Design Unleashed: What Is Inclusive Design and Why Does It Matter?

Middle School Art & Design Technology teacher Ash Beck’s Grade 7 Design Technology students joined forces with Tregaron Making & Design Initiatives Coordinator Kristen Kullberg in the Alan Reese Design Lab to explore these essential questions through a hands-on, empathy-driven project: designing toys for dogs with disabilities.

Kristen elaborates: The project began with students taking apart popular dog toys to better understand their components and the purpose behind each design choice. From there, we reimagined these toys through the lens of inclusive design — designing things so they can be used, enjoyed, and accessed by as many people (and animals) as possible by intentionally considering a wide range of needs, abilities, and experiences from the very beginning. Each student was assigned a unique canine “client” and challenged to deeply understand that dog’s specific abilities, limitations, and needs before designing a toy especially for them.

But our learning didn’t stop in the Design Lab. Once prototypes were complete, we boarded the WIS bus and traveled an hour and a half to meet our clients at Pets With Disabilities, a sanctuary and adoption resource for animals with mobility and other challenges. It was there that the true impact of inclusive design came to life, as dogs often overlooked in the toy design process were given objects made specifically with their unique needs in mind.

During our time at PWD, we spent the afternoon meeting some truly unforgettable dogs. Lucy, the 15-year-old three-legged ambassador, preferred to make her grand appearances only when escorted by her new friend, Grade 7 student Jacob. Jett, the two-legged ambassador with endless lab energy, bounced, wrestled, and cuddled his way into everyone’s hearts. Duchess, also known as “Big Mama,” a blind white German Shepherd, brought a calm, steady presence, reminding us that courage can be gentle and progress can happen at its own pace. And then there was Luke — who, thanks to a toy designed just for him by WIS students Tara and Chloe, played his very first successful game of fetch! His trainers and therapists watched in amazement as a simple, thoughtful design unlocked a brand-new way for him to play.

Some students reflected on the experience:

Kuba: I want people to learn that all animals deserve a loving, caring family and should not be looked down upon because of their disabilities. 

Jacob: I hope people feel inspired to help dogs that are in need and to help people who deserve help, too. 

When brought together, our students and their canine clients captured the joy, resilience, and spirit we strive to design for: the freedom to play, connect, and belong.