Digital tools built to connect with the public shouldn’t be off-putting, but too often the platforms meant to connect communities end up pushing people away with clunky design, confusing layouts or inaccessible content.
Inclusive design fosters a practical, human-first approach to digital experiences that removes barriers, builds trust and makes public services truly usable for everyone. Read on to discover why inclusive design matters for meaningful public engagement, examples of it in action and how you can embed it from day one.
Inclusive design goes beyond accessibility checklists. It’s about creating digital experiences that remove barriers, support diverse needs and invite participation from everyone – regardless of age, ability or background. That means clear navigation, mobile-first design, plain language and visual cues that reduce friction. When engagement feels open and approachable, more people take part, strengthening communities in the long run.
Often, digital platforms are the gateway to accessing public services. This means that if they’re hard to find, difficult to open or only work for a select few, people get left behind. By putting real users at the centre of the design process, we can build platforms that don’t just inform, but invite people to participate. This matters even more when the goal is to reach vulnerable communities or support people in navigating complex systems like healthcare, social services or local planning.
When public engagement is designed with everyone in mind, information is easier to find, support is simpler to access and people are more likely to take part and use the service again.
At Zudu, inclusive design underpins everything we build – from national health portals to community apps. Here are three examples of how inclusive design has helped drive engagement and improve outcomes.
Created in collaboration with Dundee City Council, this platform was built to help residents quickly access mental health services, food provision and other essential resources in one place.
Designed for speed, clarity and accessibility, the platform features:
By making it easier to find support without barriers or confusion, the platform helps people take action when they need it most.
Community Club App Series brings inclusive design to the heart of local sport. These custom-built mobile apps help grassroots teams connect with players, fans and families by providing:
Designed with players and their supporters in mind, the apps prioritise clarity, simplicity and accessibility – helping clubs deepen engagement and build stronger support networks around their teams.
While Triptix is focused on football travel, we improved the platform by making it simple to use, mobile-friendly and accessible – so everyone can book with ease.
Key improvements included:
By removing the pain points often found in travel booking platforms, we helped Triptix turn casual browsers into loyal travelers, showing how inclusive design can enhance engagement across sectors.
Inclusive design isn’t something that can be added at the end of a project – it needs to be integrated from day one. This starts with gaining a deep understanding of the people who will use the platform, their needs, behaviours and the obstacles they face when engaging with digital tools. One of the key principles of inclusive design is designing with real users in mind – this means testing with a diverse group of people across different devices, abilities and contexts. By embedding these practices from the start, digital experiences become more accessible, inclusive and effective for everyone.
At Zudu, inclusive design is more than a process – it’s part of our culture. From strategy and UX to content and development, we believe in using technology for good, and that means designing with purpose, empathy and impact from day one.
Inclusive design is the foundation of great digital engagement. Whether you’re creating tools for the public, communities or customers, ensuring that everyone can take part is critical.
Speak to the team to turn your idea into a digital reality and discover how you can engage the public with a truly inclusive platform.
