Finding New Perspectives on a Field Trip

Recently, one of our teams took a trip to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in downtown Seattle to visit an exhibit featuring Microsoft products, thanks to our field trip perk. This perk allows WE employees to get away from the office to discover new, unexpected experiences and different perspectives. The exhibit, titled Open to All: Designing for the Full Range of Human Experience,highlighted the role that design plays in creating an environment of inclusivity. Microsoft's contributions showcased three technical advancements that break down barriers to accessibility: Skype Translator, Hearing AI, and OneNote. Skype Translator is breaking down language barriers, Hearing AI helps the hearing-impaired, and OneNote offers support to those with learning disabilities.

The exhibit explored how designers altered places, objects and experiences so they could be accessible to all through interactive installations. As a whole, we were challenged to think about disabilities in a more fluid way. One Microsoft installation, “Fostering Empathy,” displayed disabilities on a spectrum: permanent, temporary, and situational. For example, a sight disability can be permanent for a blind person, temporary for someone with cataracts, or situational for a distracted driver. We have all experienced disabilities at one point or another, but if it wasn’t permanent we may not have thought of it as such. As a group of people without any life-altering disabilities, we walked away with a deeper appreciation of our own capacities and a new awareness of how people of all abilities experience the world.

Walking through the exhibit was a mind-opening experience. The biggest takeaway, we agreed, was realizing the importance of considering alternative perspectives. When we use our own abilities as a baseline, we make things that are easy for some people to use, but difficult for others. Simple changes can have a huge impact. Many of the design solutions were not new inventions or complicated concepts; they simply involved “tweaking” a design or applying a product in a different way to make it accessible to all.

The exhibit created a lasting impact that we can to apply directly to our work:

• Simple solutions come from different perspectives. When facing a challenging business problem, invite outside perspectives.
• Encourage an environment of inclusivity. Leveraging your team will come naturally when they feel welcome to contribute.
• Move beyond the “One Size Fits All” approach. Taking the time to tailor your work will make a bigger impact in the long run.