Inclusive or universal design aims to create accessible products and services for a diverse range of users, irrespective of age and abilities, by fostering better understanding and empathy with all potential users. Traditional user research methods often fail to accommodate this diversity, necessitating more appropriate methods for inclusive design. This paper introduces the 'Critical User Forums' method, which involves direct interaction between design teams and a mixed group of users with severe disabilities. The method's effectiveness was evaluated through interviews with eight UK design consultancies that participated in the 'DBA Design Challenge,' a competition emphasizing inclusive design. The study discusses the contributions of critical users to these projects and the design teams' perspectives on involving users in the design process. It concludes that Critical User Forums enable designers to gain a deeper understanding and empathy for a broader range of users, thereby enhancing inclusive design practices.