Mainstream design does not always take into consideration those with special needs. Design for All is a design that acknowledges human diversity, social inclusion and equality.
BS EN 17161 promotes accessibility following a Design for All approach in mainstream products, goods, and services; and interoperability of these with assistive technologies.
BS EN 17161 specifies requirements that enable you to design, develop and provide products, goods, and services so that they can be accessed, understood, and used by the widest range of users, including persons with disabilities.
Note: BS EN 17161 does not provide technical design specifications and does not imply uniformity in design or functionality of products, goods, and services.
BS EN 17161 on inclusive products and services design is useful for organizations associated with:
Extending your range of users is a win-win for all stakeholders. The application domains of Design for All include every field involving Information and Communication Technologies. BS EN 17161 specifies requirements and recommendations that enables an organization to extend their range of users by identifying diverse needs, characteristics, capabilities, and preferences, by directly or indirectly involving users, and by using knowledge about accessibility in its procedures and processes.
BS EN 17161 specifies requirements that can enable an organization to meet applicable statutory and regulatory requirements as related to the accessibility of its products, goods, and services. The requirements set out in BS EN 17161 are generic and are intended to be applicable to all relevant parts of all organisations, regardless of type, size or products, goods and services provided. Following BS EN 17161 guidelines ensures that your products, goods, and services reach as many people as reasonably possible.
EN 17161:2019