For example, cement ramps that help people to move in wheelchairs, also benefit people moving trolleys, baby cars, or are used by cyclists. What other projects designed for disability have solved specific needs and ended up improving the experience for everyone?
One which immediately comes to mind is power-assisted accessible doors. While they were originally designed for people with mobility issues, they are extremely helpful when carrying heavy objects or in other circumstances when both hands are occupied.
Kiron
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1 reply by Verónica Elizabeth Pozo Ruiz
Feb 26, 2026 12:10 PM
Verónica Elizabeth Pozo Ruiz
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Good example, Kiron. Automatic doors that open with sensors help not only people with physical disabilities, but also ladies with babies, people carrying bags, children who can´t reach the door handle, etc.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Veronica, this is a very timely question. Two things come to mind:
1) Audible Traffic Signals that were originally designed for blind or low-vision pedestrians, now help distracted walkers or anyone navigating noising streets.
2) Electric toothbrushes were initially developed for people with limited hand mobility but now became a mainstream health product improving oral hygiene for all.
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1 reply by Verónica Elizabeth Pozo Ruiz
Dec 09, 2025 9:34 AM
Verónica Elizabeth Pozo Ruiz
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That's a great example, Rami. The sounds of pedestrian crossings also help distracted people and prevent them from having an accident.
Veronica, this is a very timely question. Two things come to mind:
1) Audible Traffic Signals that were originally designed for blind or low-vision pedestrians, now help distracted walkers or anyone navigating noising streets.
2) Electric toothbrushes were initially developed for people with limited hand mobility but now became a mainstream health product improving oral hygiene for all.
That's a great example, Rami. The sounds of pedestrian crossings also help distracted people and prevent them from having an accident. Saving Changes...
Program Manager| HARPER SRLSanto Domingo / Distrito Nacional, Dominican Republic
Inclusive design almost always scales beyond its original intent. Closed captioning, for example, was created for people with hearing disabilities but now helps in noisy places, language learning, and even silent scrolling. Voice-activated assistants were designed for accessibility and now support hands-free use for everyone. These solutions show that when we design for the margins, we often improve the experience for the majority. Saving Changes...
One which immediately comes to mind is power-assisted accessible doors. While they were originally designed for people with mobility issues, they are extremely helpful when carrying heavy objects or in other circumstances when both hands are occupied.
Kiron
Good example, Kiron. Automatic doors that open with sensors help not only people with physical disabilities, but also ladies with babies, people carrying bags, children who can´t reach the door handle, etc. Saving Changes...
Verónica Elizabeth Pozo RuizDesigns for disabilities often help everyone. Examples: ramps aid strollers and trolleys; automatic doors help shoppers; captions assist learners; lever handles are easier for all; low-floor buses and tactile paving benefit all passengers. Accessibility improves experience universally. Saving Changes...
Jefferson DurandSenior Engineering Technician| Dominica Water and Sewerage Company LimitedRoseau, Dominica
Voice assistants were initially developed to help people with certain disabilities now we have Alexa and Siri for everyone. Saving Changes...
Furthermore! This is the "Curb-Cut Effect" in action-and it is one of the strongest arguments for universal design. When we design for the margins, we end up building a better experience for the middle.
A few incredible everyday examples of this: Closed Captions: Originally designed for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Today, they are the default way millions of people watch videos in noisy environments, quiet public spaces, or while learning a new language.
Audiobooks: Created in the 1930s by the American Foundation for the Blind to make literature accessible. Today, it is a multi-billion-dollar mainstream industry used by commuters, runners, and multitaskers.
The Typewriter/Keyboard: Pellegrino Turri built the first working typewriter in 1808 so his blind friend could write letters independently. That mechanical prototype paved the way for the QWERTY keyboards we type on today.
Dark Mode & High-Contrast Displays: Built for users with visual impairments or light sensitivity. Today, almost everyone uses them to reduce eye strain in low-light conditions or to save device battery.
Designing for accessibility isn't about "special accommodations"-it is simply good design. When you solve for a specific constraint, you often find a simpler, more elegant solution for the masses.
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1 reply by Verónica Elizabeth Pozo Ruiz
Jul 14, 2026 10:21 AM
Verónica Elizabeth Pozo Ruiz
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Excellent examples, Sayed. Designing with accessibility in mind for people with disabilities is a crucial criterion that leads to a result benefiting many more people.
Furthermore! This is the "Curb-Cut Effect" in action-and it is one of the strongest arguments for universal design. When we design for the margins, we end up building a better experience for the middle.
A few incredible everyday examples of this: Closed Captions: Originally designed for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Today, they are the default way millions of people watch videos in noisy environments, quiet public spaces, or while learning a new language.
Audiobooks: Created in the 1930s by the American Foundation for the Blind to make literature accessible. Today, it is a multi-billion-dollar mainstream industry used by commuters, runners, and multitaskers.
The Typewriter/Keyboard: Pellegrino Turri built the first working typewriter in 1808 so his blind friend could write letters independently. That mechanical prototype paved the way for the QWERTY keyboards we type on today.
Dark Mode & High-Contrast Displays: Built for users with visual impairments or light sensitivity. Today, almost everyone uses them to reduce eye strain in low-light conditions or to save device battery.
Designing for accessibility isn't about "special accommodations"-it is simply good design. When you solve for a specific constraint, you often find a simpler, more elegant solution for the masses.
Excellent examples, Sayed. Designing with accessibility in mind for people with disabilities is a crucial criterion that leads to a result benefiting many more people. Saving Changes...
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