Universal Design

Katie Silvester, Kate Chaterdon & Lizzy Bentley

through visual & spatial analysis

Background image courtesy of Builderfish.com

Images courtesy of the “Disability Memes” Facebook Page

The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.  This concept was born out of architecture and design, but has great potential to impact disability-related access (drc.arizona.edu)

What is Universal Design?

Images courtesy of mile.mmu.edu

What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?

A “set of principles for curriculum development that give all individuals equal opportunities to learn” (udlcenter.org).

Does not assume the existence of homogenized class, but instead offers flexibility for teaching students with a variety of learning styles and needs.

Three Principles of UDL

Image courtesy of setsig.iste.wikispaces.net/

Focus: What parts of the image are clearly in focus? Are some out of focus? Why?

Student’s Guide Language for Visual AnalysisBalance: Is the visual weight on one side of the photograph about the same as the other?

Dominance:What is the first thing

you notice? Why is your attention drawn

there?

Contrast: Are there strong visual contrasts: lights, darks, shadows?

Angle: From what vantage point was the photo taken/scene shot?Framing: Describe the edges of the view.

Scale: Discuss the size of the object within the work.

Seven Principles of Universal Design:• Equitable use: The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse

abilities• Flexibility in use: The design accommodates a wide range of preferences and

abilities.• Simple and intuitive use: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of

the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.• Perceptible information: The design communicates necessary information

effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.

• Tolerance for error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

• Low physical effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortable and with a minimum of fatigue.

• Size and space for approach and use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility (drc.arizona.edu).

Activity &

Discussion

Image taken by Elizabeth Bentley

Works Cited“Disability Memes Facebook Page” Facebook.com/DisabilityMemes. Web. 24 September 2014.

“Universal Design.” University of Arizona Disability Resource Center. Drc.arizona.edu. Web. 24 September 2014.

“What is UDL?” UDLCenter.org. National Center on Universal Design for Learning. Web. 24 September 2014.

Winet, Kristin, Brad Jacobson and Madelyn Tucker, eds. A Student’s Guide to First-Year Writing, 35th edition. Plymouth: Hayden-McNeil Publishing, 2014. Print.