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You are here: Teaching, Universal Design

This module was delivered in the past to students on the part-time MSc (Computing) Assistive Techonlogy. Students on the module learned about the Seven Principles of Universal Design and were able to critically evaluate various applications, products and services for their adherence to these important principles. Additionally, students presented and evaluated their own designs for a range of problems.

A summary of this module is provided in the presentation which was given at the workshop titled Universal Design in Third level and CPD Education incorporating Outcomes Measurement at the National Disability Authority on Wednesday, 23rd September 2009.

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Assignment

For your assignment, you are required to:

  1. Identify a particular product, service or domain.
  2. Perform detailed research on the domain, identifying access and usability problems.
  3. Present an alternative design addressing problems you identified as part of your research.
  4. Suggest means of retrofitting solutions to the domain as it currently exists.

You will need to submit the following:

  1. Weekly progress reports and updates, presented in class discussion.
  2. A final document containing all the information required and listed above.
  3. A final presentation lasting 20 minutes.

Read the full assignment specification.

The assignment contributes 40% to the overall mark for the module.

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Examination

The examination consists of 3 questions, 2 of which must be attempted, each carrying 50% of the marks for the examination.

The examination contributes 60% to the overall mark for the module.

View past examination papers.

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Notes and Labwork

Week NumberDateTopic
1 Introduction to Universal Design
2 The Economics of Universal Design
3 Legislative Issues and Universal Design
4 Legislative Issues and Universal Design (Continued)
5 Universal Design and Web Accessibility
6 User Interface Design and Usability
7 Personas and Goals
8 Scenarios and Requirements
9 Universal Design Processes for Software
10 Class Presentations 1
11 Class Presentations 2
12 Universal Design Processes for Software (Continued)
13 Review and Preparation for Examination

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Useful Resources and Links

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