Building Technology for Everyone

Class Description

Technology should work for everyone—but too often it leaves people out. From confusing design to lack of access, entire groups risk being excluded from the digital world many of us take for granted. Product strategist and creative technologist Theresa Benson has led product management and user experience teams in building inclusive technology that anyone can use.

In this talk, Theresa explores what digital inclusion really means, why it matters for underserved populations, and how libraries are vital in bridging the gap—with free high-speed internet, maker spaces, digital tools, and training that open doors for all.

What to Expect:

In this lecture, I’ll introduce four guiding principles of inclusive design:

• Clarity: simple language and clear navigation.
• Flexibility: options for different needs (dark mode, text size, voice input).
• Accessibility: built in from the start, not added later.
• Representation: designing with—and not just for—diverse users.