Design means solution, solution to a problem. As designis ubiquitous; it pervades all spheres of life, and has been around as long as life has taken up the task of purposefully changing the world around it. Research into design and the emergence of a research community in this area has been relatively new. Its development has been influenced by the multiple facets of design and the associated diversification of the community depending on the focus of their applications. Design is complex, balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders, it requires a study of areas of knowledge to be utilized, and resources spread across space and time.

The theme of Design for All Conference‘19 is“Inclusive Design”. Design for All aims to showcase outstanding research about inclusive design aiding to the ongoing process of developing and extending the collective vision through emerging research challenges and questions; and provide a platform for interaction, collaboration and development of the community in order for it to take up the challenges to realize the vision. The conference is intended for participants to design inclusive furniture which creates an all-embracing space for specially abled people.

While Design traditionally focused on the development of products that worked on their own, the emerging trend is to have products with a smart layer, which makes them context aware and responsive, both individually and collectively and fit for all.