Co-Creation with Stakeholders
A fundamental principle discussed was the importance of designing with users rather than for them. Tatum Robotics actively engages the deaf-blind community through the Deaf-Blind Contact Center, where individuals interact with prototypes and provide feedback on features like the hand’s glove color, button placement, and finger spelling clarity.
Sam shared a cautionary tale from her early development work during COVID when limited access to users led to wasted efforts. She spent six months designing a silicone glove that she thought would feel human-like, only to later learn that users preferred the robotic feel. This experience underscored the necessity of involving users from the earliest stages of development.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Elaine explained that inclusive design requires customization to ensure equal access for diverse users. Using the example of accessible doors, she noted how features designed for wheelchair users also benefit others, such as people with strollers or those who prefer not to touch door handles.
Sam expanded on this point by highlighting the variation within the deaf-blind community itself—some individuals have partial hearing or vision, some were born deaf-blind, while others acquired these conditions later in life. These differences create varying needs and preferences that must be addressed through customizable solutions.
Inclusive Design Values
The presenters outlined six core values of inclusive design:
- Equitable: Providing the same quality of experience for all users, regardless of ability
- Flexible: Accommodating changing needs and preferences over time
- Simple: Creating consistency in design for intuitive use
- Function-Focused: Prioritizing functionality over form
- Control: Enabling users to control and adapt their experience
- Customization: Allowing for personalization based on individual preferences
Tatum Robotics: A Case Study in Inclusive Design
The session then shifted to a detailed look at Tatum Robotics’ work developing a robotic hand that can communicate through tactile American Sign Language. The technology serves as a “computer for deaf-blind folks,” allowing them to receive information through touch in their native language rather than having to learn Braille (which represents English, a different language from ASL).
The robot began as a way to deliver emergency alerts during COVID when social distancing was particularly devastating for those who rely on touch to communicate. It has since expanded to provide weather updates, news, messaging capabilities, and other features requested directly by the deaf-blind community.
User Testing and Rapid Iteration
A significant portion of the presentation focused on Tatum’s approach to testing and iteration. They’ve worked with over 150 deaf-blind people across the United States, including children, seniors, and individuals with varying levels of language proficiency. This extensive testing helps them understand the full spectrum of needs within the community.
The company leverages 3D printing and cloud-based software to enable rapid prototyping and customization. When users provided feedback that the hand was too large, they quickly produced a smaller version. When button placement needed adjustment, they could implement changes immediately. This agility allows them to continuously refine their product based on real user experiences.
Business Value of Inclusive Design
In response to an audience question about advice for businesses starting on the inclusive design journey, Sam emphasized the business case: with 25% of the population having some form of disability, designing inclusively expands market reach. More importantly, she stressed that inclusive design must be integrated from the earliest stages of development—brainstorming, prototyping, and initial concept work—rather than as an afterthought during final testing, which becomes much more costly to address.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Design with, not for: Include diverse users in the design process from the beginning through co-creation rather than making assumptions about their needs.
- Embrace customization: Recognize that inclusive design often requires flexibility and customization options to accommodate the wide variety of user needs and preferences.
- Iterate rapidly based on feedback: Use technologies like 3D printing and cloud-based software to quickly implement user feedback, making continuous improvement part of your design culture.
Delivery on Event Focus: Innovation and Business Strategy
This session directly addresses how inclusive design can be a strategic business advantage. By designing for the 25% of adults with disabilities, companies can tap into an underserved market while creating better products for everyone. The presenters demonstrated how Tatum Robotics’ inclusive approach led to a more effective product that genuinely meets user needs, creating both social impact and business value.
Delivery on Event Theme: Harvesting Innovation and Future Growth
The session showcases how inclusive design principles can “sow seeds” for future growth by expanding market reach and driving innovation. By involving diverse users in the design process, companies can discover new perspectives and solutions they might otherwise miss. Tatum Robotics exemplifies how addressing the needs of an underserved community can lead to breakthrough innovations with broader applications.
Action Steps for Innovation Experts and Corporate Changemakers
- Audit your design process: Evaluate how and when you incorporate diverse user perspectives in your development cycle, with special attention to including users with disabilities from the earliest stages.
- Build diverse testing groups: Establish relationships with organizations that can help you connect with users across the disability spectrum for testing and feedback.
- Implement rapid prototyping: Adopt technologies and processes that allow for quick iteration based on user feedback, such as 3D printing and modular design approaches.
- Train teams on inclusive design principles: Ensure your innovation teams understand and apply the six core values of inclusive design in all product development.
- Measure the impact: Track how inclusive design improvements affect both user satisfaction and business metrics to demonstrate the return on investment.