A holistic approach in the context of IN+ projects means addressing the multiple, interconnected factors that affect digital inclusion, rather than just focusing on one aspect like access to technology. It involves considering the broader social, cultural, economic, and educational contexts that shape how communities engage with digital tools and platforms.
A holistic approach ensures that digital equity projects are not just about providing tools, but also about creating supportive environments where communities can thrive digitally in a sustainable, inclusive, and meaningful way.
What does holistic approach mean at the INCLUDE+?
A holistic approach also means looking at the same question from a range of perspectives and employing a range of approaches – it is about building diversity into the methodology and being open to being surprised by the outcomes of this. Our projects that start by working with communities to ask a question, and then exploring a range of ways they might respond to that question, are often the most successful in terms of embracing and promoting all of our IN+ Principles.
Recognising and reflecting on existing power structures is essential in understanding digital equity, as these structures shape how individuals and communities access, use, and benefit from digital tools. Power dynamics—such as economic inequality, racial discrimination, gender biases, and geographical disparities—can limit who gets to participate fully in the digital world and how they experience it. This recognition also extends to the embodied experience of digital equity, acknowledging how these power structures affect people’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being when engaging with digital platforms. For example, marginalised communities may face online harassment or exclusion, which impacts their sense of safety and belonging.
Holistic approach: examples of critical questions for you to consider for your IN+ Project.
| Holistic approach across IN+ Projects | Questions |
| Exploring power dynamics | How does your project recognise and address existing power structures (e.g., economic inequality, racial discrimination, gender biases) that shape who can access and benefit from digital tools, and how are these considerations integrated into the project design? |
| Embodied experiences of digital equity | In what ways does your project acknowledge and respond to the physical, mental, and emotional impacts of digital engagement, particularly for marginalised communities who may face online harassment or exclusion? |
| Community driven direction | How could the project empower communities to shape its outputs and direction, ensuring that the activities, resources, and outcomes are aligned with their specific needs and experiences? |
One of the ways that a holistic approach has been embedded into some of our projects is by giving the outputs and direction to the communities engaged in the projects, or working to produce a range of outputs with a range of resources. This also acknowledges the limitations of a ‘one size fits all’ approach.