Universal Design

What is universal design?

Universal design (UD) is a concept where environments and products are created in a way that makes them accessible and usable for all people—regardless of the user’s sensory abilities, language skills, age, physical characteristics, and any disabilities—without the need for assistive technology, specialized design, or adaptations.

Example: We followed universal design principles to create an e-learning course that was accessible for people of diverse abilities. 

There are seven principles that guide the universal design process to help ensure the environment or product being designed is accessible for as many people as possible. These principles include ensuring that the design minimizes hazards to users and negative consequences of accidental or unintended actions. They also include making sure that low physical effort is needed to use the design.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a method of teaching that aims to design lessons that support all learners.