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Systematic Review

Trends and Approaches in Inclusive Graphic Design: A Systematic Literature Review

by
Santiago Fabián Barriga-Fray
1,
Mariela Verónica Samaniego-López
1,*,
Luis Miguel Viñan-Carrasco
1 and
Iván Fabricio Benítez-Obando
1,2
1
Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación Humanas y Tecnologías, Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Riobamba 060101, Ecuador
2
Escuela de Doctorado, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Societies 2026, 16(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16010025
Submission received: 26 November 2025 / Revised: 23 December 2025 / Accepted: 29 December 2025 / Published: 13 January 2026

Abstract

Inclusive graphic design has emerged as a relevant approach within contemporary visual communication studies, driven by the need to ensure that graphic messages can be understood and used by diverse groups of users. Within this context, the present study conducted a systematic literature review with the aim of identifying the advances, trends, and recommendations that support the development of inclusive practices in graphic design. Using the PRISMA methodology, 85 primary studies were selected and analyzed, providing evidence to address the proposed research questions. The findings indicate a concentration of applications in digital interface design and visual communication, alongside the recurrent use of perceptual, cognitive, and semiotic theories, as well as principles of universal design. The analysis also reveals emerging trends related to new technologies, participatory approaches, and multisensory interactions, in addition to strategies that prioritize legibility, contrast, diverse representation, and user-centered design. Altogether, these findings depict a consolidating field that integrates technical, cultural, and social dimensions, highlighting the importance of continuing to develop research and tools that strengthen accessibility and inclusion in visual communication.
Keywords: inclusion; accessibility; visual communication; universal design; usability inclusion; accessibility; visual communication; universal design; usability

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MDPI and ACS Style

Barriga-Fray, S.F.; Samaniego-López, M.V.; Viñan-Carrasco, L.M.; Benítez-Obando, I.F. Trends and Approaches in Inclusive Graphic Design: A Systematic Literature Review. Societies 2026, 16, 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16010025

AMA Style

Barriga-Fray SF, Samaniego-López MV, Viñan-Carrasco LM, Benítez-Obando IF. Trends and Approaches in Inclusive Graphic Design: A Systematic Literature Review. Societies. 2026; 16(1):25. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16010025

Chicago/Turabian Style

Barriga-Fray, Santiago Fabián, Mariela Verónica Samaniego-López, Luis Miguel Viñan-Carrasco, and Iván Fabricio Benítez-Obando. 2026. "Trends and Approaches in Inclusive Graphic Design: A Systematic Literature Review" Societies 16, no. 1: 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16010025

APA Style

Barriga-Fray, S. F., Samaniego-López, M. V., Viñan-Carrasco, L. M., & Benítez-Obando, I. F. (2026). Trends and Approaches in Inclusive Graphic Design: A Systematic Literature Review. Societies, 16(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc16010025

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