Advanced Topics in HCIT
Introduction to Universal Design
Bláithín Gallagher PhD
Marie Curie Research Fellow
Advanced Research Methods for HCIT
© 2012 Department of Computer Science
It can scarcely be denied that the supreme goal of
all theory is to make the irreducible basic elements
as simple and as few as possible without having to
surrender the adequate representation of a single
datum of experience.*
Albert Einstein
Everything should be made
as simple as possible.
But no simpler.
*from On the Method of Theoretical Physics, p. 183. The Herbert Spencer Lecture, delivered at Oxford (10 June 1933)
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What is Universal?
Today, more than ever before, life must be
characterized by a sense of Universal responsibility, not
only nation to nation and human to human, but also
human to other forms of life. Dalai Lama
Universal:Adjective: .Of or pertaining to the universe; extending to,
including, or affecting, the whole number, quantity, or space;
unlimited; general; all-reaching; all-pervading; as, universal
ruin; universal good; universal benevolence or benefice.
Adapted or adaptable to all or to various uses, shapes, sizes,
etc.
Noun: A person or thing having universal effect, currency, or
application, in particular.
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What is Design?
“Design is what links creativity and innovation. It shapes
ideas to become practical and attractive propositions for
users or customers. Design may be described as
creativity deployed to a specific end.’Design is powerful
and profoundly influences our daily lives and our sense
of confidence, comfort, and control.”
Sir George Cox
DESIGN:Noun - A plan or drawing produced to show the look and
function or workings of a building, garment, or other object
before it is built or made.
Verb - Decide upon the look and functioning of (a building,
garment, or other object), typically by making a detailed
drawing of it.
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Terminology
Barrier-free design: concerned with Access
focus on disability and accommodating people with
disabilities in the environment.
e,g. Removing architectural barriers
Assistive technology: focus on compensating an
individual function with a disability. Can range from eye
glasses to a screen reader
Universal design takes into account all potential users
not just user with disabilities
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Definitions of Universal Design
Universal Design is the design of products and
environments to be usable by everyone, to the
greatest extent possible, without the need for
adaptation or specialized design
Ron Mace
Universal Design is a framework for the design of
places, things, information, communication and policy to
be usable by the widest range of people operating in the
widest range of situations without special or separate
design. Most simply, Universal Design is humancentered design of everything with everyone in mind.
The Institute for Human Centered Design
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Definitions of Universal Design
“Universal Design ("UD") increases usability, safety
and health of environments, products and systems in
response to the diversity of people and abilities. With
attention focused on the changing demographics,
differences in functional ability and preferences are part
of everyday life experience. UD represents a paradigm
for design of the built environment and products to
address this diversity and increase use by all by
introducing flexibility, choice and accommodating
features to the physical world and business practices.
The Global Universal Design Commission
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Definitions of Universal Design
Universal design makes things more accessible,
safer, and convenient for everyone. Also called
“Design for All” or “Inclusive Design,” it is a
philosophy that can be applied to policy, design and
other practices to make products, environments
and systems function better for a wider range of
people. It developed in response to the diversity of
human populations, their abilities and their needs.
The Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDeA Center)
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Definitions of Universal Design
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities Article 2 – Definitions:
““Universal design” means the design of products,
environments, programmes and services to be usable
by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without
the need for adaptation or specialized design.”
““Universal design” shall not exclude assistive devices
for particular groups of persons with disabilities where
this is needed.”
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Design
Powerful
Influential
Impact
Social, Economic, Cultural, Environmental
Acknowledge Diversity of the human ability
What is normal?
Enhance the human experience for all
Paradigm shift: From “Special” to “Inclusive”
Not possible to design for everybody
Examples of UD?
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Example of Universal Design
Redesign was necessary
Curb cut.
Wheelchair users
bicycles,
baby carriages,
grocery carts,
wheeled luggage etc
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Now accommodates
multiple users,
Blind people &
Other mobile users in
varying climate conditions
Good universal design
benefits everyone,
Necessary to discover &
meets user requirements
OXO Good Grip Peeler
Easier to use with reduced dexterity
or weak grip strength
Collaboration with Smart Design
Revolutionized the market
Brought concept of universal design
to mass market.
Involved extensive research
Ergonomic pioneers
Multiple Awards
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Other examples
Pedestrian Crossing:
Visual Walk/ Don't Walk
Audio: Beeps
Vibration: people with hearing impairment/dual sensory loss
TV Captions: originally for people with hearing loss but also used by many users
eg language learning, developing literacy skills, watching TV on mute
Access for All
Wider doors/Flat entrances
Lever door handles; Automatic Doors; Acccessible Toilets
Placement of Electrical sockets/light switches
Good light levels,
Clear contrast (signs, doors, wall sockets et)
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Usability and aesthetics are mutually compatible.
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Compare
Medical Model
Interactional Model
Can you say what is wrong with you?
Can you say what is wrong with society?
What complaint causes your difficulty in
holding, gripping or turning things?
What defects in the design of everyday
equipment such as jars and bottles causes
you difficulty in holding turning or gripping
them?
How difficult is it for you to get about your
immediate neighbourhood on your own?
What are the environmental constraints
which make it difficult for you to get about
in your immediate neighbourhood?
Does your disability make it difficult for you Do poorly designed buses make it difficult
to travel by bus?
for someone with your disability to use
them?
Did you move here because of your
disability problem?
What inadequacies in your housing
caused you to move here?
Oliver’s Survey (1990)
Carol Gill, Chicago Institute on Disability Research.
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Myths
One product fits all
Only achieved by specialist designers only
Can be applied at the end of the design process
A synonym for compliance with accessible design
standards
Only disabled and elderly people benefit
Leads to aesthetically unattractive products
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Facts about Universal Design
Aims to improve the original design concept
Maximise accessibility & usability of a product
Aspires to benefit every member of the population
Positive user experience of simple and intuitive
design.
Incorporates a user centered approach
 Requires an awareness and appreciation of the
diverse abilities of people.
It is a process not a product

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Universal design is...

Not necessarily a specialist subject.

Not a list of specifications;

Not an add-on design approach.

Not just about 'one size fits all'
Not a replacement to the design of products
targeted at specific markets


Not just a synonym for `'accessibility”
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Policy
UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities – General Obligations:
State Parties are “to undertake or promote research
and development of universally designed goods,
services, equipment and facilities ……………… to
promote their availability and use, and to promote
universal design in the development of standards and
guidelines.”

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Policy
Council of Europe
Resolution 2001: On the incorporation of Universal Design
into the design curriculum
Draft Resolution 2007: On achieving full participation
through Universal Design
Disability Action Plan: Universal Design identified as “vital
element of the implementation strategy” with specific
reference to curriculum, ICT, built environment, products
and services.
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EU e-Inclusion Policy
Riga Ministerial Declaration June 2006
e-Accessibility - make ICT accessible to all
Ageing - empower older people
e-Competences - knowledge, skills and lifelong
learning approach
Socio-Cultural e-Inclusion - minorities,
migrants and marginalised young people
Geographical e-Inclusion - people in rural,
remote and economically disadvantaged areas
Inclusive eGovernment - better, more diverse
public services for all
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/einclusion/policy/index_en.htm
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Principles of Universal Design
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Principles of Universal Design 1/7
1:Equitable Use: The design is useful and marketable
to people with diverse abilities.
Guidelines:
1a. Provide the same means of use for all users:
identical whenever possible; equivalent when not.
1b. Avoid segregating or stigmatizing any users.
1c. Provisions for privacy, security, and safety should
be equally available to all users.
1d. Make the design appealing to all users.
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Principles of Universal Design 1/7
/
ICT
Access for people unable to use the mouse or touch
screen always available via keyboard
Access for people with vision loss
via screen readers & screen magnification
Access for people with hearing loss
synchronized captions for video content & transcripts
for audio.
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Principles of Universal Design 2/7
2: Flexibility in Use--The design accommodates a
wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
Guidelines:
2a. Provide choice in methods of use.
2b. Accommodate right- or left-handed access and use.
2c. Facilitate the user's accuracy and precision.
2d. Provide adaptability to the user's pace.
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Principles of Universal Design 2/7
"The design accommodates a wide range of individual
preferences and abilities."
Content should be accessible via a wide variety of
devices
Not dependent on users ability to be accurate or be
speed determined
Access via Braille displays or specialized software
Allow for any timed response, like a web application
time-out;
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Principles of Universal Design 3/7
/
3: 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.
Guidelines:
3a. Eliminate unnecessary complexity.
3b. Be consistent with user expectations and intuition.
3c. Accommodate a wide range of literacy and
language skills.
3d. Arrange information consistent with its importance.
3e. Provide effective prompting and feedback during
and after task completion.
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Principles of Universal Design 3/7
"Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of
the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or
current concentration level."
consistent design,
clear instructions in simple and concise language,
Feedback during and after task completion.
Reduces stress and comprehension difficulties
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Principles of Universal Design 4/7
4: Perceptible Information--The design communicates
necessary information effectively to the user, regardless
of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
Guidelines:
4a. Use different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) for
redundant presentation of essential information.
4b. Provide adequate contrast between essential
information and its surroundings.
4c. Maximize "legibility" of essential information.
4d. Differentiate elements in ways that can be described
(i.e., make it easy to give instructions or directions).
4e. Provide compatibility with a variety of techniques or
devices used by people with sensory limitations.
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Principles of Universal Design 4/7
"The design communicates necessary information
effectively to the user regardless of ambient conditions
or the user's sensory abilities."
Provides multiple modes of presentation of essential
information
Differentiate essential information from peripheral or
secondary content.
Functionality is readily and intuitively apparent.
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Principles of Universal Design 5/7
5: Tolerance for Error--The design minimizes hazards
and the adverse consequences of accidental or
unintended actions.
Guidelines:
5a. Arrange elements to minimize hazards and errors:
most used elements, most accessible; hazardous
elements eliminated, isolated, or shielded.
5b. Provide warnings of hazards and errors.
5c. Provide fail safe features.
5d. Discourage unconscious action in tasks that require
vigilance.
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Principles of Universal Design 5/7
"The design minimizes hazards and the adverse effects
of accidental or unintended actions."
Fault tolerant.
Mistake will either be autocorrected or user will receive
warning
Verifications will be are required for actions with risk eg
deleting data
Crucial for students with cognitive disabilities or those
with motor difficulties.
Errors should be easily identified, discoverable and
addressed.
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Principles of Universal Design 6/7
6: Low Physical Effort--The design can be used
efficiently and comfortably, and with a minimum of
fatigue.
Guidelines:
6a. Allow user to maintain a neutral body position.
6b. Use reasonable operating forces.
6c. Minimize repetitive actions.
6d. Minimize sustained physical effort.
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Principles of Universal Design 6/7
"The design can be used efficiently, comfortably, and
with a minimum of fatigue."
Intuitive web page layouts that follow norms and
conventions
Ensures movement through controls is logical and
easily accomplished.
Reasonable visual and spatial contrast between the
functional areas of web pages
Controls can be easily and effectively navigated using
the keyboard alone.
Keystroke short-cuts for major functionality. (where
possible)
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Principles of Universal Design 7/7
/
Principle 7: Size and Space for Approach and Use-Appropriate size and space is provided for approach,
reach, manipulations and use regardless of user's body
size, posture or mobility.
Guidelines:
7a. Provide a clear line of sight to important elements
for any seated or standing user.
7b. Make reach to all components comfortable for any
seated or standing user.
7c. Accommodate variations in hand and grip size.
7d. Provide adequate space for the use of assistive
devices or personal assistance.
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Principles of Universal Design 7/7
"Appropriate size and space is provided for approach,
reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user's
body size, posture, or mobility."
Provide sufficient space between web page controls,
including site navigation controls, and a large enough
target area.
Helps users with difficulties to using mouse
Provide logical, visual and interactively distinct
navigation and functional controls.
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Authors
The above seven principles were compiled by
advocates of universal design in 2007, listed in
alphabetical order: →
Bettye Rose Connell
Ron Mace
Abir Mullick
Jon Sanford
Molly Story
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Mike Jones
Jim Mueller
Elaine Ostroff
Ed Steinfeld
Gregg Vanderheiden
Principles of UD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ74zaKYo4k
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Conclusion
Broaden our understanding and experience
Incorporate wide spectrum of user needs
Flexible products
Easier to use by all
Lifelong learning opportunity
Independent Living
Social Inclusion
Social Wellbeing
Equal rights
Anti-discrimination
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8 Lessons for creating social impact
1. Undervalue Your Own Ideas.
2. Don't Pursue Perfection.
3. You Are Not the Only Creative in the Room.
4. Your Perspective Is Not Automatically Unique.
5. Learn From Your Elders.
6. The Web Will Not Save You.
7. You Better Be In It for the Long Haul.
8. Don't Celebrate Too Early.
Robert Fabricant
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Summary
Approach to design that aims to ensure that the
object under design can be used by virtually
everyone, regardless of their level of ability or
disability.
What is “normal”?
Continuum of ability
When more of us have a “disability” than not, universal
design will indeed become universal. Denis Lembrée
Aim is to achieve full participation in society for
everybody through Universal Design
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