ICT for all: Where do we stand?

Abstract

Although its importance is undeniable, designing in a more inclusive way is not yet fully adopted in the field of design and planning, whose reference continues to be the standard man. An approach which not only excludes people with disabilities, but also other categories that diverge from the physical and cognitive characteristics of the standard human model, such as women, the elderly, and children. This problem affects different contexts and can be observed especially in the area of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), which are often designed without taking into account the peculiarities that distinguish these categories of users. Referring to the categories affected by the digital divide, the article reflects on the need to promote specific methodologies, such as Universal Design and User-centered Design, so that attitudinal and psychological issues related to different categories of users are considered.