“Design for All” manual: from users’ needs to inclusive design strategies

Abstract

Design for All (DfA) has been considered as a fundamental and innovative strategy to design inclusive spaces for a diversity of people’s needs and wishes. However, there is still a gap between theory and practice in this dis-cipline. Therefore, tools that support designers to implement DfA through a descriptive approach in architectural practice are necessary. The paper discusses the research development of a manual to inspire archi-tects in the application of DfA strategy. The manual’s development is based on four main criteria for knowledge transfer, defined by a precedent litera-ture review: communicate, organize, understand and use. The outcome of the research is the definition and design for a DfA Manual on Public Spaces in terms of haptic experiences. The manual strives to trans-fer knowledge through a descriptive and performance based approach. For this reason, over design indications, the manual aims also to include an ex-tensive description of users’ needs, references to case studies and laws on accessibility, which inspire architects and support them to find the proper de-sign solution within their own project. In the manual sample developed, de-sign indications focus on haptic design, which studies the perception of the built environment through the body, referring to the sense of touch. Thus, the manual’s purpose is to create a DfA awareness for many archi-tects, designers and decision makers in their activities. Therefore, starting from the basic application of prescriptive laws, the manual should be used as a support tool during the design process to design inclusive spaces for all us-ers.