Gavin Greenhalf – Aire’s Global Creative Director

In today’s rapidly evolving design landscape, we’re witnessing an exhilarating momentum – further support toward inclusivity and accessibility that transforms how brands and designers connect with every audience. At Aire Global, where innovation and empathy are central to our approach, we leverage Generative AI (GenAI) to help bring this vision to life.

As Global Creative Director for Aire Global and co-chair of PAC Global’s Inclusive Opportunities and Universal Design (IOU) initiative, I see firsthand the power that AI and inclusive design hold to make meaningful change in our industry.

And, to the designers and brands out there ready to make a difference, this journey is one we can all embark on together.

 

AI as a Bridge to Inclusive, Accessible Design

I see GenAI as more than just a tool; it’s a bridge that allows us to design inclusively from the ground up. By integrating AI with our inclusive design principles, we’re moving beyond superficial adjustments and diving into the deeper changes needed for universal design. Imagine creating a packaging design that’s not only visually appealing but also accessible to consumers with diverse abilities and experiences. GenAI helps us test colour contrasts, optimise font readability, and even model interactions that are sensory-friendly.

For designers and students, this is a revolutionary way to think about creating with empathy. AI can empower you to iterate more inclusively, allowing your work to resonate with a broader audience. Brands that embrace these tools can go beyond visual impact, connecting deeply with consumers by respecting and anticipating their needs to support equitable use.

 

Unlocking Creativity and Efficiency Through GenAI

Let’s be honest – AI’s ability to streamline processes is a game-changer, and I think we’re all pretty clear about that one. It’s also completely understandable and encouraging that lots of agencies and companies are still trying to work out the best way for AI to be effective for them. But at Aire Global, we’re using GenAI to unlock creative possibilities that would have been unthinkable ten years ago. 

Our team collaborates with AI to explore the impact of variations, enabling us to push creative boundaries while ensuring designs stay inclusive – Adapting for cultural contexts and diverse accessibility needs – all with the benefits of AI.

To brands, GenAI offers an unparalleled advantage: the ability to innovate with confidence. This isn’t about replacing human creativity; it’s about amplifying it, and empowering designers to focus on what they do best – ideating, experimenting, and telling stories that make an impact. For design students and creatives just beginning their journey, GenAI is a window to a world of possibilities that can expand your creative vocabulary while fostering an inclusive mindset.

 

Fostering Authentic Brand Connections with Inclusive AI

Inclusivity is more than a trend; it’s a core value that speaks to every demographic. Brands that champion inclusivity aren’t just doing it to stand out – they’re doing it because it’s what consumers value. By harnessing AI to design for inclusivity, brands communicate that they care about all their consumers, building loyalty through empathy and accessibility. GenAI aids us in designing without limitations, making it possible to create materials that are easily understood, usable, and approachable by all.

At Aire Global, and through our work with the PAC Global IOU initiative as well as RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People), we’re committed to embedding accessibility into the design process, ensuring that all packaging and brand materials are accessible to people with varying abilities and needs. To those in design education, this focus on inclusivity offers an exciting challenge: embracing AI in a way that promotes ethical, accessible, and inclusive design.

 

Join the Conversation: What Does Inclusive Design Mean to You?

As designers, students, and brand owners, we all have the power to shape a world that values every individual. GenAI is more than a tool; it’s our ally in making this vision a reality.

But we want to hear from you: What does inclusive design mean to you? How do you see AI fitting into that vision?

Comment below with your thoughts, ideas, and questions.
Let’s start a conversation about how we can make design – and the world – more inclusive together.