An important aspect of design is considering who will be using the design. I personally never thought specifically about designing with the intent of accessibility, though most considerations would naturally come about in a design process, having the thought in mind changes the way you will think about your design.
For example, for EcoCAR, the center console design will be using a turn knob for our gear shifter, but my original design I did not consider that you could only turn it by gripping it with your hand. Quite shortly after our class lecture on Accessibility, it got me to think. While this is a specific case, what if the driver does not have the availability of one hand and needs to turn the knob, well by adding a tab that sticks enough to be used as a lever, it is now possible to turn the knob without gripping it with your hand.
Here is a source where you have access to different websites in regards to considering accessibility: http://www.nea.gov/resources/accessibility/rlists/UDesResources.html
I believe the key to designing for accessibility is just being aware that not everyone is capable to perform the same tasks. This includes everything from disabilities to considering the age use of a design. Knowing this and researching the use of your design will, in my opinion, ultimately make you a better designer.
-amorgan
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