A few weeks ago, I had an interesting conversation with a friend. We talked about whether or not we identify with our tech. I’m sure I speak for all of us when stating that we at least have to admit to some level of attachment; I mean how many of us leave home without our phone in our pocket.
But I also dare saying that this goes deeper for those of us who actually can’t imagine life without a technical aid. And I don’t mean that in the sense of not being able to check your Instagram feed for a few hours, but like in not being able to move. Literally. Or in some cases breathe.
For my friend and I, our devices are pretty much the very foundation of who we are, and the lives that we can imagine ourselves living. I’m next to nothing without my Permobil, or – of course – my phone, which involves so much more than an Instagram feed.
I will get back to my phone, and my friend, in just a bit, but first I would like to offer a brief introduction to something called independent living.
What is independent living?
Independent living is a theory/philosophy that states everyone’s right to live an independent life. Independent should not be understood as completely self-sufficient, but as no more dependent than anyone else. We are all codependent in a society – most of us use public transport, visit health facilities, have attended school or university, and so on.
For some of us, this codependency on a societal level also involves other services, such as for example the right to personal assistance, or – of course – the right to specific technical aids.
I’m obviously all about these rights, and a society without said services would not only go straight against basic human rights, but also be a society where – instead of living in a community as an equal citizen, I would probably end up in some sort of institutional facility, which would not only take away my complete freedom, but also, to be honest, most probably would shorten my lifespan quite drastically.
Assistive tech: sometimes life-saving, always life-shaping
I’m lucky enough (should be a basic right though…!) to have personal assistance, so smart home appliances may not be what keeps me out of institutional ”care”, but the fact is that many of my disabled friends are not so fortunate. For them, assistive technology which is possible to buy on an open market can really make all the difference. It may be the reason they are able to have a job, be a parent, a friend, a student, or a cat owner. But for me, it sure is handy too!
Let me give you a few examples:
During that discussion with my friend on whether we identify ourselves with the tech we use, we also started talking about neat functionalities that make things so much easier for us in our everyday lives. Stuff we either already have, or stuff we would like in the future.
Coffee is a non-negotiable ritual for both of us. I use an app-connected capsule machine to get the perfect cup, whereas he uses a smart thermos that notifies him when the brew hits exactly 65 degrees. Yes, it’s that serious.
Most of our homes are of course fueled by smart technology. We got all the obvious stuff, such as smart lights, robotic vacuum cleaners, humidifiers, and air cleaners. My friend is a big fan of his smart home hub, to which everything is connected, but I’ve yet to get one myself since my voice is rarely recognized by tech. (Maybe that’s something to keep in mind for those of you who develop these products: not all voices are loud and clear.)
Fridges and washing machines as tools for freedom
Some things on my list of to-buys for the future are a smart mattress, smart fridge, and smart washing machine. A smart mattress is pretty self-telling; we all wish for a good night’s sleep I guess. But a smart refrigerator and washing machine would for me not just be nice and fancy, it would also mean being in full control of my own home and house chores.
My personal assistants are great and handpicked by me very carefully. Many of them have turned into close friends over the years. But relying on six to seven individuals when it comes to your own stuff can sometimes be a bit tricky. Especially when it involves things such as finding groceries in the back of your fridge. Or making sure that fancy T-shirt is indeed put on the handwash-program, rather than the regular 40 degrees.
It would be great to have a fridge that can tell me when I’ve run out of milk, or beer for that matter. And to be in full command of my own laundry.
As you can see, smart home appliances are not just about convenience. It’s about who gets to have agency in a home, and who gets to be safe, spontaneous, and in control. Because that’s what smart technology can do – extend the possibilities for autonomy.
Design with, not just for
Before I wrap this up, I would like to offer one piece of advice: design with disabled people in the room. Not just as test users, but as co-creators, designers, developers, and decision-makers.
Because what’s good for us tends to be good for others too. Voice control helps busy parents. Smart lighting supports elderly folks. Hands-free cooking solutions are great for multitasking busy people. Inclusion isn’t a niche feature – it’s just good design.
So maybe it’s not about reinventing the wheel – or the washing machine – but about asking who it’s spinning for.
And if you’re thinking “huh, what if she’s right – maybe we should have more disabled people involved in our design process!?”, then great news for you! All you have to do is drop us an email at hello@axesslab.com! Axess Lab is full of brilliant, opinionated, disabled stars, and we’d love to work with you!
Because inclusion isn’t just a niche feature – it’s just good design.