The Inclusive Design Institute is a research community and regional research hub focusing on the inclusive design of emerging information and communication systems and practices.
IDI research addresses the full life cycle of information and communication systems and practices - from design to implementation to evaluation and policy.
IDI is a community that values collaboration, broad participation, transparency, and openness. IDI research projects engage a range of disciplines, sectors, and collaborating organizations from around the world.
What is Inclusive Design?
Inclusive design enables and supports the participation of individuals and groups representing the full range of human diversity.
Using agile development, participatory and user-centred design practices, IDI researches, designs, and develops technology that enables matching the needs and preferences of each individual user.
How can I get involved?
The IDI is always looking for new community members, whether researchers, students, organizations or volunteers. The IDI supports participatory design - we especially need your input if information and communication technologies and practices do not currently meet your needs.
Get in touch with us!
Inclusive Design Institute
OCAD University
205 Richmond Street West, Second Floor
Toronto, Ontario M5V 1V3
Canada
email: idi@ocad.ca
phone: 1.416.977.6000, ext. 3968
Work that we do
Research & Development
IDI research attempts to achieve the greatest impact by addressing development and authoring tools that are used to create applications and content, and by providing proactive guidance and inclusively designed exemplars.
Curriculum
The IDI is actively developing curriculum within OCAD University for a degree program in inclusive design. Training opportunities provided by the IDI are composed of workshops, online courses, and conferences.
Tools of Research
The IDI research yields a number of tools such as web-based captioning, a CSS framework, a component library, book digitization rig and software, and learning tools.
Featured Tools
- Fluid Infusion An open source framework and library of components for building inclusively designed web interfaces
- ATutor An open source, accessible, learning management system
Policy
IDI works with international organizations that create standards for accessible information design including the AODA, W3C, ISO, and the IMS Global Learning Consortium.
Services
Our philosophy is to empower individuals by providing access to the tools and knowledge needed to meet personal goals. The aim of our service programs is to provide information, support, training and resources that allow individuals to make informed decisions.