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Discover how inclusive design can improve your business by enhancing employee well-being, boosting customer loyalty, and driving revenue. Learn actionable tips for creating inclusive physical and digital spaces that work for everyone, no matter their background or abilities.
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What if we told you that something as simple as the look and layout of your workspace—or even your website—could be holding your team or your customers back?
From the color of the walls to the placement of your cubicles, tiny details can have a surprisingly big impact on how people feel and perform.
And the same goes for your digital spaces. If your website is hard to navigate, has hard-to-read text, or makes users hunt for important buttons, you might be pushing people away without even realizing it.
This isn’t about trendy aesthetics or throwing up some inspirational artwork. It’s about something far more impactful: inclusive design.
It’s a concept that major companies across industries are embracing to improve both employee well-being and customer experience.
Inclusive design is the practice of intentionally creating environments—physical or digital—that are welcoming, comfortable, and usable for everyone, no matter their background, abilities, or circumstances.
In this post, we’re diving into what inclusive design really means, how it’s different from simply being “accessible,” and why embracing it can transform the way your business connects with people—whether they’re walking into your office or visiting your site.
Inclusive design is about designing with people, not just for them. It means anticipating the needs of those often left out—whether due to disability, neurodivergence, race, gender identity, or minority status.
As the saying goes, “If we don’t intentionally include, we risk unintentionally excluding.” Without considering diverse perspectives, we may create products or spaces that only work for a select few.
Great inclusive design is seamless and thoughtful, never drawing attention to itself or making anyone feel singled out. It’s a collaborative effort, involving teams from various roles and bringing in insights from users, employees, and designers. Especially in the workplace, it can remove barriers for people like neurodivergent employees.
When done right, inclusive design creates an experience that works for everyone—not just the majority.
Let’s start with a quick definition: Neurodiversity simply means that people’s brains work in different ways. It’s a natural variation in how we think, learn, and process the world.
This includes conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, and even things like seasonal affective disorder. Just like about 1 in 5 people have some kind of physical disability, it’s estimated that 15–20% of people are neurodivergent. That’s a lot of folks—probably someone on your team right now.
So, what kind of challenges do neurodivergent people run into in the workplace?
‍Distractions
‍We all deal with distractions—pinging notifications, people talking nearby, thin walls that don’t block out noise. But for someone who’s neurodivergent, these things can be really disruptive. It’s not just annoying—it can totally throw off focus and productivity.
‍Sensory Overload
‍Some people experience the world in a much more intense way. Sounds, lights, smells—things others might not notice can become overwhelming. Imagine trying to concentrate while every light flicker or HVAC hum feels amplified.
‍Wayfinding
‍Navigating big, complex office spaces can be tough—especially when there aren’t clear signs or directions. Many neurodivergent folks thrive on routines and structure. When things are chaotic or confusing, it can create anxiety or disorientation.
At the end of the day, accessibility is really about options. What works for one person may not work for another—and that’s okay. Creating spaces and systems that are customizable helps everyone, not just those with specific needs.
As Apple puts it: Accessibility isn’t just about needs—it’s about making life easier and work smoother for everyone.
Inclusive design isn’t just a “nice touch”—it’s a smart business move.
When you design with everyone in mind, more people can access, enjoy, and engage with what you offer.
That means more customers, stronger loyalty, and yes—more revenue. It’s not just about accessibility (though that’s a big part of it). It’s about creating digital experiences that work for real people in real situations—whatever their abilities, backgrounds, or circumstances.
So if you’re looking to grow, stand out, and future-proof your business, inclusive design should be part of your strategy. Here are five reasons why it pays off:
If people can’t easily use your website or product, they won’t stick around. In fact, nearly 70% of users will leave a site that isn’t accessible—often without saying a word. That’s a lot of lost business.
Think of it like a physical store with no signs and a jammed front door. That’s how a clunky website feels to someone with a disability—or even just bad lighting on their phone screen.
Inclusive design changes that. When your digital experience works for everyone—from screen reader users to one-handed scrollers—you’re sending a clear message:
‍“You belong here.” That kind of intentionality builds trust, boosts engagement, and expands your customer base.
It’s not just the right thing to do—it’s smart business.
It’s easy to design based on your own needs—but that can leave others out. As McKinsey’s Madison Berger says, “It’s really common to end up just designing for yourself.”
Inclusive design challenges you to consider different perspectives, which often leads to smarter, more thoughtful solutions. Like subtitles: essential for some, helpful for many—whether you’re in a loud café, holding a sleeping baby, or learning a new language.
When you widen your lens, everyone benefits.
Inclusive design doesn’t just improve your product—it can also grow your revenue. According to Accenture, companies that prioritize inclusion see 1.6x more revenue and double the profit compared to competitors.
Magical Teams’ case studies show this in action—businesses saw real growth after making inclusive design and systems improvements.
Why? Because inclusive design opens your business to more people, not just the majority. That means more reach, more customers, and more impact. It’s not just the right thing to do—it’s a smart business move.
Inclusive design isn’t just good for your customers—it makes work better for your team too. When the workplace is set up to support different needs, people feel more valued, focused, and motivated.
Deloitte found that inclusive companies are 6x more innovative and twice as likely to meet financial goals. When employees have what they need to thrive, they’re more engaged and productive—and that means better results for your business.
Inclusive design starts with empathy—recognizing that not everyone experiences your product, space, or website the same way. When you consider a wide range of needs, you send a clear message: You matter.
‍That kind of care builds trust and loyalty. Customers who feel seen and respected are more likely to stick around, spread the word, and advocate for your brand. In the long run, that connection is what fuels lasting success.
When we think of inclusive design, we often picture physical spaces—like ramps, elevators, or quiet rooms. But in today’s world, digital spaces matter just as much. And for companies that work primarily online, inclusive design can be a game-changer—not only for your team but also for your customers.
Creating inclusive digital experiences is about making sure everyone—no matter their background, ability, or internet speed—can access and enjoy what you offer. That means your website, app, online content, and even your digital workspaces (like Slack or Notion) should be built with accessibility in mind.
Here are some practical and powerful ways to make your digital space more inclusive, inspired by tips from Goran Paun at Entrepreneur.com:‍
       1. Use icons and microinteractions that are smooth and simple
Not everyone has lightning-fast Wi-Fi or a high-powered device. Design elements that work well on slower connections or older systems make sure no one gets left behind.
       2. Choose images that reflect the real world
Ditch the one-size-fits-all stock photos. Show racial, cultural, body-type, and gender diversity in your visuals to help everyone feel represented.
       3. Add closed captions to videos
This helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing—and it’s also great for folks watching videos in noisy places or who can’t use sound at the moment.
       4. Be mindful with colors and fonts
Make sure your color contrast is high enough for visually impaired users to read easily, and pick font styles and sizes that don’t strain the eyes.
       5. Use gender-neutral and inclusive language
Avoid assumptions and opt for words that are welcoming to all identities. It’s a small change that goes a long way in making people feel respected.
       6. Keep your content clear and focused
Use plain, straightforward language and put the most important info up front. This helps everyone—especially people with cognitive or learning differences—navigate your site with confidence.
       7. Stick to consistent branding and navigation.
A familiar layout helps users know what to expect. It also boosts their trust and encourages them to explore more of your site without feeling overwhelmed.
       8. Test your design with a diverse group of users.
Don’t just assume it works—get feedback from people with different abilities, races, gender identities, and backgrounds. This helps you uncover blind spots and ensure your message lands the way you intend.
Inclusive design isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a business strategy that works. When companies create environments (online and off) that welcome people of all abilities, backgrounds, and neurotypes, they don’t just check a box—they unlock better performance, innovation, and long-term growth.
At Magical Teams, we help businesses like yours embrace inclusive practices that break down barriers and build real connection—with your team and your customers. From accessible digital design to systems that empower diverse teams, we bring clarity, empathy, and strategy to your operations.
The results speak for themselves: inclusive companies are 1.7x more motivated and 120% more likely to reach their financial goals.
If you’re ready to create a workplace where everyone can thrive—and your business can too—we’re here to help you make it happen.
👉 Book a free call with Magical Teams today, and let’s talk about how to make inclusion a smart, scalable part of your growth strategy.
