Universal design, an essential concept to the inclusion of diversity, is characterized by designing architecture, structures, concepts and products that are usable to the most number of people possible without further revision (Burgstahler, 2009). Furthermore, universal design is primarily about ensuring that what is designed makes everyone’s lives easier, instead of simply designing for a specific need (Kim & Jeong, 2020). Another example of universal design in engineering is flexible seating that is moveable and has a variety of options to accommodate individuals of varying physical abilities, heights and weights (Bilt, 2023).

The example of universal design in seating can be used to inspire universal design in a learning context in a number of ways. For example, a course with a universal learning design may implement flexible due dates (for instance an assignment is due on Sunday, but everyone may turn it in until Friday without penalty), which would allow additional time for students with diverse learning needs, but also for students who are working, and students who have personal matters come up. I have previously taken a course which has implemented this option and it was very helpful for both myself and a number of my peers over the course of the semester. 

Additionally, a course with a universal learning design may offer a variety of project options that students can choose from to demonstrate their understanding of course material. Examples of such projects may include art pieces, digital design, community involvement, group work, or more traditional writing projects. I am a psychology major and many of the courses I have taken expect students to write a term paper. This may be difficult for students with dyslexia, students who are still learning English, or students who simply do not enjoy writing or find the process stressful. Moreover, term papers might not always be an accurate representation of how much many students have truly learned over the semester. By allowing students to choose a medium that they enjoy, students may be able to better convey the knowledge they have learned, regardless of their writing ability. 

Overall, we can take inspiration from the flexible seating universal design in engineering to reflect on how learning design can be adapted to serve the maximum number of students and not trap learners in a one-size-fits-all course structure.

References

Bilt. (2023, July 14). Universal Design Principles And Construction. Bilt by Jaffer. https://www.bilt.ca/2023/07/14/universal-design-principles-and-construction/

Burgstahler, S. (2009). Universal Design: Process, Principles, and Applications. DO-IT.

Kim, J. S., & Jeong, B. Y. (2020). Universal safety and design: Transition from universal design to a new philosophy. Work (Reading, Mass.), 67(1), 157–164.  

Kim, J. S., & Jeong, B. Y. (2020). Universal safety and design: Transition from universal design to a new philosophy. Work (Reading, Mass.), 67(1), 157–164. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-203261