uiGarden.net - Weaving Usability and Cultures

Adopting the Universal Design Approach Instead of the Stigma That Creates Poorly Accessible Enviroments

Marcelo Guimaraes — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 22:01:45 GMT

Universal Design can be thought of as a contemporary philosophical movement that addresses trends in the growth of the aging population and diversification of user abilities around the world. Stakeholders rely on designers, planners and managers as decision makers leading the drive to create non-segregated environments that help users and eliminate the stigma of disability. However, it seems necessary that everyone involved in the design process becomes aware and willing to bring about change. Therefore, the preparation of design students as well as users to understand the scope of Universal Design must be based on strategies that counteract the continuation of the stigma of disability in the mindset of designers and others who can bring about the changes required to create a more inclusive world.

Universal Design – The Time is Now

Beth Tauke — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:45:42 GMT

The time for universal design is now because, as the Designing for the 21st Century III Conference website states “This is an extraordinary moment. We are more diverse now in ability and age than ever before. It is time for design to catch up. There is an urgent need to exchange ideas about the design of places, things, information, policies and programs that demonstrate the power of design to shape a 21st century world that works for all of us”

Design for people with disabilities in Japan

Satoshi Kose — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:59:22 GMT

Design for people with disabilities sometimes works fine. However, without involving everyone, i.e., unless it will benefit everyone in the society, such design will remain as a kind of orphan technology and will eventually fail to be applied widely. The direction of design therefore should be universal/inclusive.

Is Universal Design Really Universal?

John Salmen — Fri, 23 May 2008 20:56:00 GMT

Today, as I write this article, my Google search found “about 13,200,000” references. There is no denying that the concept of Universal Design has gained widespread use. But what does it really mean?

The Concept of Universal Design

Edward Steinfeld — Tue, 13 May 2008 09:59:00 GMT

The idea that environments can support human function is not new to designers. But, the perception that design can enable one’s abilities and participation in society is something relatively new from a consumer perspective.