The Intersection of Universal Design and User Experience (UX) in Design Thinking

Handouts

Presented at 2:00pm in Gov Square 15 (Lab) on Thursday, November 18, 2021.

#34370

Speaker(s)

  • Jodi Arnold, UX/UI Analyst, Northern Arizona University
  • Kelly Roberts, Executive Director, Northern Arizona University

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 1-hr
  • Format: Lecture
  • Expertise Level: Beginner
  • Type of session: General Conference

Summary

This topic will explore the principle of Universal Design (UD) and how they intersect with the principles of User Experience (UX) and how they can be applied to design barrier-free digital environments.

Abstract

The term Universal Design began with architecture and built environments in the 1960s but has since been applied to other areas of life and learning, including digital environments. The terms UI/UX have become increasingly common as we move more and more toward a digital presence to do everything from order groceries to regularly attending virtual meetings. This topic will explore the principle of Universal Design (UD) and how they intersect with the principles of User Experience (UX) and how they can be applied to design barrier-free digital environments. Key Learning Outcomes 1. The audience will be able to recognize principles of Universal Design. 2. The audience will be able to recognize principles of User Experience. 3. Participants will be able to generalize design principles to their field of expertise.

Keypoints

  1. The principles of Universal Design and User Experience are complementary.
  2. Principles of UX/UI can be applied to all contexts and for all users.
  3. Combining user experience and universal design results in positive user experiences for all.

Disability Areas

All Areas

Topic Areas

Other, Uncategorized, Web/Media/App Access

Speaker Bio(s)

Jodi Arnold

Jodi Arnold has worked in University Centers for Excellence for over 20 years. She applies her expertise in accessibility standards to her work in graphic design, data visualization, and product dissemination across multiple projects in her work at NAU Institute for Human Development. Her work in accessibility extends to creating universally designed environments and events. In addition, she advocates for her 28-year-old son who has disabilities and has also worked with other parents of children with disabilities for many years.

Kelly Roberts

Dr. Roberts has degrees in special education is the executive director of the Institute for Human Development and a professor of education at Northern Arizona University (NAU). She has over 23 years of experience working in higher education as a researcher, evaluator, instructor, curriculum developer, and administrator. Dr. Roberts has served as PI on over 15 research and demonstration grants focusing on cultural responsiveness and targeting traditionally underrepresented groups including Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans. She has served as chair of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities Council of Research and Evaluation and on its Board of Directors.

Handout(s)

Intersection of Universal Design and User Experience (UX) in Design Thinking-Final