Five Essential Considerations for Disability
How Designing for All Five Senses Makes a Difference
Unify Magazine: Experimentation 🧪 - 1/3
Sight – Accessible Visual Design
When we talk about accessible design, sight is often the first thing that comes to mind. This makes sense, given that fashion is a predominantly visual industry. However, designing for those with visual impairments or those who rely on alternative ways to interact with the world requires careful attention to visual elements.
Accessible design for sight goes beyond just high-contrast colours or large fonts. It involves considering the diverse range of visual impairments and ensuring that every visual element is as inclusive as possible. In Unify, I made sure the design could accommodate people with varying levels of vision—whether they can see a little, have no sight at all, or have full vision. To achieve this, I used bold, clear, and high-contrast photography, offering a variety of visual experiences that can be enjoyed by a broader audience. I also carefully selected large, readable fonts and ensured ample spacing to enhance legibility for those who needed it. These small but impactful changes make a big difference.
Sound – Incorporating Auditory Elements
Throughout the magazine, I included multiple voiceovers accessed via QR codes, allowing readers not only to read but also to listen to the engaging and unique collaborations and thought-provoking topics featured in each issue. This auditory element provides a richer experience for those who may prefer listening over reading or who have difficulty fully engaging with visual content alone.
It's also worth noting that this technique can be applied across multiple areas of the fashion industry. Fashion brands can benefit from incorporating sound in various ways. For example, adding audio descriptions to online videos or promotional content. This approach not only enhances accessibility but also broadens the ways in which all consumers can engage with multiple areas of fashion.
Smell and Taste – Engaging the Senses Through Conceptual Design
Scent and taste are often overlooked in fashion, yet they hold immense power in evoking memories, emotions, and brand identity. In Unify, I incorporated photoshoots that reflected these senses, such as my collaboration with Mollie Green on the "Raspberry Jam Dress." The wording and visual concept of this article explore taste by connecting food to creative photography and storytelling, creating a multi-sensory experience within the magazine. This approach enhances how readers engage with fashion beyond the visual, reinforcing the connection between sensory design and fashion communication.
The Future of Inclusive Design
Incorporating all five senses in product design isn’t just about accessibility—it’s about creating a richer, more engaging experience for everyone. Whether in publishing, fashion, or beyond, designing with inclusivity in mind leads to more thoughtful and impactful innovations.
