Inclusive Education & The power of UX

The International Teaching–Learning Week at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, centered on the theme “Inclusive Education and the Power of UX.” The interdisciplinary event was led by two distinguished scholars — Prof. Sulochini Pather from the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, and Prof. Sabah Boustila from Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom. Over four engaging days, students explored contemporary debates on inclusion in education, while also developing practical understanding of user experience (UX) design. The combination of these two thematic strands highlighted how inclusive thinking applies both in educational settings and in digital product design.

Prof. Sulochini Pather’s sessions introduced participants to the concept of inclusive education, particularly within the context of developing countries. She unpacked the ways in which structural inequalities, resource limitations, and entrenched social attitudes create barriers to equitable access to quality education. Through discussions of global and regional policy frameworks, Prof. Pather emphasized the need for educational systems to adopt inclusive strategies that address the needs of marginalized groups, including learners with disabilities, linguistic minorities, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Students were encouraged to engage critically with theories and practices of inclusion, reflecting on how educational institutions can move beyond simple integration toward truly inclusive learning environments. Prof. Pather underscored principles of equity, participation, and the removal of barriers as essential to fostering inclusion. She highlighted how teacher education, curriculum flexibility, and community partnerships are vital components in achieving this goal. Case studies and interactive discussions guided students to consider how inclusive education is not only about accommodating difference but about transforming systems to support diverse learners in meaningful ways.

Complementing this pedagogical perspective, Prof. Sabah Boustila’s sessions focused on the fundamentals of User Experience (UX) design, linking inclusivity with digital technology. She introduced participants to key aspects of UX such as usability, accessibility, information architecture, and visual hierarchy—all of which shape how users interact with digital products and services. Her sessions emphasized human-centered design processes that prioritize user needs, promote accessibility, and enhance engagement across diverse audiences.

Under Prof. Boustila’s mentorship, students conducted hands-on evaluations of travel agency websites, analyzing key parameters including navigation flow, layout consistency, content clarity, responsiveness, and overall usability. These practical exercises revealed how design decisions—ranging from color contrast and typography to menu structure and load times—affect user satisfaction, trust, and retention. Students learned to appreciate that successful digital experiences arise from thoughtful design choices grounded in empathy, research, and user testing.

Throughout the week, both professors reinforced the importance of systematic, iterative processes in achieving inclusivity—whether in classrooms or in digital environments. The parallels between inclusive education and UX design became clear: both fields rely on continuous feedback, reflection, and refinement to create experiences that work for everyone. By the end of the program, students gained an appreciation of how inclusivity, when combined with good design thinking, can transform both educational and technological contexts, paving the way for more equitable and user-centered futures.