Inclusivity in Design: Integrating human-centered methodologies in disability research

To achieve equity in health and research, the inclusion and active participation of people with disabilities (PWD) is critical. Our commentary posits that human-centered design (HCD) is essential in medical research's equity efforts. Eliciting issues from end-users directly and implementing an iterative problem-solving process, HCD is a framework well-suited to capture the lived experiences of PWD, better understand their unique needs, and work towards addressing them. Disability research in healthcare is frequently not conducted in equal partnership with its end-users, PWD. Current practices, like inclusive design, though well-intentioned, may overlook the complex experiences of PWD, leading to ineffective interventions. Medical research must centralize PWD to uncover outcomes resonant with the disability community. Integrating HCD frameworks of “Inspiration”, “Ideation”, “Implementation” and the “Investment” required to conduct HCD in disability research represents a shift towards research methodologies collaboratively created with and by PWD, embracing inclusivity and respect in person-centered care.