Samsung’s Commitment to Accessibility: Pioneering Inclusive Home Appliances for All

In line with its vision of “AI for All,” Samsung Electronics is pushing the boundaries of home appliance design to create products that cater to the diverse needs of modern households. Central to this is the company’s dedication to accessibility, ensuring that individuals of all abilities—especially those with disabilities and older adults—can fully benefit from the latest technological innovations.

In a conversation with Bona Lee, Vice President and Head of Customer eXperience (CX) Insight Group at Samsung Digital Appliances (DA) Business, we explored the company’s commitment to accessibility and the philosophy driving the development of inclusive features.

Guiding Principles for Designing Accessibility Features

When designing accessible home appliances, Samsung takes into account the multifaceted ways in which users interact with technology. This includes sensory inputs (sight, sound, touch), cognitive functions (making selections, adjusting settings), and physical actions (lifting, pushing, or pulling). For many users, these can present challenges. Samsung’s goal is to remove or reduce these barriers so that all individuals, regardless of physical ability, can easily access and utilize the latest appliance features. Tailored solutions such as tactile stickers for buttons, audio cues for users with visual impairments, and accessible control panel heights are part of the company’s inclusive design approach.

Standout Accessibility Features You Might Not Know About

One of the most impressive innovations is found in Samsung’s Bespoke AI Laundry Combo. The latest model significantly improves usability by replacing dials with a built-in digital screen featuring large, legible fonts. AI functionality helps streamline user interaction by prioritizing frequently used settings at the top of the menu.

Moreover, SmartThings routines enable users with limited mobility to control appliances with ease. A simple voice command such as “I’m going to sleep” can turn off lights and appliances, fostering a more accessible and automated home environment.

2025 Bespoke AI Lineup: New Accessibility Enhancements

In the 2025 Bespoke AI lineup, Samsung has introduced several new accessibility features, including Bixby Voice ID, which recognizes individual voices and customizes accessibility settings for each person. Voice-based commands also provide users with real-time information about their appliances, enhancing convenience.

For those with limited mobility, the Auto Open Door feature—already popular in Samsung appliances—has been expanded to include refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, and dishwashers. This feature allows users to open doors with a simple voice command or a light tap, eliminating the need for physical strain.

Collaborations to Drive Accessibility Innovation

Samsung actively collaborates with a range of organizations to tackle real-world accessibility challenges. Through partnerships with groups like the Korea Center for Accessibility Assessment & Research, Samsung ensures its products meet the needs of diverse user groups. The company also adheres to the European Accessibility Act set to take effect this June, ensuring that all screen-equipped appliances include features like voice guidance and improved visibility.

Internally, Samsung’s Family Supporters group—comprised of employees with disabilities or caregiving responsibilities—plays a key role in shaping accessibility initiatives. Additionally, the newly created Accessibility Employee Resource Group (ERG) fosters ongoing dialogue, encouraging employees to share insights that help improve product design.

Collaborative Results: Enhancing User Experiences

Thanks to feedback from visually impaired users, Samsung has improved the SmartThings app and worked with Sullivan Plus, an AI-powered visual assistance app, to simplify the appliance connection process. The Sullivan Plus app, a graduate of Samsung’s C-Lab Outside startup incubator, offers a dedicated mode to recognize Samsung appliances and assist users in seamlessly connecting them to SmartThings.

Another collaborative initiative saw the creation of assistive devices like a stick-on handle for drawers, designed for users with limited hand mobility. These tools, shared on ITDA, a public platform for customizing assistive devices, highlight Samsung’s commitment to creating a more inclusive, automated user experience.

The Future of AI and Universal Accessibility

Looking ahead, Samsung’s vision of “AI for All” goes beyond merely addressing specific needs—it’s about delivering integrated, intelligent experiences that adapt to the individual. The goal is to create products that not only understand the user but also automate tasks and reduce the need for manual interaction, creating an environment that is accessible to everyone.

Samsung’s future innovations will continue to be driven by universal design principles, gathering feedback from diverse user groups and collaborating with experts to create more inclusive solutions. With advancements in AI and accessibility, Samsung is poised to lead the way toward a future where technology serves everyone, regardless of ability or environment.