Handy Design for Lefties: Celebrating International Left-Handers Day
Enhancing accessibility for left-handed individuals: A step towards inclusivity
August 13th is International Left-Handers Day, a time to celebrate the unique experiences of left-handers and acknowledge the challenges they often face in a world predominantly designed for right-handed people. This day isn’t just about left-handers enjoying their uniqueness; it’s also a chance to focus on an important issue in our society: accessibility. Making sure that things are accessible for left-handers isn’t just convenient—it’s a crucial step towards inclusivity and equality.
Daily challenges left-handers face
Left-handers, who make up about 10% of the population, encounter various hurdles daily because so many everyday items are designed for right-handers. Here are a few examples:
- Scissors – Most scissors are shaped for the right hand, making them awkward and inefficient for left-handed use.
- Desks and chairs – In schools and offices, desks and chairs with attached writing surfaces are often made for right-handers, causing discomfort for left-handed students and workers.
- Kitchen tools – Can openers, knives, and other utensils are typically designed for right-handed use, posing a risk of injury for left-handers.
- Computer accessories – Mice, keyboards, and other peripherals are generally made for right-handed users, which can lead to ergonomic issues for left-handers. (Seriously, what is a right-click for a left-handed person?)
- Musical instruments – Many instruments, like guitars and violins, are mostly designed for right-handed players, limiting options for left-handed musicians.
- Smartphones – Even smartphones can be tricky. The swipe gestures and button placements are often optimised for right-handed use, making navigation less comfortable for lefties.
For the 90% of right-handers, this might not be something you ever think about, but it’s a daily reality for lefties. So, how can we in further education (FE) support them? Our team of instructional designers focuses heavily on quality and accessibility, always considering left-handed learners when designing content.
The importance of inclusive design
Addressing these challenges means shifting towards inclusive design, which aims to create products and environments that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical characteristics. Inclusive design doesn’t just benefit left-handers; it promotes flexibility and usability for everyone.
- Universal design principles – Using universal design principles ensures that products and spaces are usable by people with diverse needs. For instance, creating ambidextrous tools and adjustable furniture can accommodate both left- and right-handers.
- Customisable technology –Technology can significantly enhance accessibility. Customisable software settings, such as the ability to switch mouse buttons or adjust keyboard layouts, can make digital interfaces more user-friendly for left-handers.
- Education and awareness- Raising awareness about the needs of left-handers can lead to more thoughtful design and better accommodation in schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Educators and employers can benefit from training and resources that highlight best practices for inclusivity.
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A real-life example of handedness within our team
To illustrate the prevalence of left-handedness, we surveyed our team members about their writing hand.
The results were surprising:
- 54.5% identified as right-handed,
- 27.3% were ambidextrous and
- 18.2% were left-handed
So, even in a small group, left-handed individuals represent a significant portion of the population.
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Let’s celebrate our wonderful left-handers today and every day. And the next time you design something, remember to consider your 10% of left-handed users just as much as the 90% of right-handed ones!
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