Author Description

Product Description Sometimes designed objects reject their users: a computer mouse that doesn't work for left-handed people, for example, or a touchscreen payment system that only works for people who read English phrases, have 20/20 vision, and use a credit card. These mismatches are the building blocks of exclusion. In Mismatch, Kat Holmes describes how design can lead to exclusion, and how design can also remedy exclusion. Holmes tells stories of pioneers of inclusive design, many of whom were drawn to work on inclusion because of their own experiences of exclusion. A gamer and designer who depends on voice recognition shows Holmes his Wall of Exclusion, which displays dozens of game controllers that require two hands to operate; an architect shares her firsthand knowledge of how design can fail communities; an astronomer who began to lose her eyesight adapts a technique called sonification so she can listen to the stars. Designing for inclusion is not a feel-good sideline. Holmes shows how inclusion can be a source of innovation and growth, especially for digital technologies. It can be a catalyst for creativity and a boost for the bottom line as a customer base expands. And each time we remedy a mismatched interaction, we create an opportunity for more people to contribute to society in meaningful ways. About the Author John Maeda is the chief experience officer at the digital consulting arm of the Publicis Group. Previous to that he was the Head of Computational Design and Inclusion at Automattic. An engineer, computer scientist, and designer by training, Maeda is also the former president of the Rhode Island School of Design and was a partner at Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield, & Byers, the venture capitalist firm. His Ted talks on design are hugely popular, and he is the author of the books The Laws of Simplicity and Redesigning Leadership. Kat Holmes, named one of Fast Company's "Most Creative People i