Made For Us

Made For Us is back for another season!Subscribe now so you don't miss new episodes.---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ 

Get the free Made For Us newsletter for behind-the-scenes content and exclusive interviews: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/---When Danish furniture craftsman Hans Jørgen Wiberg launched Be My Eyes, an app connecting blind and low-vision users with sighted volunteers, he had no idea it would grow into a global movement. But ten years after its launch, the app now boasts 800,000 blind users and over 8.5 million volunteers, more than the population of his country. In this episode, Hans, who is blind himself, tells the origin story of the app, how it “spread like wildfire” and Be My Eyes’ partnerships with companies like Microsoft and OpenAI.The conversation covers:The diverse and innovative ways people use the Be My Eyes appWhy microvolunteering - helping out for just a few minutes - has become such a powerful force for goodThe rapid growth of Be My AI, a new AI-powered feature providing users with quick visual assistance for everyday tasksThe challenges Be My Eyes faces in reaching underserved communitiesMissed last week's episode? Inside Adobe’s mission to build more inclusive tech---About Hans Jørgen WibergHans Jørgen Wiberg is the founder of Be My Eyes, a groundbreaking app that connects blind and visually impaired individuals with sighted volunteers for real-time assistance via video calls. Born in Denmark and visually impaired himself, Hans created Be My Eyes in to address everyday challenges faced by blind and low-vision people. Under his leadership, the app has grown into a global community with 800,000 users and over 8 million volunteers in 150+ countries.---Learn more about Be My Eyes : https://www.bemyeyes.com/ Follow Be My Eyes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bemyeyesapp/?hl=en Follow Hans Jørgen Wiberg on LinkedIn: https://dk.linkedin.com/in/hans-j%C3%B8rgen-wiberg-8a16b915 ---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ 

Get the free Made For Us newsletter to access exclusive content and learn about future listener Q&As: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/---TB Bardlavens, Director of Product Equity at Adobe, joins us for this special edition featuring questions from Made For Us listeners. We discuss what it really means to build technology that works for everyone and how the Product Equity team tackles this challenge across all 137 of Adobe’s products. TB also shares how his team shaped Firefly, Adobe’s suite of generative AI tools, ensuring that its outputs truly reflect human diversity. Along the way, TB answers listeners' questions on the impact of DEI rollbacks in the US and Adobe’s approach to building inclusive global products that respect cultural nuances.Other topics we explore:Why traditional product development often fails to meet human needsHow Adobe is embedding equity and accessibility across its entire product ecosystemThe human case and the business case for product equityThe role of AI in creativity and Adobe’s mission to empower, not replace, creativesMissed last week’s episode? AI vs the gender feedback gap---About TB BardlavensTB Bardlavens is chaotic good in its purest form. He is a Gay, Black man from the Carolinas, a highly regarded social intrapreneur, and an advocate for equity in technology and design. He is a Product Executive, Cultural Strategist, Diversity, Equity, and Justice expert, Co-Founder, Writer, and International Speaker and Facilitator.For more than a decade, TB has dedicated his career to dismantling systemic barriers, building and scaling teams, and launching innovative digital products for companies like Microsoft, Meta and Adobe. Learn more about TB Bardlavens: https://www.bardlavens.com/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bardlavens Instagram: https://instagram.com/bardlavens --- Connect with Made for Us on LinkedIn and Instagram.Show notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/

Join the Made For Us community by signing up for our free newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/---How does bias show up in workplace feedback, and can AI help fix it?In this episode, we speak with Mykel Rangel, VP of Engineering at Textio, a company that has built AI-driven tools that are reshaping the way managers give feedback and how recruiters craft job ads. We explore the hidden biases in performance reviews, how feedback impacts employee retention and pay, and what leaders can do to create more equitable workplaces.We also cover:Textio’s research on workplace feedback and what language can reveal about a company’s cultureWhy women tend to get more personality-based feedback than menHow AI can help managers close the feedback gapStrategies for evaluating AI tools for bias mitigationEnjoyed what you heard? Pass it on to a friend - or tell the world with a 5-star review.Missed last week's episode? Subtitles for real life? There's a pair of glasses for that---About Mykel Rangel Mykel Rangel is the Vice President of Engineering at Textio, a company using artificial intelligence to help organisations create more inclusive, effective, and engaging written communication. Starting off as a tech writer, Mykel transitioned into software before joining Textio. Learn more about Textio: https://textio.comFollow Mykel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mykel-rangel-18963322/Read the report on bias in performance feedback: https://textio.com/feedback-bias-2024 ---Connect with  Made for UsNewsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ Show notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ 

Transcripts for this episode are available here: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/---What if you could subtitle everyday life? That question sparked the creation of XRAI, a company developing augmented reality glasses that display real-time subtitles right before your eyes. In this episode, XRAI CEO and founder Dan Scarfe joins us to share how AI and augmented reality (AR) are making conversations more accessible - for the 1.5 billion people worldwide with hearing loss, but also for anyone who’s ever struggled to hear in a noisy café, missed a detail in a conversation, or needed instant translation.In this episode, we cover:The highs and lows of building inclusive techHow XRAI’s earliest users (and Dan’s granddad) helped refine the productThe different use cases for the technology - benefits for the deaf and neurodivergent communities as well as global businessesThe future of AI-driven assistive technology and what’s next for XRAIEnjoyed the conversation? Tell a friend - or tell the world with a 5-star review. Missed last week's episode? Listen here: https://pod.fo/e/2af77d---About Dan Scarfe:Dan Scarfe is the CEO and founder of XRAI, a company using AI and augmented reality to improve accessibility. Inspired by his grandfather’s hearing loss, he developed XRAI Glass, smart glasses that provide real-time subtitles. Under his leadership, XRAI is expanding into live translation and workplace integration, aiming to make communication more inclusive worldwide.Learn more about XRAI: https://xrai.glass/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/xraiglass/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xraiglass/---Connect with  Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/

Why aren’t more tech companies prioritising inclusion in product development?Research by McKinsey & Company found that only 17% of product managers ranked inclusion among their top priorities. Yet, it can be a powerful strategic advantage.In this episode, we speak with Rikki Singh, a partner at McKinsey and founder of the McKinsey Product Academy, about the critical role of product management in fostering responsible and inclusive innovation.The conversation explores:Real-world examples of companies innovating to serve underserved marketsHow generative AI is exposing biases in tech while also unlocking the ability to create a more level playing fieldActionable tips for enterprises and startups to prioritise inclusion in product developmentLove what you heard? Leave us a 5 star review - it helps more people find us, and helps us bring you more great guests.Missed last week’s episode? Listen here: https://pod.fo/e/2ad6a1---About Rikki Singh Rikki Singh leads McKinsey’s software product-management work, helping the world’s largest software and fast-growing SaaS companies with product development and business building. She also founded the McKinsey Product Academy.Learn more: https://www.mckinsey.com/our-people/rikki-singh Follow Rikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritikasingh24/Read the report on responsible product management: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/responsible-product-management-the-critical-tech-challenge---Connect with  Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ 

We’re kicking off Season 2 of Made for Us with Lucy Edwards, a trailblazing broadcaster, author and content creator who is redefining perceptions of disability.Lucy shares her journey of navigating life as a blind woman, from losing her vision at 17 to becoming a disability advocate and consultant to major brands to creating content that's been seen by millions. The conversation covers:Lucy’s viral wedding, where she and her husband gave guests a glimpse into her worldHer book, Blind, Not Broken, a memoir and guide to overcoming loss and embracing self-acceptanceThe challenges of living in a world that often overlooks accessibilityLucy’s work with global brands like Pantene and Barbie-maker Mattel, and her plans to launch a makeup line with inclusivity at its coreIf you enjoyed this conversation as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you, we’d be thrilled if you could leave us a 5-star rating! Your support means more listeners will be able to discover the show. Thank you!About Lucy Edwards Lucy Edwards is a blind broadcaster, journalist, author, and digital content creator who has become a leading advocate for accessibility and inclusivity. Lucy uses platforms like TikTok and YouTube to educate her audience about living with blindness while championing equality. Lucy is the author of Blind, Not Broken and the children's book Ella Jones vs The Sun Stealer. Learn more about Lucy Edwards: https://www.lucyedwards.comFollow Lucy Edwards on Instagram: @LucyEdwardsOfficialFollow Lucy Edwards on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lucyedwards---Connect with  Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ ---Season 2 credits:Creator/producer/host: Tosin SulaimanGraphic design: Judith Raynault | Cover art: Valentin GrimouxAudio engineer: Justin Orive | Marketing intern: Abigail Brierley

**ANNOUNCEMENT**Made For Us won the Bronze at the 2024 Signal Awards in the 'Most Inspirational Podcast' category!! Thanks to the judges for recognising our indie podcast as one of 2024's most impactful shows. If you voted for us in the Listener's Choice Awards, we're incredibly grateful for your support.---We have great news to share with you: Made For Us has been named a finalist in the 2024 Signal Awards in the 'Most Inspirational Podcast' category! The Signal Awards recognise the best creators around the world who are making ‘podcasts that define culture.’Voting is open to the public and we'd appreciate a vote for Made For Us in the Listener's Choice Award. Please head to vote.signalaward.com and search for ‘Made For Us’ or click here (after voting, be sure to click the link you receive by email, otherwise the vote won’t count). Voting is open until Oct 17.Thanks for being one of the earliest supporters of this podcast! Be the first to know when Season 2 drops by subscribing to the Made For Us newsletter and following us on social media.Connect with Made For UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fmNewsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast

Over the past few months, guests on this podcast have shared some great examples of inclusive design and innovation, but these kinds of products aren’t the norm (yet).  Joining me to explore some of the reasons why is Scott Berkun, author of How Design Makes the World, a book that aims to demystify design for everyone. We discuss why it’s so hard to design well and what organisations can do to accelerate good ideas. Enjoying the show? Subscribe to the free Made For Us newsletter for exclusive content.If you haven’t yet left a 5-star rating or review, this would be the perfect time to do so (it will help others discover this podcast while Season 2 is in the works). In today’s episode, Scott and I discuss: Business and cultural reasons behind design choicesKey questions to ask early on in the design processWhy we should think twice before using words like ‘intuitive’ and ‘user-friendly’The ROI of inclusivity ---About Scott Berkun:Scott Berkun is a bestselling author and popular speaker on UX design, innovation, leading teams, public speaking and other subjects. He’s published eight books, including How Design Makes The World and The Myths of Innovation. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist and other media.Learn more about Scott Berkun: http://www.scottberkun.comLearn more about How Design Makes the World: https://designmtw.com/ ---Connect with  Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ Made For Us was produced and hosted by Tosin Sulaiman. Special thanks to the following people who helped to keep this podcast running:Design & social media management: Valentin Grimoux Audio engineering: Justin Orive at Reliable Sounds, Alex Van Rose & Rishi DasPost-production & marketing intern: Soumaya El Filali

On the day makeup artist Terri Bryant learned she had Parkinson's, she returned home and raided her makeup kit and her husband's toolbox. She quickly pinpointed what was lacking in the tools she’d been using for years: grip and stability. This sparked the creation of Guide Beauty, a brand dedicated to reimagining makeup artistry and proving it can be accessible to all, regardless of skill, ability, or disability.In today’s episode, we discuss: Adaptation and accommodation vs. authentic inclusion What Terri learned from launching a beauty brand in the middle of the pandemicWhy she decided to team up with the actress Selma Blair, Guide’s Chief Creative OfficerHow Guide Beauty is changing the narrative around accessible beauty toolsLoved this episode? Share it with a friend and drop us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to spread the word! And be sure to check out our free newsletter where you'll find exclusive content. ---About Terri Bryant:Guide Beauty's founder Terri Bryant is a veteran in makeup artistry and education with over 25 years in the cosmetics industry. She’s worked behind the scenes as a celebrity makeup artist, in front of the camera as a presenter on QVC, QVC UK and HSN, and as an education executive, teaching makeup artistry for brands like Dior and Stila, and leading education departments for companies such as Smashbox and Josie Maran. Learn more about Guide Beauty: https://www.guidebeauty.comFollow Guide Beauty on IG: @guidebeautycosmetics Follow Guide Beauty on TIKTOK: @guidebeauty---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ 

Want to be the first to hear when Season 2 lands? Sign up for the Made For Us newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive content.This week's episode:In the heart of South London, a bustling barbershop served as the birthplace for Aaron Wallace, the pioneering grooming brand dedicated to black men. Co-founders Aaron Wallace and Lina Barker share how everyday barbershop conversations about hair woes and aspirations inspired the creation of their acclaimed brand, now gracing the shelves of major retailers like Sainsbury's and Superdrug in the UK and Saks Fifth Avenue in the US. In the conversation, we discuss: How barbershop dialogues helped the founders uncover a real need in the men’s grooming space The journey of turning a gap in the market into an opportunity for inclusive innovation Aaron Wallace’s global aspirations and how the brand broke into the US marketIf you enjoyed this episode, please pass it on to someone who'd appreciate it, and kindly leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others find us.---About Aaron Wallace and Lina Barker:Aaron Wallace is a South London entrepreneur who opened his barbershop, Shear and Shine, in 2014. Following the success of the shop, he went on to launch his eponymous grooming brand, earning accolades from Forbes, AskMen and more as an industry innovator. Entrepreneur Lina Barker transitioned from organising events at the Houses of Parliament to co-founding the Aaron Wallace male grooming brand. Passionate about marketing and brand building, her work with Aaron Wallace has earned recognition from Forbes and Business Insider.Learn more about the brand Aaron Wallace: www.byaaronwallace.comFollow the brand Aaron Wallace on Instagram: @byaaronwallace.comFollow Aaron Wallace on Instagram: @aaronmwallaceFollow Lina Barker on Instagram: @linasbarker---Connect with  Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fmNewsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ 

Can't wait for the next season of Made For Us? Sign up for our newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive content.---This week's guest:In 2018, brown and bronze pointe shoes, tailored for dancers of colour, made their commercial debut in the UK — nearly two centuries after the introduction of pink ones. The delay begs the questions: Why? Who paved the way? What were dancers of colour doing before then? And how has the landscape changed since? Join us as we dive into these questions with Cassa Pancho, the trailblazing founder of Ballet Black, a company committed to carving out space for dancers of colour in classical ballet.In today’s episode, we discuss:  The question that sparked the idea for Ballet Black Ballet Black’s role in changing what ballet repertoire looks likeCassa’s feedback on early prototypes of the brown pointe shoesThe reaction to the launch of the shoesIf you liked this episode, don't keep it to yourself. Please share with a fellow podcast lover and don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show. ---About Cassa Pancho: Born to Trinidadian and British parents, Cassa Pancho launched Ballet Black in 2001 after graduating from professional dance training. Her initial goal was to provide role models to young, aspiring Black and Asian dancers. Ballet Black won the Critics’ Circle National Dance Award for Outstanding Company in 2009 and Best Mid-Scale Company in 2022. Cassa was awarded an MBE in the 2013 New Years’ Honours List for Services to classical ballet. To date, she has commissioned over 40 choreographers to create over 60 new ballets for Ballet Black. Learn more about Ballet BlackWebsite: https://balletblack.co.ukFollow Ballet Black on Instagram: @originalballetblack---Connect with  Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

Paying with a card has become incredibly easy and safe, but for the 43 million people worldwide who are blind, that's not the case.Not only are blind and visually impaired people unable to see the payment terminal when making a transaction, they also have no way of confirming whether the amount they're paying is accurate. Blind notches, braille and contrasting colors are all tools integrated in financial services to make them more inclusive. But our guest today, Frederic Martinez, believes banks can do more.His team developed a talking payment card, in collaboration with partners, and he joins us to explain how it works and the reception it's had so far.In the episode, we discuss:  What prompted the development of the voice payment card and the technology behind itThe challenges banks may face in offering it more widely Other potential use cases for the voice payment cardBiometric cards: another exciting inclusive financial solutionIf you liked this episode, please share with someone who you think would enjoy it and don't forget to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also share feedback here.---About Frederic Martinez: Frederic Martinez is driving the offer strategy for biometric cards and innovative payment solutions at Thales. With a passion for new technologies, Frederic is committed to helping banks bring better payment experiences to consumers and introduce new disruptive services.Learn more about Thales Banking & PaymentsWebsite: https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/markets/digital-identity-and-security/banking-paymentFollow Frederic Martinez on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/fmartinez2---Connect with Made for UsNewsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Show notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ 

The struggle to find a bicycle helmet that fits is more common than you might think. People with long hair, big hair, dreadlocks, cochlear implants, turbans…the list goes on. How are helmet manufacturers addressing the needs of diverse communities and what could the latest innovations in helmet technology mean for inclusivity? Randy Swart, executive director of the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, has answers to these questions and more.What we discuss in this episode:Challenges of designing helmets for different head shapes and specific needsThe tension between inclusivity and affordability in helmet designThe pros and cons of solutions such as 3D printing and airbag helmetsThis is the second of two episodes on inclusive helmets. Be sure to check out part one, an interview with Tina Singh, founder of Bold Helmets, here: https://pod.link/1711282282 If you liked this episode, please share with someone who you think would enjoy it and please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show. ---About Randy Swart Randy Swart is the executive director of the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI), a bicycle helmet advocacy program explaining helmet technology to consumers and working to improve helmet standards. BHSI is funded entirely by consumer donations and does not accept funds from the industry.Learn more about BHSI: helmets.org ---Connect with Made for UsNewsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Show notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

Want to be the first to hear when Season 2 lands? Subscribe to the Made For Us newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive content.This week's episode:What do you do when traditional bike helmets just don’t work for you? Forgo a helmet altogether or choose a different sport? Tina Singh chose a third option - designing a helmet for Sikh kids who, like her three sons, keep their hair uncut. Although her company, Bold Helmets, was created with her community in mind, Tina hopes other overlooked groups could one day benefit from her re-imagining of the helmet.What we discuss in this episode:The tough choices faced by Sikh parents who want their kids to participate in helmet-mandated sportsHow Tina started with zero knowledge of helmet design and what she would do differentlyWhy she ended up pivoting the brand nameHow she coped with media attention when Bold Helmets launchedIf you liked this episode, please share with someone who you think would enjoy it and please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show. ---About Tina Singh Tina Singh is the founder of Bold Helmets, an Occupational Therapist, Digital Content Creator and mom of 3. In December 2022, Tina launched the Bold Helmets brand which has created the first safety certified multi-sport helmet for Sikh kids who keep their hair. As an Occupational Therapist who worked in the area of head and brain injuries, Tina knew that a helmet was essential for her kids. When she couldn't find one to fit her kids, she made her own.Learn more about Bold Helmets: www.boldhelmets.comFollow Bold Helmets on Instagram: @boldhelmets---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/madeforuspod 

Want to be the first to hear about Season 2 of Made For Us? Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive content.This week's episode:For decades, dancers of colour at classical ballet companies have used makeup to dye their pink pointe shoes a darker shade to match their skin tone. My guest this week, award-winning ballerina Cira Robinson, tells me about the day she got tired of ‘pancaking’ and asked the renowned shoemaker Freed of London to make a pair of brown pointe shoes for her. What we discuss in this episode:Cira’s experience with the Dance Theatre of Harlem under the legendary Arthur MitchellHer move to London to join Ballet BlackThe role pointe shoes play in a dancer’s life and the need for customisationHow she worked with Freed and Ballet Black to create inclusive pointe shoes and the impact they've hadIf you liked this episode, it would be great if you could leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show. This is the first of two episodes on inclusive pointe shoes. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss my interview with Cassa Pancho, founder of Ballet Black, in a few weeks! ---About Cira Robinson Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cira began her ballet career as an apprentice with the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Dancing Through Barriers Ensemble. After a few months, she became a full member and danced many works from the DTH repertoire under the guidance of Arthur Mitchell.She joined Ballet Black in London in 2008 and in 2013 was nominated for Outstanding Classical Female at the Critics Circle National Dance Awards. While at Ballet Black, Cira worked with the company and with Freed of London to create the first Brown and Bronze pointe shoe for dancers of colour. After retiring in 2022, she took up a new role as Director of the Yorkshire Ballet Seminars.Follow Cira on Instagram: @ciraoslynn---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ Newsletter: https://madeforuspodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ 

As a gamer living with a disability, Vivek Gohil has strong opinions about the accessibility of video games. Diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at the age of nine, his muscles have become weaker over the years but that hasn’t deterred him from gaming. He now uses his experience to advise game developers and console makers on improving gaming for people like himself with severe motor disabilities. In this interview, he talks about the solutions he’s found, including coding accessibility features into games that lack them, and why he’d like to see more developers tapping into the expertise of gamers with disabilities. Other topics we cover in this episode:How Vivek has adapted his gaming setupHow accessibility in gaming has evolved and areas for improvementThe impact of the Xbox Adaptive ControllerThe representation of disability in gamesThis is the second of two episodes on accessible gaming. Check out part one, an interview with Mick Donegan, founder of the gaming charity SpecialEffect, here: https://pod.link/1711282282---About Vivek GohilVivek is an accessibility consultant who lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He uses his lived experiences to advocate and elevate the voices of disabled gamers with similar conditions. Vivek regularly writes for the gaming website Eurogamer focusing on accessibility.  Vivek’s website: https://uncannyvivek.com/ Follow Vivek on Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncannyvivek ---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/

Enjoying Season 1 of Made For Us? Would you like to play a part in shaping future episodes? If so, please share your feedback in our quick 4-minute survey. You'll find it here or by pasting this link in your browser: https://bit.ly/madeforuspod. Thanks!This week's guest:When it comes to improving the accessibility of video games, it’s often simple things that can make a big difference, says Mick Donegan, my guest this week. Since 2007, the charity he founded, SpecialEffect, has helped thousands of people with severe physical disabilities play video games by creating bespoke setups suited to their abilities. In today’s interview, Mick tells me how SpecialEffect has become a catalyst for change in the gaming industry by sharing its knowledge with game developers and hardware manufacturers, including Microsoft and Sony, the makers of the Xbox Adaptive Controller and the Playstation Access Controller.In this episode we discuss:The power of play and gaming’s impact on mental healthThe most challenging cases SpecialEffect has worked onWhat’s behind the drive towards inclusion in the gaming industrySpecialEffect’s impact on the industryThis is the first of two episodes on accessible gaming. Look out for part two next week!---About Mick DoneganDr Mick Donegan, MBE, is the Founder and CEO of SpecialEffect, a charity dedicated to providing enhanced opportunities for people with severe physical disabilities to access technology for leisure, creativity and communication. He is also Adjunct Professor of Assistive Design at OCAD University, Toronto. Learn more about SpecialEffect: https://www.specialeffect.org.uk/SpecialEffect DevKit: https://specialeffectdevkit.info/Follow SpecialEffect on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@specialeffectcharity---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ 

Your feedback is important to us — shape the future of Made For Us by taking our quick survey and sharing your insights: https://bit.ly/madeforuspod. This week's guest:When pitching their inclusive eyewear brand to investors, Reframd ’s co-founders Shariff Vreugd and Ackeem Ngwenya often faced doubts about whether a market existed for their product. But if you look beyond the West, says Shariff, the opportunity is massive. In the second of a two-part series on inclusive brands disrupting the eyewear industry, we talk about how Reframd is reimagining eyewear frame design to cater to communities that have traditionally been overlooked.In this episode we discuss:Why certain demographic groups have felt neglected by the eyewear industryHow Reframd had to rethink its target audience post-launchWhy Reframd believes its data and insights can have a huge impact on the eyewear industry The test to determine if your glasses fit correctly In case you missed part 1 of the series, check out Episode 11 with Athina Wang and Florence Shin of Covry. If you’d like to hear more stories like this, please support the podcast by leaving a rating on Apple or Spotify and sharing it with others via this link: https://pod.link/1711282282  ---About Shariff VreugdShariff is the Managing Director and Co-founder of Reframd, a company that crafts and manufactures eyewear products based on the unique facial measurements of each customer. Reframd's mission is to make the eyewear industry more inclusive.Learn more about Reframd: https://www.reframd.com/Follow Reframd on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reframd/ Reframd is offering 15% off eyeglasses and sunglasses to Made For Us listeners with the code 'PodcastSHRF15', valid until April 30, 2024.---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/ X: https://twitter.com/madeforuspod 

After struggling for years to find glasses that fit comfortably, Athina Wang and Florence Shin realised that it was the eyewear industry that needed to change and not them. That was the inspiration for launching Covry, an inclusive eyewear brand that came to life through an oversubscribed Kickstarter campaign. In the interview, we discuss:Why having zero eyewear industry experience proved to be an advantage for Athina and FlorenceHow they ensured a successful Kickstarter campaign Why customer feedback is an essential part of Covry’s design processThe 20+ steps involved in creating a single Covry frameThis is the first of two episodes on inclusive eyewear. Tune in tomorrow for part 2 with Shariff Vreugd, the co-founder of Reframd. If you like this episode, please rate the podcast on your preferred app and share it with someone who would enjoy it via this link: https://pod.link/1711282282 ---About Athina Wang and Florence Shin Athina Wang and Florence Shin met in high school and have been close friends throughout their journey in the fashion industry. Frustrated by the lack of comfortable options for diverse face shapes, they teamed up to create an innovative approach to fit and design. Together, they built Covry to embrace diversity and celebrate faces of all different shapes and sizes.Learn more about Covry: https://shopcovry.com/Follow Covry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopcovry/ ---Connect with Made for UsShow notes and transcripts: https://made-for-us.captivate.fm/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/madeforuspodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeforuspodcast/