One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Understanding Universal, Inclusive, and Equity-Focused Design

Not all design approaches fit every user’s needs. This post explores Universal, Inclusive, and Equity-Focused design—three key methods that shape how products serve diverse users. Learn the differences and how to create more accessible, effective designs.

When you walk into a clothing store, you might expect to find something in your size, but what if there was only one size available for everyone? That’s the challenge with design—it’s nearly impossible to create a single solution that works perfectly for every user.

This is why different production and design styles exist. In this blog post, we’ll explore the **three main design approaches—Universal Design, Inclusive Design, and Equity-Focused Design—**and discuss their impact on usability and accessibility.


1. Universal Design: One Size Fits Most

Universal design aims to create products that work for as many people as possible. While it strives for inclusivity, it often faces limitations because one size rarely fits all.

Real-Life Example

A website with a resizable text feature allows users to adjust the text size to meet their needs, making it accessible for those with visual impairments and those who prefer larger text.

Pros:

Wider Reach – Serves a broad audience, including people with disabilities.
Improved Usability – Ensures ease of use across different devices and abilities.
Better User Experience – Creates a more seamless experience for most users.

Cons:

Complexity – Can be difficult and time-consuming to design and develop.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All – May not meet specific needs of certain users.
Higher Costs – Accommodating diverse needs may increase development expenses.


2. Inclusive Design: Designing for One, Extending to Many

Inclusive design focuses on considering diverse personal identifiers such as ability, race, economic status, language, age, and gender. It aims to design for specific user needs and then extend solutions to a wider audience.

Real-Life Example

A mobile food-ordering app that offers:

  • Text search for users who know what they want.
  • Category filters for users who prefer browsing.
  • Dietary restrictions filters for users with allergies or specific diets.

This approach ensures that different user preferences and needs are met.

Pros:

Better User Experience – Users can interact with the product in ways that best suit them.
Higher Customer Satisfaction – More users feel valued and included.
Competitive Advantage – Brands stand out by offering accessible and customizable experiences.

Cons:

Longer Development Time – More research and iterations are required.
Increased Complexity – More features can make the user interface slightly more complex.


3. Equity-Focused Design: Addressing Historical Exclusions

Equity-focused design takes inclusivity a step further by actively designing for underrepresented and historically marginalized communities. The goal is not just to include but to dismantle barriers and promote fairness.

Real-Life Example

A mental health organization’s website designed with equity in mind might include:

  • Culturally relevant visuals and language to make specific communities feel seen.
  • Translated content to reach users who speak different languages.
  • Resources tailored to unique needs to provide better access to care.

Pros:

Promotes Equity – Ensures historically excluded groups have access to the same opportunities.
Builds Trust – Strengthens connections with marginalized communities.
Increases Impact – Expands the reach and effectiveness of a product or service.

Cons:

Requires Research and Sensitivity – Needs careful cultural awareness to avoid misrepresentation.
Resource Intensive – May require more investment in research, translation, and outreach.


Key Differences at a Glance

Feature Universal Design Inclusive Design Equity-Focused Design
Goal Serve as many people as possible Solve for one, extend to many Address historical inequities
Approach Broad usability User-specific features Targeted solutions for marginalized groups
Example Resizable text on websites Multiple search options in an app Culturally relevant content on websites
Challenges One size doesn’t fit all More development complexity Requires deep research and investment

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to design. While Universal Design aims for broad usability, Inclusive Design creates personalized solutions that can extend to others. Equity-Focused Design goes further by actively addressing systemic barriers and ensuring fair outcomes for all users.

Understanding these differences helps businesses and designers create more thoughtful, effective, and impactful products. Whether you’re designing an app, a website, or a service, choosing the right approach can make all the difference.


Key Takeaways

Universal design aims to serve everyone but may lack effectiveness for specific needs.
Inclusive design focuses on designing for individual needs and expanding usability.
Equity-focused design actively works to eliminate historical barriers and create fairness.
✅ Product success and user satisfaction are enhanced by the appropriate strategy.


 

FAQ

Universal Design aims to serve as many people as possible with a broad approach. Inclusive design focuses on solving specific user needs and extending solutions to a wider audience. Equity-Focused Design actively addresses historical exclusions and systemic barriers.

While Universal Design aims to include as many people as possible, it may not fully meet the unique needs of every user. The “one-size-fits-all” approach can lead to less effective solutions for individuals with specific requirements.

Inclusive Design improves user experience, increases customer satisfaction, and provides a competitive advantage by offering features that cater to diverse needs.

Equity-Focused Design requires careful research, cultural awareness, and additional resources to ensure fair representation and effective solutions for marginalized groups.

Yes! A well-designed product can integrate elements of Universal, Inclusive, and Equity-Focused Design to create a balanced and highly accessible experience for all users.

Businesses can begin by conducting user research, gathering feedback from diverse groups, and ensuring that their products are designed with accessibility, inclusion, and equity in mind.


 

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