ARC 558SEM - Design for Inclusive Environments

This course is an introduction to inclusive design of places, products, and systems with a particular focus on the implications of a life span perspective. The aging of populations in industrialized countries and the disability rights movement have come together in a new paradigm often called “universal design,” or design of places, products environments, and information/communication systems that allow all people to use them effectively without the need for special accommodations. Although it originally emerged in disability and aging studies, this new paradigm is even more inclusive in outlook. Just as older people and people with disabilities have needs that are not met by traditional design strategies, there are clearly many other segments of the population who have likewise been ignored: children, left handed people, women, people of extremely short or tall stature, those who do not read the native language, and many others. This course is cross-listed with END 558.

Credits: 3