Graphic designers often design based on their own perception and intuition, which can unconsciously exclude large groups of society. Inclusive design offers an approach to this. While there are many resources for inclusive design in the digital world, there is a lack of concrete recommendations for print. The aim of this thesis was to develop a guideline that offers practical recommendations for the inclusive design of print media.
The following research question was therefore posed: How should a guideline be structured to support graphic designers in designing inclusive print media? To answer this research question, a comprehensive literature review and a qualitative study based on guided interviews with experts in the field of inclusive design and inclusive communication were conducted. The literature research provided concrete design recommendations for the inclusive use of fonts, language, colours, images and materials.
The results of the expert interviews emphasised the importance of inclusive working methods from the very beginning of the design process. It became clear that raising awareness for inclusion and human diversity should be a central component of the guidelines. The ‘Gedruckte Vielfalt’ guidelines were developed based on literature research and expert interviews. They offer both concrete design recommendations and principles that promote inclusive working methods. The guidelines are intended to support graphic designers in designing print media that consider the diversity of all people— in terms of ability, language, culture, gender, age or other differences.
