Designing for adaptability
One of the core principles guiding our visual design and interface was adaptability.
We recognized that people constantly modify interfaces to suit their needs. They expect to be able to zoom in, switch color modes, or even install custom UI plugins.
We built the UI to support multiple color modes: light, dark, and high contrast. We offered different reading layouts, such as list and grid views, and made these options easy to find and toggle. Our goal was to give people control over their experience, acknowledging that no single design can meet everyone’s needs out of the box. Beyond this initial set of capabilities, Fluent 2 enables ongoing adaptability.
Our approach also helped us avoid the trap of designing for specific medical conditions. Not everyone identifies as having a disability. Not everyone has a formal diagnosis. Even among people with the same condition, needs and preferences can vary widely. Instead of assuming what people need based on a diagnosis, we focused on giving people agency. By designing for flexibility, we recognize that all people have unique needs, regardless of shared experiences or conditions. That adaptability supports accessibility beyond compliance. It expresses a core belief about who we design for and why.
The Microsoft Inclusive Design website is a living expression of a guiding philosophy. One that places people at the center, embraces complexity, and champions technology as a force for equity. In this era of AI-driven innovation, that philosophy remains essential to shaping technology that truly includes everyone.
The rebuilt Microsoft Inclusive Design website reflects a collective effort grounded in collaboration, co‑design, and lived experience. This work was made possible through exceptional leadership from Doug Kim and close partnership across disciplines:
Design: Anna E. Cook, Cherisha Agarwal, My’ria Wilbert
Engineering: Jacqueline Aziz, Adriana Orantes
Product Management: Yue Ou
Research: Deepika Raj, PhD
Content: Janell Kennerly
CELA: Christina Mallon
We are also deeply grateful to the wider Inclusive Design community. Your perspectives, feedback, and lived experiences shaped every decision—from structure and navigation to theming and content delivery. This site exists because we continue to learn together.
We believe in progress, not perfection. If you notice gaps or bugs, or have ideas for how the site can grow, we’d love to hear from you at [email protected].
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