From inclusive to nonclusive design: a shift in categorisation

The background to this article is an interest in what categorisations such as ‘persons with or without disability’ create in terms of inequality and stigma, and how categorisations can support the implementation of Universal Design (UD). The article aims to show how a shift in categorisation can lead to a shift in the conceptualisation of UD, from “inclusive” to “nonclusive” design, i.e., to design processes that refrain from categorising people, bodies and roles. Our analysis is based on a range of photographs, images, and extracts from policy documents related to inclusion and exclusion collected in five recent research projects. Current ways to categorise will reiterate and perpetuate the current power structures, if not changed. In the article, we show what a shift from inclusive design to nonclusive design might look like in four types of artefacts: graphic design, physical products and environments, texts, and information and communication technology (ICT). Such a shift in categorisation will make it possible to meet variation with variation, and to ensure that the next product, program, or environment does not divide people into predefined boxes based on, e.g., their bodily configurations. However, working with nonclusive design will demand having just as rich an image of human variation and how to support it as ever before. In conclusion, we argue that Nonclusive Design is Universal Design, completing the progress from barrier-free to inclusive to nonclusive design(ing).