Course syllabus

Universal design, teori
Universal Design, Theory

TNSA01, 2 credits, G1 (First Cycle)

Valid for: 2016/17
Decided by: Education Board E
Date of Decision: 2016-04-04

General Information

Main field: Industrial Design.
Compulsory for: KID2
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English on demand

Aim

In a society for all environment, products and services are designed based on the knowledge that people are different and have different potential, and for the same person this will vary over time and with different situations. This course focuses on universal design (Universal Design), which can be explained as the design of products, services and environments that are usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, withoutthe need for special adaptation or specialized design. The aim of the course is that the students, in their future professional roles, can take into account people's different conditions and abilities and contribute to the design of products, services and environments that are accessible to as many persons  as possible. The course aims to help the students get a practical training in how to analyze and evaluate products, services and environments and determine how well they meet the criteria for universal design. The aim is also to give necessary prerequisites for the course "Universal design, project".

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to account for inclusive design principles and evaluation methods (eg, based on Universal Design, Design for All, Inclusive design) that can be used as guidelines in the development or evaluation of products, environments and services
• be able to describe the benefits of universal and inclusive design in a society that supports and strives for diversity
• identify and analyze situations, products, environments and services from an inclusive perspective
• have knowledge about how universal design, accessibility and social sustainability are interrelated and what the differences are.

 

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to apply evaluation techniques for universal and inclusive design
• identify shortcomings of products, services and environments and propose improvements according to the seven principles of universal design.

 

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• be able to describe the quest that lies in the design of products and services so they are aesthetic and useful to as many people as possible regardless of age and ability.
• to take into account that people are different with a great variety of conditions and abilities and that they have different desires and needs.
• be able to express how universal design contributes to a society for all.

Contents

The course focuses on the seven principles of universal design and how perspectives and attitudes affect people with different abilities and their opportunities enjoy new developments is society. In the course, students will meet people with different life experiences, including persons with disabilities and people with a foreign background who are invited as guest lecturers. The course provides examples of technological assistance for different situations. Empathy exercises will also be carried out.

Examination details

Grading scale: UG
Assessment: The assessment is based on individual assignments.

Admission

The number of participants is limited to: No
The course overlaps following course/s: TNS120, TNX153

Reading list

• Handed-out material about the seven principles of universal design.
• Steinfeld, E. and Maisel, J.: Universal Design – Creating Inclusive Environments. Wiley, 2012, ISBN: 978-0470399132.
• Jönsson B. et al.: Människonära design / Design Side by Side. Studentlitteratur, 2005, ISBN: 978-91-44-04494-1. Optional literature. Download at: http://www.arkiv.certec.lth.se/doc/designsidebyside/designsidebyside.pdf.
• Additional literature will be available as internet links.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Per-Olof Hedvall, tekn dr, per-olof.hedvall@certec.lth.se
Examinator: Per-Olof Hedvall, tekn dr, per-olof.hedvall@certec.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.certec.lth.se/english/education/