Exploring Areas for Improvement through Inclusive Design: Taking Gardening as a Worthy Topic

Abstract

In recent years, especially after the pandemic, a new order of values is affecting different aspects of life, which is changing priorities and forcing us to rethink our way of life. The increased awareness of enjoying nature and healthy outdoor activities positively affects the quality of life in society. For such issues affecting society, including vulnerable groups, design has gained a new value to be considered. This article introduces an academic experience of inclusive design through an open project focused on making gardening more accessible through design, in terms of both theory and practice. This proposal aimed to contribute to growing gardening as a good practice for people of all ages and capabilities; and to challenge students to define their own brief and user’s research methods when they focus on a particular design project. Furthermore, such projects can raise awareness about protecting nature and promote good living habits so that we can achieve healthier environments. These approaches are also suitable for confronting and being ready for the environmental crisis. The results indicate that design can actively contribute to inclusion through creativity, knowledge, and appreciation of nature. First, a theoretical framework is presented to form the basis of the topic. Subsequently, an establishment of the materials and methods is proposed. Finally, a brief description of some results is presented describing the design areas and details of the improvements obtained in terms of accessibility and inclusion. © 2024 Common Ground Research Networks. All rights reserved.