Inclusive Design for a Digital World
Designing with Accessibility in Mind (Design Thinking)
Author
Regine M. Gilbert
User Experience Designer
Author
Details
- Print length 296 pages
- Publication date December 20, 2019
- Available in Paperback and eBook
About the Book
Inclusive Design for a Digital World is a forward-looking guide to creating technology that works for everyone. Author Regine M. Gilbert, an expert in user experience design, presents accessibility not as a checklist or an obligation, but as a core part of thoughtful, human-centered design. This book offers a clear, practical, and compassionate introduction to designing digital experiences that welcome users of all abilities.
Grounded in real-world examples, it introduces readers to the principles of inclusive design, the lived experiences of people with disabilities, and the tools needed to build more accessible apps, websites, and digital tools from the start.
Why It Matters
As digital products continue to shape how we communicate, learn, work, and connect, inclusive access has become a vital part of digital equity. Many designers and developers don’t realize how easily technology can unintentionally exclude users with disabilities. This book serves as a wake-up call—challenging creators to think broadly, build responsibly, and prioritize inclusion across every phase of the product lifecycle.
What You’ll Learn
- The ethical and practical case for designing with accessibility in mind
- How to identify barriers that users with disabilities may face online
- Methods for integrating accessibility into user research and design decisions
- An overview of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and legal context
- How to test digital products for accessibility and usability
- Design strategies for users with visual, motor, cognitive, and hearing differences
- How emerging technologies like VR and AR can be made more inclusive
Key Topics Covered
- Inclusive principles rooted in empathy and universal design thinking
- Assistive technologies and how users interact with them
- Accessibility across platforms, from web and mobile to immersive environments
- Common pitfalls in content design, interaction design, and interface decisions
- Inclusive research methods that capture diverse user needs
- Tools for conducting accessibility audits and usability testing
Who Should Read It
- Designers, developers, and product managers building digital tools
- Content strategists and researchers seeking to better understand accessibility
- Students and professionals in UX, UI, and human-computer interaction fields
- Teams working toward more ethical, inclusive digital practices
- Anyone interested in making technology more usable, equitable, and welcoming
Final Thoughts
Inclusive Design for a Digital World is an essential read for anyone serious about building digital products that serve everyone—not just the average user. Regine M. Gilbert offers both vision and actionable strategies, helping you move from awareness to implementation. Whether you're just beginning your accessibility journey or deepening your commitment to inclusive design, this book offers the insights and tools to do the work well.
Leave a Review for This Book
Every reader’s perspective adds value. Whether this book challenged you, inspired you, or wasn’t your favorite, we’d love to hear about it. Sharing your honest review helps others find books that resonate. All reviews will be published on the book’s page. Your email will stay private.
Thank you for submitting your review! Once it’s been reviewed by our team, it will be published on the book’s page.
We appreciate your contribution to the Accessibility Book Club community.
Discover the power of knowledge through our featured book.
Each book offers an opportunity to learn from industry leaders in the exploration of digital accessibility principles and practices. The titles serve as a vital resource for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding and implementation of industry standards.
Key Themes
Inclusivity, user experience, and practical strategies for accessible design are all taken into consideration when choosing each book.
Accessibility Highlights
We love books that dive deep into accessibility principles, best practices and teach readers common terminology and techniques.
"Knowledge is power." - Thomas Jefferson
Discover Your Next Read or Suggest One for the List
Explore the curated selection of books on our annual reading list. If you do not see a title you think we should read please let us know. Be apart of our vibrant community to enhance your knowledge and skills in inclusive design.
Join the Book Discussion
We want to know more—share your thoughts and insights with fellow members.
Member Feedback
This is what our members are saying about the club:
It brought me closer to the people who really care for accessibility. The Accessibility Book Club has been an incredible space to share ideas, learn from passionate individuals, and grow as an advocate for inclusive design. I also connected with Manuel, the author of Web Accessibility Cookbook, and had the prestigious opportunity to professionally review his book and learn his inspiring story. As someone deeply inspired by accessible design—especially with my mother being a teacher for students with special needs—this community holds a special place in my heart. 💙
Yash Raj Bharti
UXE (front end) Lead
I love the Accessibility Book Club. The participants bring such good questions, and the Club is so thoughtfully organized. Sometimes we talk about care as a value in disability work in ways that can get unarticulated in the context of more technical work. I found Accessibility Book Club to be a great place for smart conversations done with care about access work. I'm incredibly grateful to have had my book read and discussed by this group. Thank you all!
Ashley Shew
Associate Professor of Science, Technology, and Society
I joined the Accessibility Book Club because accessibility is something I care deeply about, and I wanted to connect with others who truly 'get it.' It’s a space where I can learn, and be part of a community that shares my passion for making an impact.
Dr. Nicole L'Etoile, Ed.D.
Learning Experience Designer
I was overwhelmed when I clicked the Zoom link and saw a full screen with faces looking at me. All these people decided to spend time with me and ask questions about my book and accessibility. That’s an experience I will never forget. The Accessibility Book Club is a unique and invaluable initiative I can wholeheartedly recommend.
Manuel Matuzović
Author Web Accessibility Cookbook
I have always wanted to join a book club and was very happy when I discovered one that was about accessibility! Not only does this book club give us the chance to learn more, it also gives us a platform to connect with people passionate about accessibility.
Amber Wilson
Founder & CEO
I joined the Accessibility Book Club after hearing my advisor speak about her book, and I’ve been inspired by the opportunity to discover what this incredible community is reading in the ever-evolving world of accessibility.
Sonal Sathe
Doctoral Student
I recommended the Accessibility Book Club to my daughter, an aspiring UI/UX designer, so she could connect with a community of professionals and access the wealth of knowledge in the books we’re reading. This group isn’t just helping her education—it’s setting her up to be a standout candidate in her future career.
Dana McMullen
Digital Accessibility Trusted Tester and Consultant