The Process

The Design for All Switzerland process is based on three main pillars and can be used in every field that involves designing, planning, and organizing (such as architecture, design, communication, cultural services, tourism, and sports).

These three main pillars are:

The pursuit of solutions that balance harmony and inclusivity

The expression of inclusion in ways that combine aesthetics and value

The consultation of users - with and without disabilities - in specific phases of the process

Design for All uses the analysis of needs and desires to create a synthesis between different points of view, with a focus on nurturing the full autonomy of the individual.

The defining features of a Design for All process are:

All-round and holistic accessibility
and multisensory experiences that are aligned with human diversity, and thus, improving them.

Social responsibility
Enabling public, private, and civil society organizations to be aware and involved in ongoing change related to inclusion issues, in accordance with the UN Agenda 30 goals for sustainable development.

Right to beauty
Avril Accolla's slogan, which states: 'If it's not beautiful, it's not Design for All', demonstrates her complete understanding of the need to combine both function and aesthetics in inclusive projects.

Sustainability in absolute terms
It is linked to the conscious use of materials and natural resources, but also the ability to bring together different systems, including the social and economic paradigms. Sustainable development must meet the needs and rights of today’s generations, without compromising the ability of future societies to progress and live. Each action must be balanced to avoid inequalities, including the right to mobility.

A project is Design for All when it aims at reaching:

The expression of human plurality in spaces conceived for All
The spaces are not divided according to the type of user, but rather designed to accommodate the majority of users (including individuals with disabilities, elderly individuals, and families). Hence, avoiding the sole focus on physical limitations and highlighting the singularities and strengths of each individual instead.

Participation of people with and without disabilities
This does not mean calling the non-specialists to design; it means considering the requirements of "All" during the main stages of projects, so that their wants and needs are represented in aesthetically interesting ways.

To conduct consultation, one can either consult with representatives of people with disabilities (such as specialists from the Competence Centre) or request direct participation of people with disabilities (working group).

The main goal is to design with people and not only for people.