10 Fingers Model for Inclusive Design: Towards Accessible Communities for All

10 Fingers Model for Inclusive Design: Towards Accessible Communities for All

Abstract:
The 10 Fingers Model for inclusive design focuses on creating accessible environments for everyone. The model divides design into two main parts: the physical environment and human-centered technology. The physical environment includes aspects like urban, landscape, architectural, interior, and product design. The human-centered technology part focuses on users, skills, smart devices, software, and connectivity. Research shows inclusive design improves the quality of life, stimulates innovation, enhances social inclusion, and boosts economic opportunities.

1. Introduction:
Inclusive design is about making products, services, and environments accessible to all without needing special modifications. This concept has gained more attention as societies grow more diverse. In Thailand, this is particularly relevant due to the aging population. The “10 Fingers Model” is a framework that helps guide designers, policymakers, and users by using the symbolism of 10 fingers to represent key design areas. The model has gained recognition in Thailand, notably in lectures that link the physical and digital worlds, aiming to promote equality through design.

2. Objectives:

• Study global and Thai principles of inclusive design.
• Analyze the 10 Fingers Model to foster an accessible society.
• Provide policy recommendations for adopting inclusive design in Thailand.

3. Research Methodology:
The study used a documentary research approach, collecting relevant data from 2000 to 2023. The information was analyzed to evaluate how the 10 Fingers Model could apply to Thailand, considering the social and cultural context.

4. Results and Discussion:

• Components of the 10 Fingers Model:
• Physical Environment: Urban, landscape, architectural, interior, and product design.
• Human-Centered Technology: Users, skills, smart devices, software applications, and connectivity.

The 10 Fingers Model for inclusive design is a framework that divides the design process into two major parts: the physical environment and human-centered technology, with each part represented by five fingers on either hand.

Physical Environment Components (Right Hand):

1. Urban Design (Thumb): Focuses on planning accessible public spaces, infrastructure, and transportation systems.
2. Landscape Design (Index Finger): Involves designing accessible outdoor spaces like parks and recreational areas.
3. Architectural Design (Middle Finger): Centers on building structures that are accessible, including ramps, elevators, and signage.
4. Interior Design (Ring Finger): Ensures indoor spaces are user-friendly and easy to navigate for everyone.
5. Product Design (Pinky Finger): Develops products that can be used by all individuals, regardless of physical or cognitive ability.

Human-Centered Technology Components (Left Hand):

1. Users (Thumb): Understanding diverse user needs, from physical to cognitive abilities.
2. Skills (Index Finger): Recognizing different skill levels and designing for varying levels of expertise.
3. Smart Devices (Middle Finger): Designing accessible, intuitive, and connected smart devices.
4. Software Applications (Ring Finger): Developing user-friendly applications that cater to all abilities.
5. Connectivity (Pinky Finger): Ensuring technology is interconnected and accessible across platforms, allowing seamless use for all individuals.

The model emphasizes that every component is interconnected, with changes in one area affecting others. It promotes inclusive design by considering both the physical spaces people interact with and the technology they use, aiming to create accessible and equitable communities for all.

• Impact of Inclusive Design:
Inclusive design improves quality of life, drives innovation, and creates economic opportunities. It enhances accessibility, reduces long-term costs, fosters social inclusion, and supports sustainability. However, challenges in Thailand include limited awareness and policies that don’t fully support these principles.

5. Recommendations:

• Raise public awareness about the importance of inclusive design.
• Incorporate inclusive design principles into educational curricula.
• Improve policies to enforce inclusive design in public and private projects.
• Encourage partnerships between sectors to develop more inclusive solutions.
• Provide economic incentives for businesses adopting inclusive design.