Universal Design Catherine Ubry

EDP 279

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