There are innumerable obstacles and barriers that hinder the achievement of global peace, rights and well-being. More than giving equal access, inclusive design ensures the UN is usable by all. Appropriately designed physical facilities, products and services, help fully include youth, elders, persons with disabilities, and many other communities in the multilateral process.
Some challenges to overcome include physical barriers such as stairs, narrow doorways, long distances between rooms and difficult navigation. Other barriers include a lack of information in accessible formats such as Braille and sign language, captioning, and high contrast visuals. Services must be provided in a form which everyone is able to understand and use. Although some of provisions can be costly, many can be implemented progressively, with low-cost, low-tech solutions that would have immediate benefits.
With a panel discussion, workshops, and an exhibit, UN Geneva will be recognizing World Usability Day 2019, by looking at different methods of incorporating usability, accessibility and inclusivity into our print and web designs, our physical spaces and signage and our daily work – to ensure that the UN is open for all.
Speakers will include, industry and academic experts in the field of usability, inclusivity and accessibility Carolyn P. Phillips and Bryce Johnson. Carolyn is well recognized in the field of assistive technology and disabilities. She is the Director for the Center for Inclusive Design and Innovation at Georgia Tech. Bryce Johnson is the Inclusive Lead and Product Researcher, as well as cofounder of Microsoft Inclusive Technologies Lab at Microsoft. He is part of the core team that started the inclusive design and accessibility practice, and he has worked across Microsoft to launch assistive technologies on various products.
Join us to learn more about the future of usability, technical tips and tricks for inclusivity, as well as exploring how to choose the right methods and techniques and the best way forward for a variety of budgets.
TO REGISTER: https://reg.unog.ch/event/32531/registration/
