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This paper examines the impact and effectiveness of educational Universally Designed (UD) Augmented Reality (AR) applications compared to traditional paper-based counterparts. The study evaluates accessibility, usability, user experience, and short-term learning outcomes in marine biology, human anatomy, and cultural history. Thirty-six participants with diverse skills and abilities, including visual impairments and dyslexia, participated in two experiments. The findings reveal that UD-designed AR applications significantly improve accessibility and usability for users with special needs and enhance learning performance for sighted users, particularly in spatial tasks. Users with dyslexia demonstrated effective information recall, while blind users could interact with and learn from the AR content without needing third-party assistive technologies, which is not possible with paper-based solutions. This study underscores the importance of incorporating UD principles in AR development to enhance accessibility and usability, ensuring that immersive technologies facilitate digital inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a conceptual prototype that integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) with the principles of Universal Design (UD) to enhance decision-making in everyday scenarios for a diverse user base, eliminating the need for conventional text or voice AI interfaces. The study employed a mixed-method approach, including surveys, user testing, and interviews with eight participants from various age groups. The focus was on user interaction styles (head-mounted, handheld) within three everyday scenarios: 1) medication assistance, 2) food and beverage assistance, and 3) sustainability advocacy. Findings revealed that AR as an interface for AI was well-received for its intuitiveness and practical utility. However, users expressed concerns about privacy, the discomfort of wearable technology, and potential over-reliance on AI. This study demonstrates the potential of integrating AR as an interface for AI, combined with UD principles, to create inclusive, context-aware solutions, adaptable to users with diverse skills and abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the design and implementation of VRinDanger, a universally designed (UD) educational virtual reality (VR) application aimed at providing an inclusive and immersive learning experience focused on the world's deadliest animals. A mixed-methods study involving participants with diverse ages, skills, and abilities was conducted to evaluate the application's accessibility, usability, user experience, and educational effectiveness in terms of learning outcomes. The findings demonstrate that integrating UD principles into VR design significantly improves accessibility, enhances user satisfaction, and promotes engagement and retention of educational content for diverse audiences. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for cost-effective, cross-platform VR solutions and the development of VR-specific accessibility guidelines. These insights contribute to the advancement of inclusive VR design and its broader application in educational technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gesture-based screen readers like VoiceOver or TalkBack provide visually impaired users with a means to interact with digital content. However, there is a significant lack of both strategies and resources for teaching the use of these screen readers, and standardized teaching guidelines are notably absent. Furthermore, there is no free, universally designed, and accessible app for practicing gestures in mobile screen readers. This study aims to identify best practice strategies for teaching and practicing the use of gesture-based screen readers among visually impaired users, based on observations from an IT course directed at visually impaired individuals. Moreover, we present common challenges related to usability, attitudes, emotions, technical aspects, and user guidance and education, as well as key traits and facilitators for learning gesture-based screen readers. Lastly, we assess the feasibility of an app to practice gestures and propose a framework for a gesture practice app to enhance user accuracy and patience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing body of research on the problems older and disabled people face with authentication systems and a range of solutions have been developed. However, this research has not been integrated across user groups and solutions usually only target one or two groups. This research has attempted to integrate the empirical research findings across studies conducted with people with visual, physical, and intellectual disabilities, people dyslexia and older people. It proposes an initial set of 15 recommendations for the universal design of authentication systems. Four recommendations are about authentication systems in general, six about password authentication, two about CAPTCHAs and three about biometric authentication. 40% of the recommendations address problems experienced by at least two different user groups and over 25% address problems experienced by three groups. However, much further work is needed to validate and refine the recommendations and integrate them into a universal design approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universal design has played a modest role in Norwegian tourism policy, despite its potential for contributing to a more socially, economically and environmentally sustainable tourism industry. The increased interest in sustainability labeling schemes among tourism actors represents an opportunity to work towards universal design of tourism, provided these schemes encompass universal design criteria. Standards for universal design are important in creating recognizable solutions, not least for visitors who often consume services across different sectors in unfamiliar environments. Against this background, we investigated whether sustainable tourism labeling schemes include suggestions made in standards for universal design. Based on previous research on universal design in the transport sector, a coding structure was constructed and used to analyze a sample of 13 tourism-related standards for universal design and five sustainability labeling schemes used by Norwegian tourism actors. Findings show that labeling schemes for sustainable tourism to a very limited extent incorporate measures described in standards for universal design. Moreover, both labeling schemes and standards are primarily aimed at the physical environment rather than the organizational or social environments, and both dedicate little attention to employees. Nevertheless, standards for universal design comprise a much wider range of measures and user-groups. Integrating them into popular sustainability labeling schemes seems pertinent to raise awareness and foster practices that contribute to improve universal design of tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents how employees in a governmental organization strive towards incorporating universal design into their work practices when developing digital solutions - and what workplace aspects helps and hinders them in their efforts to ensure the digital services they build are accessible for all users. A case study of the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV) indicate that ensuring universal design in organizations entails activities far beyond WCAG testing. For NAV, cross-disciplinary stream-aligned teams appears a driving factor for universal design, as is widespread collegial support and easy-to-use resources. We further hypothesize that SWOT analyses could help identify threats and opportunities for promoting universal design in organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed an 11-question self-assessment test that predicts whether a team is likely to develop accessible digital solutions - or not - based on the characteristics of the development processes. Our results indicate the test can predict both successes and failures with regards to accessibility of digital solutions. As such, teams and product leaders now have an easy way to identify whether the team's knowledge, practices and mindset makes them likely to deliver accessible digital solutions. Further, the test identify which changes are needed for the team to better ensure digital accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Norway the vision and principles of Universal Design have in an amazingly short time grown deep roots in public management and laws, as well as in the general attitude. This is partly due to political will and pressure, but also to the role played by the disability NGOs. The challenges come when political processes are pushed forward without sufficient involvement, be it people with various impairments or the cultural heritage sector. This paper, built upon a Master's degree in Inclusive Architecture, Aalborg University, Copenhagen, (1) is a discourse analysis of the process of making the Akershus Castle accessible, the most important historic monument in Oslo and a site of government receptions. The case illustrates the changes in law, heritage principles, and politics, but even more the dynamics of the process that went on for more than a decade, involving the highest political and heritage authorities, the importance of words and communication, and the play for hegemony leading up to the final solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Architecture has always aimed to improve the quality of life for people by enhancing their interaction with the built environment. This applies not only to domestic settings but also to significant structures that represent our cultural heritage. However, the interaction between accessibility and cultural heritage may seem complex and challenging, even impossible at times. Cultural heritage is an essential part of our collective history and cultural identity. It is crucial to ensure that everyone can fully participate and enjoy it, especially when cultural heritage is integrated into people's daily lives, according to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Moreover, improving the accessibility of cultural heritage objects enhances society's appreciation of immovable cultural heritage, emphasizing its significance and visibility. This conforms to the strategic objectives of the World Heritage Convention. This paper discusses the international standard known as ISO 5727 which aims to improve the accessibility of immovable cultural heritage in accordance with a Universal Design approach (UD). ISO 5727, currently under development within the framework of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), is based on the Spanish standard, the UNE 41531 IN, published in 2018. The purpose of the standard is to provide general and technical criteria and a methodology for interventions in immovable cultural heritage to facilitate its use and enjoyment for all people. The standard should be considered in both restoration and rehabilitation projects, as well as in specific accessibility interventions. However, it should be noted that the standard does not cover accessibility measures related to management, like services, and maintenance. Nonetheless, it has been considered that these may be necessary complements or alternatives to the first. To carry out interventions effectively, it is advisable to adhere to a systematic approach towards the process and documentation involved. Firstly, accessibility objectives should be established. Then strategies to improve accessibility should be identified to focus on the purpose of the intervention. An analysis based on the current state of the cultural object, including its heritage values and accessibility conditions, would serve as a basis for establishing proposals for action. Once the options have been assessed jointly and comparatively, with the validation of all stakeholders-including users regardless of their abilities, age, or background- the proposals that can form part of an intervention plan can be decided on. The intervention plan will establish a set of measures that will configure the accessibility chain to meet the objectives of the intervention. ISO 5727 is conceived as a useful tool to enhance the conservation of immovable cultural heritage and to balance the achievement of specific social goals with the preservation of cultural values. This project is developed with the belief that accessibility can improve and expand the cultural and functional potential of cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public budgets are limited and priorities must be made between competing projects. Cost-benefit analysis (CBA) is the standard tool to assess projects and prioritise between them, as is done, e.g., in national transport plans. Universal design (UD) is typically a legal requirement in new investments and their benefits and contribution in CBA have usually not received much attention. Therefore, there is a risk that benefits are underestimated in projects that include UD elements and that these projects are subsequently ranked lower than what they ought to according to CBA performance. In this paper, we develop a user-friendly methodology for CBA of UD projects in public transport and walk/cycle infrastructure which aligns with national handbooks and guidelines for project appraisal. It contains five core elements: 1. User benefit. User benefit stems from valuation studies and are summarized and discounted over an assessment period, which in Norway is 40 years. This includes annual real price adjustments and the use of a discount rate according to guidelines. 2. Non-user effects. The degree to which UD projects affect other travellers, this (dis)benefit is accounted for. 3. Costs. Budget costs include investment and possible reinvestment at the end of economic life and annual operation and maintenance costs. These are summarized and discounted over the analysis period. Residual value after 40 years is subtracted. 4. Demand. Increases in walking and cycling have health benefits. Moreover, demand diverted from motorized transport and car to public transport, walking and cycling will affect external costs of road congestion, emissions, and accidents. 5. Shadow prices. According to Norwegian practice, the use of public funds has an inefficiency cost. Therefore, we add a shadow price on money from the public purse. With worked examples, we demonstrate that UD projects in transport are indeed available for CBA appraisal. What is more, they compete surprisingly well with alternative uses of public budgets. In fact, UD projects outperform most other transport projects in Norway when considering their cost-benefit performance. Money spent on UD gives more welfare back to society than most other uses within the transport sector. This means that UD need not only be a legal requirement in new installations. UD can also compete with, and be prioritized over, other transport investments and projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The built environment is still, to a large extent, not accessible and usable for all. The awareness of people's different conditions and abilities sometimes seems to be far from the agenda for planning and architecture. Universal Desing (UD) is pointed out as a strategy to achieve a built environment for all people regardless of age and abilities. UD has a radical potential to bring about change and raise attention to spatial practises that produce or reproduce exclusion and inequalities. But it is also challenging the contemporary planning discourse and several of the actual strong planning trends. Densification, mixed-use and mobility management are some of these trends that needs to be met by an elaborated practice with human diversity as a starting point. Curiosity about what universal design can mean in practice is growing among many professionals. Lack of accessibility is easy to trace, while the good examples blend naturally into the environment and are often taken for granted. It is the good examples that are decisive to achieve social goals such as equality, participation and a sustainable society. There is a need to highlight and discuss the driving forces and enablers for a UD-approach, in the different stages of processes, in the design of buildings and places and applied to different spatial scales. This paper will highlight some of these driving forces and enablers related to UD, for an in-depth discussion on the conditions to realise urban development characterised by human diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Associations for people with disabilities in Norway receive much feedback about negative experiences with travel. Little research has been done on this topic, and thus there is little knowledge about what can be done to improve these experiences. In this study, we have mapped travel experiences of people with disabilities and attitudes from employees in the tourism industry with two digital surveys. The questions were created in a workshop by collaboration with researchers, user representatives from a national association for people with disabilities, and employees from the tourism industry. The results show that some of the employees' attitudes that are perceived as discriminatory by guests with disabilities are paradoxically caused by fear of doing something wrong. There seemed also to be a need for more knowledge about invisible disabilities, and a company-level and practice-based strategy for implementation of universal design in the customer service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals with balance disorders are often an overlooked population in discussions surrounding universal design. Balance disorders encompass a wide range of conditions, affecting individuals across demographics and significantly impacting their mobility and independence. Despite their prevalence and potential severity, limited guidance exists for designing spaces that effectively cater to these varied needs. This paper aims to address this critical knowledge gap by investigating the challenges faced by this diverse group in navigating their built outdoor environment, and thereby contribute valuable insights to the development of evidence-based universal design standards that better support individuals with balance disorders. Employing a combined methodological approach, this paper describes a study in which a literature review has been utilized to establish an understanding of balance disorders and their impact on navigating environments. Furthermore, it expands upon this knowledge by gathering firsthand experiences and perspectives through individual surveys, focus groups, and observations. This multifaceted approach captures diverse data on travel habits, route selection strategies, and the limitations imposed by balance disorders. The research goes beyond simply identifying challenges; it delves into the complex sensory experiences of individuals with balance disorders, including light sensitivity, dizziness, vertigo, and disorientation caused by uneven surfaces, fluctuating light conditions, and excessive noise. A crucial element of this research is recognizing the heterogeneity within the population with balance disorders. Different individuals experience varying combinations of symptoms, leading to diverse needs and preferences in their surroundings. By analyzing this data, critical design shortcomings that contribute to navigation difficulties, as well as areas of design conflicts, are identified. Actionable recommendations for improvement and solutions to achieve a balance between the often-contrasting needs within this population are explored and proposed. Ultimately, this research aims to create a universally designed environment that fosters greater independence and participation in society for all individuals with balance disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Architecture still excludes users despite decades of increased attention towards the designing of built environments to accommodate all. Partially, this grand problem is due to the uncertainty and plurality of future usage, which challenge architects in identifying potentially excluding mechanisms of their designs. Common approaches in responding to these challenges are either top-down assessment of architecture, or bottom-up collection of situated accounts from users. However, both approaches face dilemmas in developing representations of usage. This paper presents a framework that integrates qualities of both approaches using user-narratives and a rule-based generative algorithm to generate libraries of designs that each depict potential usage reflecting the narrative of users. The aim is to give architects and other decision makers tools to conceptualise the future usage of their design as plural and diverse. The presented framework is at an early stage of development. However, the principles proposed could hold potential to mitigate exclusion by explicating multiple potential use-events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses public buildings in Slovakia and two important topics that are inseparably linked to public buildings as such - the process of their creation as a public investment and universal design. We explore the possibilities of fulfilling this principle in the Slovak context - by selecting an architectural design through public procurement in the form of a business competition or through an architectural design competition, and we compare these approaches. The second essential principle is that any public building must be accessible to everyone without restrictions, which means that it should be designed and constructed according to universal design principles. We analyse the legislative and normative tools of universal design in Slovakia, based on key connections to international standards. The article examines the phenomenon of the mentioned architectural design competitions. The example of good practice - both in terms of selecting public investment through an architectural design competition and in terms of solutions adhering to universal design principles - represents a case study of the New Town Hall in Leopoldov. The conclusion summarises the findings from the research and makes key recommendations for stakeholders involved in the process, policymakers, public investors, and architects. The research methods used include content analysis, statistical analysis, comparison, and case study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the coming decades, population ageing will shape our cities and communities. In Finland, and in the other Nordic countries, the cohort of population 75 years old and older is increasing fastest in the urban areas. This demographic development will have impact on design of urban environment and housing, as well as on local services and transport. The WHO has recognized this challenge and launched the global network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities. The WHO proposes eight factors supporting older population that are interlinked. This paper focus on the three of the eight factors of age-friendliness directly related to the built environment: housing, access to outdoor environments and transport. The objective is to assess through case studies how has the Age-friendly cities framework promoted inclusive design of the cities. The research question is: How have the qualitative factors for age-friendliness been implemented in the urban environment? and How does the Age-friendly Cities framework shape the urban environment in the case study cities? The project uses qualitative case study methods involving users. The assessment of the quality of the environment is carried out with mixed methods: through city age-friendly policies, observations on site, and user participation. The analyses are based on Universal Design principals and the WHO framework. The objective is to provide further information on the practical measures to enhance age-friendliness through urban design and universally designed living environments. The overall aim is to promote sustainable and age-friendly urban environments through user knowledge and best practice examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the social, cultural, and structural processes and practices, that are manifested in the built environment and mediated spatially, that create and maintain experiences of exclusion, otherwise known as spatial injustice. Expanding on two decades of case study research and empirical data collected in spatial justice across Canada and Australia, this paper interrogates perspectives of power and spatial injustices that still exist today. These case studies are based in institutions like malls, museums, urban precincts, and universities to usher in a new understanding of universal design through the lens of spatial justice and include creative practice (films), (dis)-audits, co-design processes, and disability allyship. This paper expands on the first comprehensive set of studies across spatial typologies, and how power and spatial justice are manifested and designed into architecture and interior environments--and their fields of knowledge. Key takeaways are new ways of knowing, teaching, and doing in architecture and design to create spatial justice and cultures of inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

User knowledge and lived experiences are pivotal in bridging the gaps between the environment and individuals causing disability. Examples of best practices help us refine and develop the theoretical groundings of UD in academia and the practical implementation in design practices. Yet best practices are also needed in our methodological approaches across research and practice concerning how to work with and in the intersection of people and environments. The approach of the researcher is pivotal when facing individuals with diverse physical or cognitive abilities, but also when exploring the role of the environment. Architectural anthropology is one way of combining tools and mindsets that could be useful when studying more complex or nuanced processes, e.g., aging or impairment. In this paper, we focus on the knowledge of people who are experiencing incipient vision loss and the mutual and dynamic interrelation of (dis)abilities between the individual and their (home) environment. In the project entitled "The Role of Lighting When Vision Changes" we explore the phenomenon of vision loss, and in this paper, we provide a critical-reflective perspective on how fieldworks can contribute to this exploration. During the winter season of 2023-24, walk-along interviews were conducted in the homes of 37 participants 55+, including 10 normally sighted and 27 visually impaired (still using their residual vision). Based on transcriptions and fieldnotes, as well as reflective notes from subsequent joint discussions among the researchers, this paper discusses the role of architectural anthropology in the project and how it can scaffold new socio-material explorations as well as critical reflections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universal Design (UD) and social sustainability are closely related agendas in today's construction industry. This paper studies how social sustainability was implemented as a strategic asset at a company level in an architectural studio and how it was subsequently practiced by different parts of the organisation. The merging of two architectural studios into one involved strategic development and a new common strategy for future collaboration and innovation, entitled "Always Based on People" (ABoP). Based on interviews and document analysis, the architectural studio's strategic work on social sustainability is analysed using the conceptualisation of multiplicity. By following four roles and their practices in the organisation; head manager, communication officer, project manager, and sustainability auditor, this analysis look at their context, background, methods, understanding and end-products, reveals different versions of social sustainability in relation to different stages of the design process. The case illustrates how values are represented, negotiated, and established within the organisation, reflecting different types of values - espoused, shared, and aspirational. The paper argues that it would be relevant to assess and refine the feedback mechanisms and navigational skills of the organisation to include, distribute and coordinate, or even triangulate between, value-based concepts as social sustainability, UD, and accessibility. The result could be a situation where social sustainability functions as a lever for UD, and UD qualifies social sustainability counteracting social washing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper illustrates the definition of a home adaptation design support tool for selecting interior finishes and partition systems based on multicriteria evaluations. In line with Universal Design principles, the selection criteria promote the creation of homes that respond to the changing needs of people over their life course, allowing for aging in place. Based on a literature review on the design of age-friendly living spaces, optimal requirements for safety, comfort, usability, management, environmental protection and integrability related to partitioning elements and interior finishes were identified. Then, through the multicriteria analysis technique of the Analytic Hierarchy Process, selection criteria were established, and weights were assigned to classify market-available products according to performance, thereby informing the choices of designers and end users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting inclusion and diversity is essential for creating an inclusive built environment. Next to building knowledge and understanding on the topic, it is also crucial to foster inclusive attitudes and awareness for both personal and professional growth. In developing a new architectural course 'Designing with People', our goal was to elevate knowledge and understanding of an inclusive built environment as well as to create more awareness on inclusion and diversity, guided by the Universal Design paradigm. To achieve this, the authors established a civic approach and facilitated interdisciplinary, intercultural collaborations to create a symbiotic learning environment among international students Interior Architecture and Architecture, students Occupational Therapy, clients and user/experts. This paper explores the strategy for advancing universal design through collaboration and examines if and how a network of stakeholders can mutually benefit from shared learning experiences. To understand stakeholders' perspectives, the study utilizes reflection reports, surveys with open-ended questions, and self-assessment questionnaires. Results point to notable positive learning experiences in knowledge-sharing, way of working and thinking, a more nuanced view on people with disabilities and the synergistic combination of diverse perspectives, indicating that 1+1=3. While enhanced awareness among students on diversity and disability topics was less noticeable throughout the course, the intensive collaboration with international students from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds seemed to increase awareness of other cultures and identities. The outcomes suggest that promoting mutual learning experiences among students from diverse disciplines together with other stakeholders, can not only enhance educational settings but also holds the potential to inform and improve universal design practices in various professional contexts. This opens up opportunities to significantly enrich the discourse on inclusion and universal design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the use of a card-game design task to teach the implementation of Universal Design (UD) principles to undergraduate students. The underlying assumption is that in order to implement UD methods, designers need to select the right tools to gather information and they need to understand the theoretical basis of the tools chosen. The aim is to bridge the theory/practice gap by getting students to actively consider how each aspect of their design research contribute to the implementation of the theory. Work by Herriott (2023) shows that design researchers are not consistent in explaining or making transparent the underlying reasons for why a UD tool was chosen. UD theory is also somewhat weak on the topic of implementation, a necessary element of design theory according to Jones & Gregor (2007). The didactic purpose of the card-game design was to encourage students to become conscious of the reason they chose the design tools eventually used in their course project. It was also to examine how, from a UD theory standpoint, implementation of UD could be enhanced since this aspect of UD theory appears to be in need of reinforcement. The students developed in class a card-game which could be used to create and advance their designs and also to retrospectively analyse them upon completion. The in-class discussion of what was required for a game also focused students' attention to the elements of UD and their possible implementation. The work shows that more time is needed to explain game design; mapping of UD concept to game affordances is necessary; the course learning outcomes require addition of demonstration of theory-to-implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the proposition of requiring students to hand in universally designed coursework and the transferrable benefits of accessibility audits. Coursework that adheres to universal design (UD) principles will be more accessible to fellow students and teachers. In this study we investigate if the universal design perspective can have positive side effects as a vessel for plagiarism detection. An experiment confirmed that an accessibility checking tool indeed can help flag some cheating attempts that go undetected by the plagiarism detection tool, but not all. Universal designed coursework requirements may prevent students from exploiting several of these cheating techniques. Through the process of preparing universally designed assignments, students will gain practice, knowledge, increased competence, and awareness of UD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inclusive library services rely on accessible buildings and services, and knowledgeable staff. This study explored whether a standard accessibility evaluation of physical library buildings is sufficient to reveal barriers that must be attended to for the library to be universally designed. Data was collected through a survey, two accessibility evaluations, and interviews with staff in the evaluated libraries. The findings show that evaluations based upon technical requirements for construction work is useful to identify barriers related to access and safety in the library and certain conditions inside, such as staircases and lightning. However, there is a need for library specific guidelines addressing the organization and presentation of the collection, signage, and to understand what users need to be self sufficient in the library when it is open outside opening hours and no staff is present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents preliminary findings from a design ethnographic study examining pelvic floor care practices from the perspective of patients with pelvic floor injuries caused by birth treated at the continence clinic in Sundsvall's Hospital, Sweden. The aim is to enhance our understanding of women's experiences of pelvic floor injury, provide insights into living with pelvic floor injury, and discuss this from a universal design perspective. The study combines qualitative observations during clinic meetings and individual interviews with participants in a separate room. In total, seven patients participated. The material was analysed using thematic analysis focusing on the patient's experiences and the continence clinic healthcare meeting situation. The initial findings show that pelvic floor injury symptoms such as leakage, pain and discomfort were seen as a routine part of giving birth and as expected and normal among patients. Another finding is how manifestation through visual evidence with mirroring or illustrations is found to be helpful among patients as it helps them with their healing process. Many participants have unresolved thoughts on the reasons for their pelvic floor injury. The narratives of patients living with pelvic floor injuries highlight themes of ambivalence and uncertainty, with the injuries often overshadowed by the subsequent demands of caring for a newborn, causing overload. The change is not only interpersonal; from a design perspective, the situation as a whole is of interest, including the environment, people, and artefacts. Further research is needed to explore women's experiences beyond the purely medical aspects. Here, universal design can contribute to increased sensitivity regarding stigma and values and how these can manifest socio-materially in healthcare interactions. This study provides a basis for continued work with co-creation workshops with participants in the following study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Swedish policy, Universal design (UD) is implemented as a guiding principle. This paper explores the conditions for co-creation when authorities and civil society collaborate. The empirical basis comes from qualitative analysis of interviews, go-alongs, group discussions, and change-oriented workshops in three urban development projects concerning the re-design of public spaces and buildings in three Swedish cities. Collaboration between municipalities and local disability organisations was formal and established but different expectations of organisations' capacity and opportunities for influence, caused misunderstandings and mistrust. Interpretation of personal disability experience entailed ambiguity concerning roles and legitimacy. Hence, this paper considers UD a collaborative process, operating beyond regulatory compliance, transcending conventional categorisations, and inspiring and fostering commitment of a diverse population. It concludes that disability experience should be integrated into design processes in an intersectional way, as one of many experiences. That is in line with the CRPD, regarding persons with disabilities as equals and as contributors to cohesion and community building. Such a process requires co-creation where equals contribute to the common process but also reflection on the goals of community participation, and recognizing the needs of personal support and interaction. Since co-creation is a multifaceted, sometimes confusing, and idealistic concept, this paper suggests clarity, distinguished roles, and training of visualization abilities. Constraints of organisational asymmetry and challenges of engaging participants must be considered for developing a realistic view of co-creation. However, openness for learning between and beyond specific projects may develop equitable collaboration. For mutual and sustainable learning, the future usage phase must inform the design process. This positions UD in relation to co-creation as both a space of design possibilities and a human rights concept for an ethically reflected practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the authors consider a novel eudaemonic approach to spatial design, proposed by Mikus et al., and examine how researchers and practitioners can co-design with participants to achieve a flourishing interpretation of Aristotle's concept of eudaemonia (i.e., being one's best self). The approach was tested in doctoral research conducted during 2021 at a time when many areas were under lockdown, necessitating a virtual approach. The research engaged nine older adults, aged 65-80 and living alone in Australia, and nine design professionals via creative methods including interviews, cultural probes, and co-design workshops. Combining these methods in concert with respectful engagement was found to produce not only the aimed-for principles to guide eudaemonic home design but also unintended yet beneficial consequences resulting from meaningful inclusive praxis. Here, the authors reflect on the importance of recognising eudaemonic design as a means of careful methodological praxis to precipitate promising participant outcomes, ranging from individual intrinsic motivation to collective mutual inspiration, to enhance the research experience, and to promote flourishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Libraries have been pinpointed as a possible hub for information and safety during a crisis. We present a workshop design to contribute to the education of librarians with the goal to make them more able to provide inclusive and accessible information in a crisis. The workshop was carried out during a conference for librarians. The results from the workshop indicate that there is a need for further knowledge about methods and tools to make information accessible, as well as practical information about crisis preparedness. The workshop presented here could furthermore be improved upon by creating tailored personas and spending more time on the activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universal Design aims to ensure that as many people as possible can participate equally in society, with equal access to housing, education, workplaces, institutions, and public spaces. In the construction field, many of our existing guidelines still need to catch up regarding the diversity of user needs and preferences. Recent developments in low vision rehabilitation have underscored the pivotal role of domestic lighting in fostering independent living and enhancing the quality of life for people with visual impairments. Moreover, several stakeholder organizations and associations in the field of low-vision rehabilitation have published lighting guidelines for this target group. A direct comparison of the different guidelines is difficult, as their focus, vocabulary, and level of abstraction differ: the rehabilitation process focuses on optimizing lighting to support and aid the individual's abilities in the existing environment. It is not directly related to the design- or construction process. Yet, how do the guidelines for lighting fit the actual settings and conditions in Danish homes of people with incipient vision loss or visual impairment today? In this paper, a selection of these guidelines is assessed and analyzed in relation to three lighting categories: illuminance, luminance, and the visual system. The guidelines are also compared to the initial findings of an ongoing field study. This field study, a crucial component of the research, investigates the role of lighting for individuals experiencing incipient vision loss. This comprehensive approach, which includes both theoretical guidelines and real-world observations, ensures the reliability and relevance of the research, providing a solid foundation for the findings. The practical implications of this research are significant, as it provides valuable insights for architects, researchers, and individuals with visual impairment. Through observations and walk-along interviews in their home environment, we get their personal narratives and observe their lived everyday environments. 37 walk-along interviews were conducted from October 2023 - March 2024 during dark hours. The preliminary findings of the field observations, including observations and measurements, are compared to the guidelines of both the context of building design and -construction and the context of low-vision rehabilitation and stakeholder organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public toilets fulfil an essential need for all human beings. In the context of India, the diversity of population implies a diverse set of complex barriers in the public toilet experience. Inclusion and the contextual translation of universal design becomes crucial, considering the distinct socio-cultural dimensions. This study intends to enquire the above-mentioned perspective and contribute towards an understanding of inclusion and universal design in public toilets. The methodology is a three-part process including literature review, experiential case reflections and ethnographic field perspectives. The gathered data is mapped thematically and assessed qualitatively, based on the existing principles of universal design. The insights from the assessment highlight the need for contextualization of existing universal design principles, bringing out a multi-dimensional complexity of inclusion across human needs, behaviour, physical, planning and service aspects. This study paves a way forward for evolving design directions by raising further questions through fresh perspectives on inclusion & accessibility in public toilets. The raised questions contribute to a dilemma of standardisation versus contextual customisation around the understanding of inclusion and universal design, focusing on the scenario of Indian public toilets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we aim to contribute to an enhanced theoretical ground for Universal Design (UD) by examining the concept of "inclusion", presenting a conceptual critique of it based on our research on categorisation and UD, and proposing a way forward. This study is based on a comprehensive analysis of a range of photographs related to inclusion and exclusion collected during five recent research projects. We employ theories on categorisation and UD to inform our critique and discussion of inclusion. The findings show that inclusion 1) entails categorisational ambivalence, 2) upholds patterns of norm and deviation, and 3) results in power being redone, rather than undone. Consequently, inclusion becomes paradoxical, where efforts to promote equity and empowerment simultaneously become another reification of existing power structures and marginalisation. To address this issue, we propose moving beyond "inclusion" to "nonclusion" and the corresponding "nonclusive design" as a foundation for UD. This entails a shift in categorisation towards design that resists categorisations of bodies, persons, and roles. We argue that such a shift can usher in a new paradigm regarding how the path towards a society where everyone belongs can be conceptualised and realised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Denmark, the local disability councils are encouraged to develop municipal disability policies in alignment with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These councils are often involved in public building and infrastructure projects. Inspired by Carol Bacchi's strategy for policy analysis, 'What's the problem represented to be? this paper studies and compares municipal disability policies and Disabled People's Organisations Denmark (DPOD)'s first policy on Universal design (UD) and accessibility. The findings reveal that the municipal disability policies predominantly focus on accessibility, with only a few addressing UD. Among those that do, there are varying interpretations of UD, such as a concept for housing. In contrast, the policy of DPOD embraces UD more comprehensively. The problem represented - 'the environment is not accessible for everyone, and everyone cannot participate' - and the use of UD as the solution indicate a paradigm shift towards inclusivity, focusing on everyone rather than just people with physical disabilities. The paper suggests that UD, as presented in the DOPD policy can be seen as an approach to spatial justice for all. This approach appears essential for the disability movement, though it is though-provoking that is has taken so long to be adopted. Better late than never. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

186 countries have ratified The Convention on Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD) since 2006. Sweden ratified the CRPD in 2008, Denmark in 2009, and Norway in 2013. In the context of the United Nations, the concept of Universal Design (UD) introduced in the CRPD is new. Previously, accessibility was the dominant concept. By ratifying the CRPD, these three countries have agreed to initiate or advocate for research and development aimed at utilising UD when designing goods, services, equipment, and facilities. Additionally, they have committed to encouraging the integration of UD in the formulation of standards and guidelines. As a starting point for a future debate about the research part, this paper studies the uptake of UD in national policy in the three countries. The findings show that the approach in each country differs. Norway quickly developed their own version of UD (that has been critisised by scholars), thus choosing a top-down approach. By contrast, Denmark has been reluctant and is still using the concept of accessibility, waiting for the different sectors to adopt the concept of UD in their own way - as a kind of bottom-up strategy. While Sweden, has chosen another approach between these two strategies focusing on UD as a guiding principle, accessibility, and a third concept: usability. Finally, the paper discusses these approaches in relation to the built environment, using a framework that distinguishes between and act (like a process) and a state (as a result). All three counties are characterised by a dual focus on both act and state in line with the literature; however, the state dominates. The paper argues that we must acknowledge this duality but focus more on the process-related aspect to further develop UD as a human right concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ageing societies are facing major housing challenges. Understanding and addressing older adults' diverse housing needs and preferences are crucial. Having access to suitable and sustainable housing options can improve social cohesion, independence, health, and well-being. Participatory processes in housing development can enhance inclusion and democratic participation. This study uses Ramlösa Port (RP) - an ongoing housing development project of multi-family housing with mixed forms of tenure - as a case to increase the understanding of community involvement and general housing needs and preferences of older adults. The RP will consist of 100 rental apartments, 120 condominiums, and 30 comforthousing units. The latter is dedicated to older adults. Two researchers, from the fields of arts and sciences of design and health, participated as ongoing evaluators in three workshops together with four staff from the housing developer Lansa Fastigheter (LF), and nine potential RP residents aged 60 years or older. The advantages and disadvantages of placing LFs comfort-housing units in a few separate stairwells or integrating them in the mixed-tenure residential area were identified. Meaningful activities and important housing accessibility and usability issues from the perspective of older adults were elicited. The post-workshop feedback includes the perceptions of both older adults and LF staff, which broadens the understanding and provides future opportunities. There is potential for innovative housing solutions like the RP, promoting health and well-being in shared residential areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with representation of the human body in architecture. The human body as a statically balanced symmetrical figure is an antique, timebound representation of the body and it is important to challenge that image in a modern and more nuanced understanding of being human. To identify some of architecture's reproductions of the human body, we make some historical cuts and exemplify representations of the body in architectural theory. First, we briefly describe the origin of Homo Bene Figuratus (Vitruvius introducing the doctrine of the well-formed body) and the image of the body characterised by geometric proportioning. We then exemplify similar renderings of Reference Man which followed the Vitruvian Man right up to the present. Le Corbusier's "Le Modulor" follows the same path, in a modernist worldview, helped along by Ernst Neufert's ideas on theory of proportion, first stated in 1936, which standardisation have remained unchanged as essential reference. As a critical response to bodily reductive perceptions in architectural theory, we go beyond Reference Man and seek a broader in-sight into the understanding of human diversity and varieties of bodily abilities. Seen through a Universal Design perspective, a view of the human body as absolute geometric figure inscribed in fixed coordinates has difficulty representing ideas of human beings as a diverse group of bodies. This view also has difficulty representing the idea of the human body as changing through a lifetime. A fixed standard can overlook the human being as diverse in bodies and abilities and even come to leave out significant aspects of design such as health, social wellbeing, and sensory qualities of architecture. In our discussion, we go into more detail about the significance of representations of the ideal human body for the design of architecture and suggest what consequences it may have for architectural practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This scoping review examines current research on AI for inclusive design for people with disabilities. We identified both advantages and challenges of AI-based solutions and suggested future research directions. Our search of four online databases for studies from the last five years revealed promising AI applications in education, daily living, home environments, workplaces, and healthcare. However, limitations include limited research, lack of user involvement, potential data bias, and reporting deficiencies. We stress the importance of future research prioritizing user-centered design, inclusive participation, AI bias mitigation, consideration of diverse populations, and ensuring user-friendly performance to fully realize AI's potential for accessibility and inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Universal design (UD) is a beneficial concept for better accessible design to improve easy approachability and industry-standard products. Specifically, Indian household products require UD features in domains such as bathroom and toilet, furniture, kitchen utilities, and home appliances. Among household product design in India, a lack of understanding of the product's universality might be a constraint for product designers. Also, there are no studies assessing the UD features of Indian household products. OBJECTIVE: (1) To examine the UD feature of Indian household products against the seven principles of UD; (2) To determine the most lacking UD feature among Indian household products; and (3) To find out the Indian household categories (i.e., bathroom and toilet, furniture, kitchen utilities, and home appliances) which are most lacking in UD performance. METHOD: The UD features were evaluated using a standardized questionnaire, which contains 29 questions on UD principles and general questions (gender, education level, age and house characteristics). Using statistical packages, the data were computed for mean and frequency distribution, as well as analyzed to achieve the objectives. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for comparative analyses. RESULTS: The results indicate that the "flexibility in use" and "perceptible information" principles were lacking among the Indian household products. Also, bathroom and toilet and furniture household products were most lacking in UD performance. CONCLUSION: The findings of this research will enlighten the insights into the usefulness, usability, safety, and marketability of Indian household products. In addition, they will be helpful in promoting UD features and obtaining financial benefits from the Indian market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate how teaching practices in the Italian inclusive education system align with the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which is aimed at providing access to education for all students, including those with disabilities. In line with Article 2 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which requires states to promote Universal Design (UD) in all aspects of life, including education, this research examines the extent to which the Italian education system meets this requirement. The study involved teachers who participated in a course on inclusive education. The research was conducted in three phases, including the introduction of UDL, identification of teachers' perceptions and initial reactions to UDL, compilation of a questionnaire related to UDL checkpoints, and a focus group discussion on teachers' attitudes towards UDL and the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the classroom. The analysis focused on the first UDL principle, "Provide Multiple Means of Representation," which emphasizes the need to present information in an accessible way to learners with disabilities. The findings revealed that despite not having previous training on UDL, teachers in the Italian inclusive education system use ICTs in their daily teaching practices to make knowledge accessible, which is in line with the UDL principles. However, the study also highlighted a lack of awareness and reflection on the use of ICTs in teaching, suggesting the need for specific training to enhance inclusive practices. This study contributes to the ongoing dialogue on inclusive education in Italy and highlights the importance of promoting UD principles in education to ensure that all learners, regardless of their abilities, have equal access to education. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of providing adequate training and support to teachers to facilitate inclusive practices and improve learning outcomes for all students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) promotes the realisation of the right of persons with disabilities to education through Article 24 - Education. Universal Design in Education (UDE) fosters a whole systems approach so that the physical and digital environments, the educational services, and the teaching and learning can be easily accessed, understood and used, by the widest range of learners and by all key stakeholders, in a more inclusive environment. The whole systems approach incorporates the entire educational environment, as well as the recognition of the capacity for all learners (including persons with disabilities) to learn, and environments which are fully accessible and inclusive. This paper discusses methods whereby a systems approach can be applied to various aspects of education across the life continuum. It further advocates the inclusion of Universal Design as subject matter in curricula and assessment, to ensure a broader and more widespread adoption across the educational spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The level of inclusion of all its members in the complex of community activities is a fundamental indicator of the progress of a society that wants to be defined as civil and there is a rising awareness about the evidence that diversity and inclusion are linked to positive outcomes. The Universal Design approach is increasingly recognized as the one that helps to shape environments - in terms of physical and virtual environments, as well as buildings, goods and services - so that it can be accessed, understood, and used to the greatest extent possible by all people, regardless of their diversity. Thus, making a more inclusive society for all. This short essay summarizes some reflections resulting from studies, research and field practices reported by literature, and also experienced by the author in her training as a researcher and university professor. Attention is focused in particular on some critical issues and implications inherent in the practical application of UD principles, as well as on the importance of its multidisciplinary dimension, which also entails a different attitude towards the training of professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay discusses Universal Design (UD) with respect to language and communication rights. Because Universal Design approaches aim at meeting human variability from the get-go, they must be able to address linguistic and communicative variability. Variability must individual variation in language functions and communication activities in the absence of disability and variability when speech, language or communicative disorders are present. Current conceptualizations of speech, language and communication disabilities take a person-centered approach and a bio-psycho-social framework of health and disease (WHO-ICF) that encompass three ontological domains: body functions and structures, activities, and participation. The framework crucially lists environmental factors that interact with each domain. I illustrate how UD can successfully be integrated with an ICF framework in the domain of speech, language and communication impairments; I then propose that the ICF model can be extended beyond disability to non-clinical populations and settings, to meet the communication rights for all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although its importance is undeniable, designing in a more inclusive way is not yet fully adopted in the field of design and planning, whose reference continues to be the standard man. An approach which not only excludes people with disabilities, but also other categories that diverge from the physical and cognitive characteristics of the standard human model, such as women, the elderly, and children. This problem affects different contexts and can be observed especially in the area of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), which are often designed without taking into account the peculiarities that distinguish these categories of users. Referring to the categories affected by the digital divide, the article reflects on the need to promote specific methodologies, such as Universal Design and User-centered Design, so that attitudinal and psychological issues related to different categories of users are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since our PhD, we aim to rethink the transposition of universal design (UD) in museums for narratives, specifically on labels. We have conceptualised a model of universal label, adding inclusive and communicative writing: inclusive, by using universal design merging on the same device several forms of communication (sign language, Braille, easy to read); communicative, because it explains and learns how citizens perceived as disabled communicate. UD writing could initiate and encourage communication. In this paper, we applied our reflections on UD writing to the label of The Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessibility is a central element of any responsible and sustainable tourism policy: it is both a human rights imperative, and an exceptional business opportunity, as mentioned by UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai. Accessible tourism for all is not only about providing access to people with disabilities, but also addresses the creation of universally designed environments that can support people that may have temporary disabilities, families with young children, the ever-increasing ageing population, as well as creating a safer environment for employees at work. It must also be considered that accessible tourism benefits everyone: as more individuals enjoy the opportunity to travel, the tourism industry gets more visitors, longer seasons and new incomes. This contribution presents the approach taken within the Italy-Croatia Interreg Project "E-Chain -- Enhanced Connectivity and Harmonization of data for the Adriatic Intermodal Network", focused on the provision of useful and personalized information for the traveling user. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike physical barriers, communication barriers do not have an easy solution: people speak or sign in different languages and may have wide-ranging proficiency levels in the languages they understand and produce. Universal Design (UD) principles in the domain of language and communication have guided the production of multimodal (audio, visual, written) information. For example, UD guidelines encourage websites to provide information in alternative formats (for example, a video with captions; a sign language version). The same UD for Learning principles apply in the classroom, and instructors are encouraged to prepare content to be presented multimodally, making use of increasingly available technology. In this chapter, I will address some of the opportunities and challenges offered by automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems. These systems have many strengths, and the most evident is the time they employ to convert speech sounds into a written form, faster than the time human transcribers need to perform the same process. These systems also present weaknesses, for example, a higher rate of errors when compared to human-generated transcriptions. It is essential to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of technology when choosing which device(s) to use in a universally designed environment to enhance access to information and communication. It is equally imperative to understand which tools are most appropriate for diverse populations. Therefore, researchers should continue investigating how people process information in a multimodal format, and how technology can be improved based on this knowledge and users' needs and feedback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has yet to full investigate the multidimensional factors and mechanisms that contribute to access and adoption of Assistive Technology (AT). This mini-session aims to explore this gap by providing initial indicators for the social return on investment (SRoI) for including mainstream consumer technology in AT provision schemes and report on an analysis of key stakeholder perspectives and documents funded by the Global Accessibility Reporting Initiative (GARI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite laws, policies, and political visions to create cities and societies for all, barriers still exclude people from using buildings and public places. The commitments made in global agreements such as the Convention on Rights for Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development require significant changes in urban planning to meet the variety of needs and conditions in the population. Implementing Universal Design (UD) in urban planning processes is one important step towards a society for all. Three recent studies in Sweden focused on UD in the urban development - how, where and what factors that supported or impeded UD along the planning and construction processes. The whole process, from signs in visionary programmes and development plans to process-related factors and visible results in the completed buildings and places, were analyzed from a UD perspective. The findings highlight three critical areas to pay particular attention to, when implementing UD in the built environment: Competing and contradictory interests, Critical choices and aspects and Images of the user. These challenges need to be addressed by all actors involved, together in a in a goal-oriented work, to reach common understanding on how an inclusive built environment can be designed and realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telerehabilitation has the potential to improve the outcomes of rehabilitation. To expand tele-rehabilitation, the REHA2030 project aimed to integrate medical devices in therapy. To use medical devices in an unsupervised setting within a telerehabilitation system, requirements, processes and control mechanisms need to be defined. In a field trail with four patients and seven therapists, the REHA2030 system with an integrated hand rehabilitation device was evaluated. The aim of including the hand rehabilitation device in combination with a serious game was to increase hand strength and sensor-motor function and to test the feasibility in a home setting. From the four included patients two used the hand rehabilitation device within the field test and trained with it in average 5,8 respectively 5,2 times per week over a period of 10 respectively 5 weeks. The statements of the participants indicate an increase in exercise intensity and frequency and an increase in motivation to practice independently. Easy handling of the system by therapists and patients could also be demonstrated. Further results with more study participants over a longer period of time are needed to validate the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]