Frances West, a leading advocate for digital inclusion in the business world, is working to introduce this innovative concept to Taiwan. As IBM’s first chief accessibility officer, West focused on incorporating human-first design principles into technological innovation. She testified before the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee in support of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and has advocated for technology’s role in promoting human rights for people with disabilities. In 2016, West founded FrancesWestCo, a global advisory firm, and authored a book titled “Authentic Inclusion Drives Disruptive Innovation” to bring these concepts to Taiwan’s technology sector.
In an interview with DIGITS Asia, West discussed her vision for digital inclusion in Taiwanese manufacturing companies. She emphasized the importance of technology in everyday life and the need for inclusive design to ensure that no part of the population is left behind. West highlighted the evolving nature of technology, moving from a focus on processing and productivity to customization and human augmentation. She stressed the responsibility of companies, government policies, and individuals to deliver on the promise of digital inclusion for all members of society.
Reflecting on her time at IBM, West acknowledged the company’s longstanding commitment to inclusion and diversity. She shared insights on how IBM’s founder, TJ Watson, prioritized respecting individuals’ capabilities and diversity, which became ingrained in the company culture. West emphasized the importance of designing products and workplaces with accessibility in mind, simplifying designs to make them user-friendly for everyone.
Regarding the legislative landscape for digital inclusion, West highlighted recent initiatives in the United States, such as an executive order on diversity, equity, and accessibility in the federal workforce. Similar laws and regulations in the European Union and Canada underscore a global shift towards promoting digital accessibility. West emphasized the significance of the United Nations CRPD in shaping international laws and driving the implementation of accessibility requirements worldwide.
Discussing the implementation of digital inclusion in Taiwan, West proposed a top-down approach to drive change in the manufacturing sector. By engaging industry leaders and promoting early adoption of inclusive design practices, Taiwan could position itself as a pioneer in digital inclusion. West emphasized the importance of involving individuals with diverse needs in the product and workplace design process to create better outcomes for everyone.
In conclusion, West emphasized the need for manufacturing companies to prioritize digital inclusion in product development. She highlighted the importance of considering accessibility from the outset to avoid costly retrofits later on. By integrating accessibility standards into manufacturing processes, companies can ensure that their products are accessible to all users. The Digital Innovation and Inclusion Summit in Taiwan served as a platform to raise awareness and promote dialogue on digital inclusion in the technology sector. Industry experts, including Frances West, discussed strategies for implementing inclusive design practices across Taiwan’s tech industry.
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