The invisible barriers created by a world designed for the average
In short: Sinéad Burke explores how standard design often excludes people with different physical needs. By sharing her lived experience as a little person, she challenges us to consider who is being left out of our everyday environments.
Standing at 105 centimeters (3' 5") tall, Burke highlights how common infrastructure—ranging from the height of door locks to the variety of shoe sizes available in stores—can create significant barriers to independence. Her perspective reveals how 'standard' design can inadvertently inhibit the ability of individuals to navigate the world autonomously.
The talk serves as a call to action for more inclusive design. It asks the fundamental question of who is being ignored by current manufacturing and architectural standards, urging a shift toward accessibility that accounts for diverse bodies.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Why design should include everyone | Sinéad Burke
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