– with Hannah Gibson, Founder of Diverse Integration
Following this year’s AMDEA Conference, we spoke with Hannah Gibson, Founder of Diverse Integration, to reflect on the growing focus on accessibility and inclusion across the home appliance sector. Drawing on both her professional expertise and lived experience, Hannah shared why accessibility must be embedded from the outset across product design, digital services and customer experience.
Driving Accessibility Across Organisations
Hannah’s mission is to help organisations take a systemic, practical approach to accessibility – embedding it across every part of a business rather than treating it in isolation. As she explains, “I’m on a mission to help create a world where everyone belongs.” This means integrating accessibility into “the DNA of the organisation — from employees to customers, from products to digital services.”
Her work spans digital accessibility, inclusive customer experience and product design, working closely with manufacturers through user testing, audits, focus groups and strategy development. In simple terms, she focuses on making products and services easier to use, understand and access for everyone. A key priority is early integration. Rather than being an afterthought, accessibility should be considered from the very beginning of development.
Why Accessibility Matters
With over 20 years’ experience in the electrical manufacturing sector, Hannah brings both technical and accessibility expertise. She emphasises that accessibility is not niche. As she notes, “it affects all of us directly or indirectly through people we love and care about.” Home appliances are used daily, meaning they must evolve alongside people’s changing needs. Designing accessibly from the start ensures products remain usable and relevant throughout the user’s life. Hannah also challenges the misconception that accessibility compromises design. “Accessibility does not mean compromising on design. The best accessibility is seamless.”
A Shift in Momentum Across the Sector
Hannah observed a clear shift at this year’s AMDEA Conference, with accessibility playing a more visible role. Around a third of the agenda focused on inclusion-related topics, highlighting growing industry attention. Importantly, discussions extended beyond formal sessions. Accessibility became a central topic in networking and breakout conversations, with attendees openly sharing personal experiences and challenges. “What excited me most was that these conversations were coming from a place of genuine curiosity and openness, not resistance,” she said.
Questions Driving Discussion
Across the sector, key questions are shaping progress: what accessibility looks like in practice, how it impacts cost, who benefits most, and whether it can become a competitive advantage. These discussions reflect a growing recognition that accessibility is both a shared responsibility and a driver of innovation. As Hannah explains, “Empowering people within their own homes creates greater independence, confidence and dignity.”
Innovation and Future Opportunity
Hannah also highlighted wider industry conversations around repairability, parts pricing and commercial viability. At the same time, emerging technologies present significant opportunities to support more accessible and independent living, with innovation likely to play an increasingly important role in the future.
The Importance of Accessible Communication
Accessible communication is fundamental to creating inclusive experiences. It must be embedded across organisations, alongside a broader understanding of disability. Hannah highlights that many disabilities are non-visible, reinforcing the need for inclusive design and communication that considers a wide range of needs. Creating open and supportive environments is also key. Encouraging people to share experiences and perspectives helps organisations better understand and address accessibility challenges.
Embedding Accessibility in Practice
Hannah outlines a clear starting point for organisations: developing an accessibility strategy aligned with business priorities and values. Real-world insight is essential, including user testing, audits and collaboration with disabled communities. These approaches help organisations understand current performance and identify areas for improvement. Most importantly, action is key. “The most important thing is simply to start.”
Leadership and Industry Responsibility
Leadership plays a critical role in driving progress. For AMDEA and its members, this means embedding accessibility into everyday decision-making. Hannah emphasises that leadership requires a willingness to learn, adapt and improve over time. Accessibility is not just about compliance, but about creating products and services that enable more people to participate fully in everyday life.
Social Impact and Opportunity
Accessibility delivers both social and commercial value. Hannah highlights the “Purple Pound” as a significant opportunity, representing a large and often underserved market.
By embedding accessibility, organisations can improve customer experience, build long-term trust and reach new audiences.
Hannah’s reflections highlight a clear shift across the sector, as accessibility moves from conversation to action. For AMDEA and its members, this presents an opportunity to embed inclusive thinking across products, services and communications—delivering better outcomes for all.