Inclusivity
My aspiration as a designer is to bring together behavioral thinking and product design to create inclusive digital experiences that empower people, with the broader goal of supporting psychological well-being.
Having felt the effects of digital inequality amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, when a distressed woman frantically approached me at Heathrow Airport to help her scan a self-declaration form, it became evident that a significant disparity exists due to the rate at which our society is technologically advancing. This poignant experience instilled in me the desire to create intuitive, nonverbal, and non-conscious designs that empower individuals and the next billion others.
To pursue this vision more intentionally, I took a course on accessibility during my master’s program at the University of Michigan. The course helped me deepen my understanding of how to design technology with every individual in mind, not just those with the loudest needs or the most digital fluency.
As part of this course, I chose to audit the official Formula 1 website.I chose to audit Formula 1 not only because of my love for the sport, but also because it stands as one of the most expensive and heavily sponsored industries in the world, supported by a massive global fanbase. I was curious - would a global brand with endless funding and technical resources meet the basic standards of inclusive design?
What I found revealed a deeper gap: accessibility isn’t just a matter of resources. It’s about priorities.
Breaking Down the Gaps: A Closer Look at F1’s Digital Experience
Key Insights
• Accessibility issues such as low contrast, small tap targets, and confusing navigation hinder both new and experienced users
• Even users without impairments experienced cognitive overload
• Even high-profile platforms can overlook inclusivity when it’s not part of the design process from the start