Inclusive Design for Brands – The Future is ND at Havas, London
On 16th October 2024, we welcomed an incredible turnout to explore the concept of Inclusive Design for Brands at Havas London.

The event brought together a diverse group of experts to discuss how brands can better communicate with neurodivergent and disabled audiences. It questioned whether truly inclusive design is possible when every mind works differently.

A group of five panelists smiling and standing together in front of a bright yellow and blue event backdrop. The backdrop displays the phrases "Neurodiversity is a fact" and "Inclusion is an act," alongside "Inclusive Design for Brands." The individuals are dressed casually, radiating a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

Founder Lucy Hobbs opened the evening with a powerful question:

“As creatives, brands, and agencies, how do we make visual decisions that resonate universally while accommodating individual cognitive differences? Neurodiversity means we all process information differently.”

Lucy explained how her search for best practices within the creative and advertising sectors came up short. This gap inspired her to spark a conversation with the ND (neurodivergent) community.

Clear Channel,  the UK’s biggest outdoor advertising company sponsored this event. Mark Shane—U.K. Sales Director highlighted the company’s impressive reach, which covers 97% of the U.K. population weekly. He emphasises that this extensive coverage positions Clear Channel as one of the most inclusive media platforms, engaging diverse audiences without discrimination.” 

Mark also shared insights into Clear Channel’s Different Minds, Better Outcomes initiative, created in partnership with the ADHD Foundation last year, underscoring the company’s commitment to fostering meaningful change within the organisation and across the broader industry.

Next, Lizzy Davis delivered an inspiring keynote, Inclusive by Design: Branding for Every Brain.

Drawing from her personal experience of ADHD, Lizzy shared her groundbreaking project to create a dyslexia-friendly version of the Helvetica font. She demonstrated how design choices—including typography, fonts, and spacing—can significantly impact neurodivergent users. With engaging visuals and passionate delivery, Lizzy drove home the importance of accessibility, leaving attendees with a lasting impression of the value of designing for diverse minds.

A panel discussion with five speakers seated on stage under a large screen displaying their names and photos. The topic on the slide reads, "How Can Brands Be More Inclusive by Design?" Audience members watch from tiered seating.

Panel Discussion: How Can Brands Be More Inclusive by Design?

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After a networking break, the evening resumed with a panel discussion chaired by Lucy Hobbs. The conversation tackled key questions about inclusivity in the creative and advertising sectors.

One standout question came from Vivian Wall, who asked:
“When we talk about inclusion, we need to ask: who are we excluding?” Her challenge encouraged attendees to rethink their approach to accessibility and inclusivity. Vivian emphasized, “You can’t be inclusive to your audiences if you’re not inclusive in-house. Your team must reflect the diversity of the people you’re designing for.”

Aleksandra Melnikova stressed the importance of co-creation:
“I wish I could see more examples of brands working directly with people.” Her words underscored the power of collaboration with neurodivergent individuals to craft authentic and effective solutions.

A lively panel discussion on stage, with a focus on one speaker holding a microphone and smiling as they engage with the audience. The screen behind displays the topic, "How Can Brands Be More Inclusive by Design?" alongside sponsor details. Other panelists listen attentively, seated in a row.

Ashley Peacock shared an insightful observation:
“When it comes to inclusivity in organisations, it’s about how much I can trust them. It’s not about getting it perfect right away but committing to ongoing practice. Progress over perfection.” Ashley’s emphasis on trust reminded everyone that genuine inclusion requires transparency, adaptability, and consistent effort.

Matt Roberts echoed this sentiment:
“We want to talk to you. How can we talk to you? We’re not here to label you but to provide the best experience possible.” Matt’s message reinforced the importance of prioritising individual needs over rigid categories, signalling a meaningful shift in how brands approach inclusivity.

The evening concluded with a lively Q&A session, where attendees agreed that the conversation around inclusive design is far from over. While the event offered new perspectives, it also raised more questions than answers—something seen as a positive step toward fostering ongoing dialogue rather than delivering a one-off solution.

Stay connected for future discussions with The Future is ND. We’re collaborating with experts to develop inclusive design guidelines for brands. There’s a gap, and together, we can close it.

Got expertise to share? Reach out at hello@thefutureisnd.com.

Words by Lucy Hobbs

Head and shoulder portrait of a white male with short brown side parted hair wearing a pale blue shirt and grey suit jacket

Vivian Wall

Inclusive Design Consultant

Head and shoulder portrait of a smiling African woman with a big afro, wearing a colourful bright patterned top.

Ashley Peacock

Senior Accessibility Consultant

Serious looking shoulder-length brownhaired woman wearing a black top

Aleksandra Melnikova

Founder of Cosmic Velocity

Smiling black woman with short hair and black glasses wearing a stripey pinks and white shirt.

Matt Roberts

Lead Digital & UX Designer

Monochrome head and shoulder portrait of a white male wearing a hat and black and white striped jumper

Lizzy Davis

Senior Visual Designer

Past Events

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