Recently Apple announced its expansive 2018 emoji collection, and now, the company has informed consumers that 13 of the 157 new characters will feature an accessibility-focused design.
In order to ensure that people were being properly represented, Apple teamed up with the American Council of the Blind, the Cerebral Palsy Foundation and the National Association of the Deaf. The small but inclusive set of emojis will feature a guide dog, characters with hearing aids, a prosthetic arm, wheelchairs and more.
According to Apple, "Emojis are a universal language and a powerful tool for communication, as well as a form of self-expression, and can be used not only to represent one’s own personal experience, but also to show support for a loved one."
Inclusive Emoji Collections
Apple's 2018 Emoji Collection Features 13 Accessibility-Focused Icons
Trend Themes
1. Accessibility-focused Emoji Design - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop more inclusive and diverse emoji designs that represent various disabilities and promote inclusivity in digital communication.
2. Partnerships with Advocacy Organizations - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with disability advocacy organizations to ensure accurate representation of disabilities in emoji collections, improving accessibility in digital communication.
3. Expanding Representation in Communication - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore ways to expand the range of emojis to include diverse identities, experiences, and abilities, enabling more inclusive and effective communication.
Industry Implications
1. Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate inclusive emoji designs into messaging apps and social media platforms to foster better representation and accessibility for users.
2. Design - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create and promote universally accessible user interface designs that provide easy access to diverse emojis, contributing to inclusive digital experiences.
3. Marketing and Advertising - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize inclusive emoji designs in marketing campaigns and advertisements to connect with diverse audiences and promote inclusivity as a brand value.