Mismatch by Kat Holmes – How Inclusion Shapes Design
For this blog post, I reflect on Mismatch: How Inclusion Shapes Design, a book by Kat Holmes. Holmes challenges designers to think beyond the „one-size-fits-all“ mindset and consider how exclusion often stems from poorly designed systems. This book gives great insights into how inclusive design not only addresses the needs of marginalized communities but creates better experiences for everyone, which would also be the goal of my future research and work.
Mismatch as the root of exclusion
Holmes defines a „mismatch“ as the gap between a person’s abilities and the design of a product or environment. These mismatches create barriers that exclude individuals from fully participating in society. She argues that exclusion is often unintentional and comes from design decisions that overlook the diversity of human experiences.
Inclusion amplifies innovation
Holmes emphasizes that designing for inclusion doesn’t just solve problems for a small group, it can lead to innovations that improve experiences for everyone.
Start with people, not solutions
Holmes advocates for a human-centered design approach that prioritizes understanding the needs and experiences of users before jumping to solutions. She stresses the importance of involving diverse voices throughout the design process.
Inclusive design is a practice, not a checklist
Holmes warns against treating inclusion as a one-time task. Inclusive design is an ongoing process of identifying mismatches, testing solutions, and iterating based on feedback.
How this book shapes my approach
The author’s emphasis on identifying mismatches resonates deeply with my goal of creating educational tools that truly meet the needs of children with autism. Her framework provides a clear path forward:
- Understand the user experience: Conduct interviews and observations to identify where mismatches occur in current tools and approaches.
- Collaborate with users: Involve children and their caregivers in the design process to co-create solutions.
- Test and iterate: Treat every prototype as an opportunity to learn and improve, making sure that the tools evolve with the needs of the users.
- Think beyond disabilities: Consider how inclusive features can benefit all users, creating tools that are universal in their appeal and usability.
Kat Holmes’ Mismatch is a great reminder that exclusion is a design choice—and so is inclusion. By addressing mismatches, we can create products and environments that actually help and empower users.
References:
Holmes, Kat. Mismatch: How Inclusion Shapes Design. United Kingdom: MIT Press, 2018.