Value and Values in Inclusive Design

Abstract

As an ethical design approach embedding with the human value of inclusiveness, inclusive design could contribute to economic value creation. However, research on the relationship between economic value and human values in inclusive design has seldom been explored. This preliminary literature review focuses on how value and values have been discussed in inclusive design research. The findings first present the evolving conceptions of inclusive design that formulate and transform the understanding of value and values. Then, existing literature on the economic value of inclusive design, and inclusive design for human values at both individual and social levels are reviewed respectively. We categorize these disparate discussions into ‘value creation’ and ‘value distribution’ and propose opportunities for an integrated approach that would bridge discussions on the economic value and human values in future research.