Design & Autism

Design & Autism. Design & Autism. An unconventional approach to inclusion through product innovation brings together contributions, first-hand experiences and projects that demonstrate how design can be a powerful tool for social and cultural inclusion. Just as autism is not a singular experience, but rather a spectrum of identities, design must be adaptable and able to evolve and embrace diverse viewpoints.

Rather than viewing autism as a problem to be solved, Design & Autism proposes it as an opportunity to rethink design practices and, more broadly, society itself. Through the COmeta laboratory experience, the book demonstrates that inclusive design is essential, not optional, and that designing with autistic individuals rather than for them can generate meaningful and transformative solutions.

The book examines the evolution of product design from a responsible perspective and the importance of co-design and neurodivergent perspectives in the creative process. It also features multidisciplinary contributions ranging from psychology and interaction technologies to toy design and the design of neuroinclusive spaces. It presents concrete examples of territorial networks and associations involved in autism-related activities.

Through a rich selection of projects developed within COmeta, the book provides designers, educators, caregivers and anyone interested in exploring the role of design in building a more open and inclusive society that values diversity with tools and inspiration.

Preface by: Fabrizio Acanfora

With contributions by: Giuseppe Andreoni, Andrea Bonarini, Daniela Bulgarelli, Luca Casartelli, Alessandra Damiani, Tommaso Elli, Giorgia Favia, Elena Gabardi, Davide Genco, Paola Golzi, Fabio Guaricci, Alessandro Morganti, Sylvie Ray-Kaeser & Nadia Zanella

Design & Autism. An unconventional approach to inclusion through product innovation is available in Politecnica University Press's open access catalogue and it is also available for purchase through Maggioli Editore.