Designing for Inclusion and Diversity in Big Tech Reports: A Gray Literature Analysis
Original version
Universal Access in Human-Computer Interaction. 2024, 14697, 66-79. 10.1007/978-3-031-60881-0_5Abstract
This study investigates whether big technology companies (Google, Amazon, Meta, Apple, Microsoft) comprehensively report inclusion and diversity actions in their software product and service design. Therefore, this research aims to address the gap in reporting on designing for inclusion actions carried out during product and service design. Using a gray literature review approach, we examined reports from a variety of sources, including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Environment, Social and Governance (ESG), and others. Thematic analysis was applied to synthesize the results and answer the main research question: How are inclusion and diversity actions reported by big tech companies during the design of software products? Our study shows that while diversity in the workplace is frequently reported, actions related to diversity and inclusion in software design are unreported. Google, Apple and Microsoft provide more detailed insights into inclusive design approaches in their reports, while Meta and Amazon focus predominantly on environmental initiatives and workplace diversity. The findings highlight the need for standardized reporting practices and greater transparency in the software design process. We offer recommendations on what to report regarding software development in inclusion and diversity reports.