Universal Design Catherine Ubry EDP 279
Aug 16, 2015
What is Universal Design?
Process that can be applied to any product or environment
Goal is accessibility and easy usability for everyone involved
Characteristics of environment or product meets the needs of a wide variety
Who does Universal Design involve?
Many believe it only involves students with different disabilities---this is not true
Universal design can involved anyone and everyone (people of various ethnicities, language learners, students, workers, teachers, athletes, etc.)
Could include characteristics ranging from different physical, emotional or psychological needs
Process of Universal DesignIdentify the application: what product or environment needs
UD implementation?
Define the universe: describe the population, diverse characteristics, etc.
Involve consumers: involve diverse people involved & gain different perspectives
Adopt guidelines or standards: create or select existing UD guidelines & integrate them
UD Process (continued)Apply guidelines or standards: apply guidelines to
environment or product as stated above
Plan for accommodations: develop process to address accommodation request situations for those who may need it
Train and support: provide ongoing training and support to all those involved
Evaluate: include UD measures in evaluations, evaluate users, make modifications needed, etc.
Principals of Universal Design
Equitable Use: design is useful to people with diverse abilities
Flexibility in Use: design accommodates a wide range of abilities, preferences, needs, etc.
Simple and intuitive: design is easy to use and understand regardless of user’s experience, skills, etc.
Perceptible information: design communicates necessary information effectively to user
Tolerance for error: design minimizes hazards and adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions
Low physical effort: design can be used efficiently, comfortably, etc.
Size and space for approach and use: size and space provided for approach, reach, etc. is appropriate.
Works Cited
http://www.washington.edu/doit/Brochures/Programs/ud.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfsx3DGpv5o&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3ardmq0a0&feature=relmfu
http://www.washington.edu/doit/CUDE/inst_sec.html