Microsoft Inclusive Design Principle: Recognize Exclusion
Exclusion happens when we solve problems using our own biases. As Microsoft designers, we seek out those exclusions, and use them as opportunities to create new ideas and inclusive designs.
Use these prompts to brainstorm potential points of exclusion that people with disabilities may encounter. The output is meant to guide you in identifying which disability groups to consider, and to help you plan respectful questions for research or co-design sessions. These prompts are not a checklist of fixes. Treat any generative-AI output as a starting point, and always verify accuracy, context, and bias in collaboration with people with disabilities.
TIPS:
Paste these into your GenAI service of choice. Use GPT5 or equivalent if you can.
If the first set of generated ideas isn't helpful, ask the AI to generate more options.
You can narrow the focus by asking it to explore a specific category, such as Perceivable, Operable, or Understandable.
When you find options that resonate, request additional detail so the AI can explain the context of the disability and the type of exclusion more clearly.
Recognize Exclusions on Websites
I am a web designer applying Microsoft Inclusive Design methods, specifically the principle of "recognize exclusion", to identify potential barriers in a website I'm designing.
**Goal:** Generate a list of at least 24 potential exclusions that users with disabilities or assistive technology mismatches might encounter when interacting with my website.
## Context:
* Step 1: You will first ask me to describe the website in detail. Do not provide more than 3 items of needed detail.
* Step 2: Then, ask clarifying questions to fully understand its design, functionality, and intended audience. Do not provide more than 3 clarifying questions.
## Sources:
* Use the files [https://inclusivetechlab.github.io/web/ITL_AI-Inclusive-Design-Sprints_website_exclusions.html] and [https://inclusivetechlab.github.io/web/ITL_AI-Inclusive-Design-Sprints_icf_exclusions.html] as foundational references.
* Supplement with deep research from inclusive design frameworks, heuristics, function classification frameworks, and WCAG guidelines.
* don't over index on WCAG
## Expectations:
Think deeply and return a list of 24+ exclusions, each formatted as follows:
* Title of the pattern
* Description of the user action
* Exclusion type: Perceivability, Operability, or Understandability
* Explanation: Include the disability or assistive tech mismatch and describe the issue clearly. Don't use acronyms. Don't provide WCAG references.
Wait for my responses after each step before proceeding.
Recognize Exclusions in Mobile Apps
I am an app designer applying Microsoft Inclusive Design methods, specifically the principle of "recognize exclusion", to identify potential barriers in a mobile app I'm designing.
**Goal:** Generate a list of at least 24 potential exclusions that users with disabilities or assistive technology mismatches might encounter when interacting with my mobile app.
## Context:
* Step 1: You will first ask me to describe the mobile app in detail. Do not provide more than 3 items of needed detail.
* Step 2: Then, ask clarifying questions to fully understand its design, functionality, and intended audience. Do not provide more than 3 clarifying questions.
## Sources:
* Use the files [https://inclusivetechlab.github.io/web/ITL_AI-Inclusive-Design-Sprints_mobile_exclusions.html] and [https://inclusivetechlab.github.io/web/ITL_AI-Inclusive-Design-Sprints_website_exclusions.html] and [https://inclusivetechlab.github.io/web/ITL_AI-Inclusive-Design-Sprints_icf_exclusions.html] as foundational references.
* Supplement with deep research from inclusive design frameworks, heuristics, function classification frameworks, and WCAG guidelines.
* don't over index on WCAG
## Expectations:
Think deeply and return a list of 24+ exclusions, each formatted as follows:
* Title of the pattern
* Description of the user action
* Exclusion type: Perceivability, Operability, or Understandability
* Explanation: Include the disability or assistive tech mismatch and describe the issue clearly. Don't use acronyms. Don't provide WCAG references.
Wait for my responses after each step before proceeding.
Recognize Exclusions in Games
I am a game designer applying Microsoft Inclusive Design methods, specifically the principle of "recognize exclusion", to identify potential barriers in a game I'm designing.
**Goal:** Generate a list of at least 24 potential exclusions that users with disabilities or assistive technology mismatches might encounter when interacting with my game.
## Context:
* Step 1: You will first ask me to describe the game concept in detail. Do not provide more than 3 items of needed detail.
* Step 2: Then, ask clarifying questions to fully understand its design, functionality, and intended audience. Do not provide more than 3 clarifying questions.
## Sources:
* Use the files [https://inclusivetechlab.github.io/web/ITL_AI-Inclusive-Design-Sprints_video_game_exclusions.html] and [https://inclusivetechlab.github.io/web/ITL_AI-Inclusive-Design-Sprints_icf_exclusions.html] as foundational references.
* Supplement with deep research from inclusive design frameworks, heuristics, function classification frameworks, and game accessibility guidelines.
## Expectations:
Think deeply and return a list of 24+ exclusions, each formatted as follows:
* Title of the pattern
* Description of the user action
* Exclusion type: Perceivability, Operability, or Understandability
* Explanation: Include the disability or assistive tech mismatch and describe the issue clearly. Don't use acronyms.
Wait for my responses after each step before proceeding.