Policy, Implementation and Management of the Inclusive Design of Open Space for Visually Impaired Persons Kin Wai Michael Siu School of Design, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong and Department of Architecture, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, and Jia Xin Xiao and Yi Lin Wong School of Design, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Abstract Purpose - This study addresses policy, implementation and management, the three stages of inclusive open space. It compares both the level of design and implementation of open space in Beijing, Hong Kong and Taipei by following the inclusive guidelines. It also identifies recommendations for policy, implementation and management of inclusive open space and its facilities. Design/methodology/approach - Field observations were conducted in twenty-seven parks within three cities. In-depth interviews were conducted with a variety of participants, including visually impaired persons, government officers, representatives of non-governmental organisations, local communities and experts. Findings - Most of the so-called inclusive environments and facilities have not been user- friendly in actual practice. The findings suggest that policies are an essential precondition; however, implementation and management must not be ignored because they ensure the effectiveness of inclusive design. Research limitations/implications –Comprehensive and continuous studies on the proposed framework are recommended throughout the policy, implementation and management processes. Practical implications - The findings serve as a reference and direction for taking a holistic approach to inclusive design of open space in densely populated cities. Social implications - This study examines the levels of inclusive open space and illustrates how to provide barrier-free environments that can be used by the widest spectrum of people. Originality/value - This study evaluates policy, implementation and management in the three cities based on twenty-nine guidelines generated from seven principles of inclusive design. A research framework is proposed for researchers and policymakers to consider how to achieve effective inclusive open spaces. Keywords: Accessibility, Inclusive design, Openness, Public facility management, Universal design, Visually impaired persons Paper type Research paper Introduction This is the Pre-Published Version. © Emerald Publishing Limited. This AAM is provided for your own personal use only. It may not be used for resale, reprinting, systematic distribution, emailing, or for any other commercial purpose without the permission of the publisher. The following publication Siu, K.W.M., Xiao, J.X. and Wong, Y.L. (2019), "Policy, implementation and management of the inclusive design of open space for visually impaired persons", Facilities, Vol. 37 No. 5/6, pp. 330-351 is published by Emerald and is available at https://doi.org/10.1108/F-01-2018-0021