At CanUX 2019, Alastair Somerville's Mixed Reality Frameworks talk connects cognitive accessibility, perception, and mixed-reality design, using exercises such as Jenga to contrast human perspective with system-wide structure. The speaker-hosted deck describes anchoring design to human consciousness and diversity of people and places rather than isolated technology views. It encourages teams to build their own tools when existing frameworks fail to capture shifting mixed, virtual, and augmented experiences.
People
Alastair Somerville
Methods
Inclusive DesignInclusive design identifies who an experience excludes and involves people with different abilities and perspectives in shaping it. Start by examining assumptions and mismatches between a person and the product or environment. Work with people who experience those barriers, then explore solutions that address their needs and may benefit others. Use this approach throughout product and service development, including decisions about interaction, communication and participation. Revisit whose perspectives are missing as the design evolves.
Workshop FacilitationWorkshop facilitation guides a group towards a shared outcome without imposing the facilitator’s preferred answer. Define the purpose, prepare activities and materials, and create opportunities for everyone to contribute. Combine individual thinking with discussion when helpful, listen for different perspectives and adjust the plan to the group’s needs. Record decisions and clarify who will take the next steps. Use facilitation when a team must explore a problem, generate ideas or agree actions together; successful participation matters as much as the visible workshop outputs.