overview

Key Learning Objectives

• Effectively explain the concepts and goals of universal design
• Understand about population diversity, stereotyping, and unconscious bias
• Explain the economics of universal design 
• Understand about projected demographic changes; and opportunities from applying universal design
• Analyse an aspect of their own work environment against universal design principles, with recommendations for improvement; including the potential value-add of applying universal design
• Understand how universal design can be applied in a broad range of disciplines

About the Course

This introductory course aims to provide a broad understanding of what universal design is, why, when and where we need it, and how to apply it in practice. Universal design is a concept that can be applied to the design of products, the built environment, transport, IT, and everyday goods, facilities and services; learning and education. The definition of universal design is:

“The design of products and environments to be useable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation and specialized design.”

Essentially universal design is a mainstream, pragmatic approach to achieve user-centered designs. Universal design goes beyond minimum compliance; it is about excellence. Universal design provides for flexibility and adaptability to create resilient and sustainable design outcomes. For this reason, universal design is frequently cited in government policy.

The course will explain the goals and principles of universal design, explain diversity, stereotyping and unconscious bias; detail the economic imperative for applying universal design; and show delegates how to apply it to their area of work. The training will draw on international best practice and utilise:

• Practical workshops: including universal design tools (such as mini audits); and
• Case studies showing practical solutions to achieve best practice universal design across various disciplines.

Who Should Attend

The course will be of interest to policy makers, policy implementers, all forms of designer: architects, interior designers, industrial designers, product designers, IT professionals, educators, learning specialists, built environment professionals and contractors, property owners and managers, facilities and service providers, occupational therapists, access consultants, and anyone passionate about excellence.