Welcome
Hello and welcome to Elements of Inclusion: A journey through inclusive design in practice presented by OCAD U’s 2022 Inclusive Design cohort.
About the Exhibition
This interactive exhibition features the preliminary research reflecting the diverse and inclusive practices of our cohort. Join us as we explore inclusive practices from spaces and communities to workplaces and systems.
Our individual exhibits have been classified into five categories, inspired by the ‘Five Elements’ in Taoism. The belief is everything in the universe is made of five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. These elements are interconnected and fluid. The focus is on ‘energy’ and ‘process’ and how all things can be inclusive and unified. In many ways, the journey to inclusion is reflective of this interconnected, fluid process.
Elements of Inclusion Categories
- Designing better products and experiences – Metal
- Creating better spaces – Wood
- Shifting practices – Water
- Educating others – Fire
- Affecting systemic change – Earth
About the Inclusive Design Program
The Master of Design in Inclusive Design program at OCAD University offers graduate students an opportunity to learn to think differently and to break through societal barriers to address the growing demand for access and inclusion. Graduate students explore equity and access issues through the lens of design thinking, leveraged by the application of inclusive digital technologies. This program is the only one of its kind in Canada. It prepares graduates to become global leaders in the emerging field of inclusive design in information and communication technologies (ICT) and other practices.
About our Cohort
The Inclusive Design 2020/2022 cohort consists of individuals from all over the world, with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Our differences lead to diversity of thought which makes for a rewarding and enriching experience.
We started on the life-changing, graduate school path during unprecedented times; in the middle of the global COVID-19 pandemic. As a cohort, we have experienced the challenges of online education. For the first time ever, the program was delivered completely online due to these unprecedented times. Typically, the program kicks off with a two-week summer intensive in Toronto, where students and professors get a chance to meet, make connections and form bonds. In a completely virtual world, our cohort didn’t quite know what to expect. There were feelings of anxiety and even feelings of greater isolation in the beginning. Now, one year in, we are more confident in the fully online space, we rely on one another to overcome challenges as a team, and have formed lasting bonds.
Accessibility
Inclusive Design encompasses the full range of human diversity, advances accessibility, and recognizes that we aren’t all the same. Design must be usable, flexible, and customizable among other qualities to be truly inclusive. Providing an inclusive, accessible experience that enables all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to participate fully is the leading priority. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact christine.woolley@student.ocadu.ca
