Research Abstract 

In the covid era, visually imparied persons (VIPs) expose themselves to a higher risk of infection and the associated difficulties and challenges than the non-visually impaired. With COVID-19 induced restrictions on their movement, social contact, and access to support, the visually impaired population have found themselves excluded from wider society and there are fears this social inclusion will continue in a ‘new-normal’ post-pandemic society with greater public health restrictions than before.

In fact, the COVID-19 pandemic has put forward new questions and requirements for public health capacity and preparations for global public health emergencies (Czabanowska, Kuhlmann, 2021), which have played a key role in responding to and mitigating damage from the pandemic. At the same time, the pandemic can also be seen as an opportunity to carry out major urban health reform and promote social equity and inclusion, especially with regards to health and governance reform (Pineda, Corburn, 2020). As one of the most crucial driving forces of social change, inclusive design process haves proven to promote and achieve social inclusion (Lee, 2009).

Therefore, in view of the opportunities and challenges posed by COVID-19, this research seeks to answer: how can we promote social inclusion for the visually impaired population, through inclusive design, within the context of post-pandemic tightening or limiting public health requirements.

Qualifications

• MA Design- Goldsmiths, University of London 
• B.Eng- Beijing Forestry University

Supervisor

Prof. Kin Wai Michael Siu  [Chief-Supervisor]

Study: Ph.D