Institute for Human Centered Design

Dedicated to enhancing the experiences
of people of all ages, abilities, and cultures
through excellence in design.
Let's Work Together

The Changing Reality of Disability in America: 2020

This documentary film and research project reexamines the experience of disability in America, and shines a light on the stories of those all too often left behind. Watch the documentary below and read the full research report.

Services

An education lecture at IHCD

Education

Opportunities for learning through IHCD include a Lunch & Learn series, trainings, workshops and events. Internship and fellowship opportunities are also available all-year-round.

People discussing design

Consulting

Our scope for consulting includes, among others, plan reviews, assessment of accessibility in the built environment and testing of digital and web accessibility.

Employees designing on computers

Design

IHCD works with entrepreneurs, designers and businesses to evaluate concepts, prototypes or existing designs to assess usability for the widest possible spectrum of people.

A blind user testing a prototype

Research

IHCD has an established database of user/experts, chosen for each opportunity to find the best match between the person and the project.

Services

Inclusive Design

Inclusive design is design that works for the widest sepctrum of users without the need for specialized adaptation, It centers around the user experience with a focus on social sustainability. IHCD uses the World Health Organization’s Definition of Disability as the foundation for our consulting and research work in the field and in our user/expert lab. We believe that good design must work not only for as many users as possible, but also enhance everyone’s experience.

Inclusive Design
a woman reading about inclusive design in the home

News & Events

A woman with milky skin, dark features and a bright smile standing against an autumn cityscape in New England. Her chunky yellow necklace compliment her top and the foliage in the background.

IHCD is thrilled to announce the appointment of Taciana Ribeiro Saab, our new Director of the New England ADA Center (NEADA), as of November 16th. Taciana brings a wealth of experience and passion for creating positive change in disability justice. She steps into the role ably held by…

Professor Emeritus Raymond Lifchez; an elderly white man with white hair wearing a gray sweater while sitting in a library

In the aftermath of Professor Emeritus Raymond Lifchez's passing (1932-2023), the Institute for Human Centered Design honors his remarkable legacy rooted in inclusive design principles.

For more than 50 years, Lifchez influenced countless lives through his teaching, advocacy for…

an access symbol of a blue character using a white cane against a yellow backdrop

White Cane Awareness Day aim to increase awareness and independence for blind individuals. The white cane enables safe navigation through diverse spaces, be it workplaces, schools, or neighborhoods. This simple yet transformative tool fosters freedom and self-sufficiency.

Established to…

Madeleine with other Mohegans at the Mohegan Wigwam Festival, August 2019.

In celebration of Indigenous Peoples' Day, we honor Indigenous Americans by delving into their rich histories and cultures. Through these interviews, we aim to foster understanding and uplift those impacted by disability.

Join us in welcoming Madeleine Hutchins, a Mohegan storyteller and…

News & Events

User/Expert Lab

A user/expert is a person who has developed expertise by means of their lived experience in dealing with the challenges of the environment due to a physical, sensory or cognitive functional limitation. IHCD has an established database of user/experts who range from adolescents to people in their ‘80s. Participants help review the usability and accessibility of physical environments as well as products, services and new technologies.

two blind users sitting on a couch

New England ADA Center

IHCD is home to the New England ADA Center; the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a comprehensive federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination in all aspects of life on the basis of disability. There are five Titles within the ADA that outline rights and responsibilities of employers, state and local government, businesses and non-profits, architects and designers and individuals and advocates, and IHCD strives to help customers reach standards set by these titles.

ADA 30th anniversary logo
New England ADA

About Us

A blind man reading with his dog

Mission

We are committed to advancing the role of design in expanding opportunity and enhancing experience for people of all ages, abilities and cultures through excellence in design.

Valerie Fletcher with a group of students

Team

IHCD has built a large family of friends and allies over 30 years, and we are proud to say that this inner circle is characterized by both longevity of commitment and an appetite for the next frontier.

The outside view on IHCD's offices

Directions

IHCD is located at 560 Harrison Ave, Unit 401, Boston, MA 02114.

Visit the directions page for more detailed directions.

Sherll, IHCD's administrative assistant answering the phone.

Contact

Telephone:
1 (617) 695-1225 (v/tty)

Fax: 1 (617) 482-8099
Email: info@IHCDesign.org

About Us