Application Of Universal Design Principles Research Articles

Application of universal design principles on computer mouse interface: developing a universal mouse pointing and control system to provide affordance to the left-handed users

AbstractThe graphical user interface was introduced to democratize access to computer systems by simplifying hardware and visual interfaces. Technological advancements further reduced the constraints, primarily benefiting the mainstream users. However, the specialized needs of the critical users have always been neglected. This paper delves into the ergonomics of the mouse pointer and the computer mouse, focusing on left-handed computer users as a critical user category to develop and propose a universal design solution to integrate left-handers as a mainstream user category in a computer interface.

IMPACT OF APPLYING UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES ON THE USABILITY OF ONLINE ACCOMMODATION BOOKING WEBSITES

One of the concepts of human-computer interaction is the usability of websites, consisting of features such as efficiency, satisfaction, memorability, and learnability. Usability is particularly important in the case of websites that the user is expected to learn on their own. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the usability of user interfaces of websites and, based on this, to find how this evaluation is affected by the application of universal design principles. The objects of the study are two websites, one complying with the principles of universal design - created for the purpose of the study, and the other – an existing commercial website operating in the market, which does not follow these principles. Three hypotheses are defined: 1) effectiveness and efficiency of analyzed websites are higher for a service that followed the principles of universal design than a website that did not comply with these rules; 2) the quality of the user interface is greater for the service fulfilling the principles of universal design; 3) the satisfaction with the interaction with the interface is greater in case of websites conformed to the principles of universal design. The study uses two methods: eye tracking and questionnaires. The experiment involves 10 participants who had to perform a scenario consisting of 10 instructions that involved locating various elements in each of the tested GUI interfaces. The eye activity is recorded using a Gazepoint GP3 HD desktop eye tracker, which makes it possible to determine the effectiveness and efficiency values of using the analyzed interfaces. Each participant was also asked to fill out two questionnaires: the Lublin University of Technology one and the Questionnaire for User Interaction Satisfaction. The study proves the truth of the hypotheses, that is, the positive impact of universal design on the usability evaluation of user interfaces.

The challenges of preserving our modernist public parks

Among the projects of the 20th century modern landscape architecture, there are some works that deserve to be pre-served as an integral part of the garden heritage. A world-wide inventory and evaluation of this landscape heritage is currently underway to identify those works that best represent the landscape architecture of the period.How can these works be restored in a way that meets today's ecological and social sustainability requirements without losing their original character? In the intensively used public parks presented in this article, complete reconstruction is generally not feasible, but the scale of the transformation is a central issue. International experi-ence shows how unclear the criteria for aspects of select-ing works to be preserved. For the time being, it is still often a subjective judgement, even within the professional community, whether the intervention used in the renova-tion process changes the composition of the original work.The renewal of any historic park and garden from any era must address sustainability, usually primarily from an ecological perspective. However, the contemporary regeneration of public parks and urban open spaces from the modern era, which are still intensively used today, is further complicated by the need for contemporary recrea-tional functions to be incorporated during the renovation and the application of universal design principles, which present additional challenges to integrate. Social sustain-ability is a strong requirement at these renovations.In this article, we analyse four modern public parks that were been renewed in the last 25 years or are in the process revitalization. In our country today, there is still no professional consensus as to which modern public parks can be considered valuable and worth preserv-ing for the future - if not through complete reconstruc-tion, then by carefully preserving the basic concept and compositional principles. The guiding principle in the selection of the public parks presented in this article was that they should be of different periods and have different recreational functions, with different challenges in their restoration.

Universal Design in Kitchen Furniture: A Case Study on Enhancing Accessibility and Safety for the Elderly and People with Mobility Challenges

Universal Design in Kitchen Furniture: A Case Study on Enhancing Accessibility and Safety for the Elderly and People with Mobility Challenges. The paper aims to explore the application of universal design principles in the development of kitchen furniture that promotes accessibility, safety, and independence for the elderly and individuals with mobility challenges. The study presents how innovative product design can contribute to the creation of an inclusive and barrier-free environment, emphasizing the importance of researchand development works in this under-studied area. The results of the field tests that involved 200 participants with various types of disabilities, including people with motor challenges, are presented. The test results showed that the kitchen prototype developed by JATI company is comfortable and functional for the majority of test participants. The prototype has its undeniable strengths, nevertheless, several possible improvements were found during the field tests that could further improve the functionality and accessibility of the furniture for the elderly and individuals with special needs. Those are presented in the paper to inspire other furniture designers and manufacturers to create products that meet the needs and requirements of those essential society groups.

Comparative analysis of the availability of cinema websites, taking into account the principles of universal design

The subject of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of cinema websites, taking into account the principles of universal design. The universal designing is a philosophy which central assumption is to create products, including graphic interfaces so that they are accessible to as many users as possible. An accessibility is a term that describes the extent to which users of different ages, with varying degrees of physical or mental fitness, can use it. Therefore, it is essential to adapt the interface to the largest possible audience when designing the interface. In the paper the following hypothesis has been defined: "The application of universal design principles increases the accessibility of websites”. The "Multikino" website has been selected for the research, which does not require the universal design, and the website created for the purpose of this study that meets these requirements. The research methods used in the study include eye-tracking, checking compliance with WCAG (ang. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) guidelines using the WAVE (ang. Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) tool, and conducting an interface assessment survey.

Usability analysis of advertising websites interfaces with the use of the universal design principles

The aim of the research was to observe how the usage of the universal design principles influences on the accessibility and usability of websites. As one of the analysis’ subjects there was chosen the popular advertising website. It has been confronted with a newly implemented application offering the same functions, but improved with the requirements resulting from the universal design. In order to compare those two services there was conducted the study with the use of eye-tracking, LUT checklists and WAVE Evaluation Tool. These methods made it possible to demonstrate the differences between websites caused by the contrasting implementation methods. The results showed that an application of universal design principles has a positive impact on the websites’ accessibility and usability.

Application of Universal Design Principles Study for the Circulation of Elderly, Disabled People, and Goods in Rusunawa Pesakih, Jakarta

Rental Low-Cost Apartment (Rusunawa) is a vertical residential building inhabited by many people from various backgrounds. There are elderly and people with disabilities who use wheelchairs. Then such residents would have difficulty circulating in the building, especially vertical circulation. The vertical circulation of heavy goods is also a problem if the building has many floors and no vertical transportation facilities. The methodology used in this paper is a descriptive analysis method with Universal Design Principles as a parameter. From the analysis of the application of Universal Design Principles, a solution would be produced without changing the building on a large scale. The solution is to provide a foldable stairlift platform for the elderly and people with disabilities who use a wheelchair and add a mini freight elevator to the building.
 

Application of Universal Design Principles in Public Spaces for Persons With Disabilities

People with disabilities also need ease of accessibility anywhere that allows them to do all the activities without any interruption of access in order to realize the similarity of opportunity in all aspects of life and livelihood that will aim to realize the independence of those who have obstacles, both physical, intellectual and other. Ease of access to public space is one of the rights to which are owned by them, therefore we need to pay attention to universal design principles so that they also get the right and the opportunity to enjoy the facilities provided by the government. In this research, using library research (library research). The study of literature is a study by using the method of data collection library, or in other words a research object of research is sourced from a variety of literature such as books, encyclopedias, journals and scientific articles. As a result, the application of universal design principles in public spaces for persons with disabilities is still lacking and needs attention. Public space should be a comfortable place for people with disabilities to do activities like the general public.

Application of universal design principles in the creation of websites oriented toward visually impaired persons

The subject of this study is to show the impact that applying universal design principles has on everyday work with web content for people with visual impairments. The first part of the study is an experiment using an eye tracker, comparing the effects of using high contrast or changing the font size on the subjects' efficiency in performing simple tasks. The second part of the study is a survey comparing the feelings of using a website strictly compliant with universal design principles and its counterpart containing noticeable errors. The eye tracking results were analyzed to assess time to first fixation, average fixation time, and time spent on a designated area of interest. The results indicate an increase in efficiency and comfort with digital content designed according to universal design principles.

Appraisal of Ferry Terminals Design Compliance to Guidelines for Universal Accessibility in Lagos State Nigeria

Accessibility of public buildings has been an issue of global interest and importance in the society in recent times. It has been promoted by the need to ensure universal equality and end discrimination of persons either based on size, ability and mobility disorder. Given the important role of water transportation in aiding mobility, movement of goods and services in coastal cities such as Lagos, this study reviewed the compliance of design, construction and operation of Ferry Terminals towards accessibility of users. The research adopts the case study approach and interviews in appraising the three existing Ferry Terminals in Lagos State, Nigeria for accessibility compliance. The case study involved observation and evaluation of the facilities, and the interviews focused on 18 of the ‘facilities operators and passengers’ about their experiences of associated facilities. Findings from the study revealed poor compliance to accessibility in both the external and internal environments. As such, there is a high degree of limitation in use of the facilities for all facets of water travel; from building approach; waiting, boarding and disembarking areas. Existing facilities have inadequate accessibility and are below standards to ensure use by all and without discrimination or segregation of users. It is therefore imperative for Ferry terminal buildings and amenities to be accessible in effectively enabling all users achieve true mobility in barrier-free environments that foster user-comfort through the adoption and application of universal design principles.

Application of Universal Design principles for the adaptation of urban green recreational facilities for low-mobility groups (Vladivostok case-study)

Universal Design or “Design For Everyone” assumes the creation of the environment that meets the needs of all citizens, including the low-mobility groups of population and disabled people as their part. The study presents the research of the possibility to apply the principles of Universal Design during the adaptation of urban green recreational spaces for low-mobility groups of population. Large public spaces such as parks and beaches in Vladivostok were the object of research in the study, the elements of an accessible environment located on the territory of these objects, were the subject of the study. Based on the assessment of accessibility and convenience of use, the main approaches to the landscape organization of the investigated objects were identified. The results of the study formed the basis for project proposals for the adaptation of urban green recreational spaces for low-mobility groups of population. The project solutions confirmed the possibility of applying the Universal Design principles for the benefit of all members of society, including low-mobility groups: children, the elderly and people with disabilities.

KAJIAN PENERAPAN PRINSIP DESAIN UNIVERSAL PADA MUSEUM STUDI KASUS: MUSEUM GEOLOGI BANDUNG

Bandung is one of the main tourist destinations in Indonesia. The city has many pull factors for visitors. Since 2014, the city of Bandung has done many improvements in various places such as making thematic parks, improving it's town square, etc. This affects the development of tourism in Bandung. So far, design concept of tourism in Indonesia has not been design for disabled people, or people with special needs even though tourism is a right for everyone. Friendly tourism for people with disabilities will be able to provide facilities and accessibility for everyone with different needs and characteristics. This study aims to find out to what extent tourism management can provide facilities and accessibilities for disabled people and the extent to which the application of universal design principles is applied to the building. The inspection method used is an applied research using quantitative descriptive approach to collect data. Data collected is analyzed by using guidelines from No.30/PRT/M/2006 under regulations by Ministry of Public Works, and Smithsonian Guidelines for Accessible Exhibition Design..

Architectural Accessibility of Historic Legacy: The Social Aspect and Design Prospects

Due to the necessity of eliminating civilizational backwardness, the contemporary discourse concerning the tradition and post-modernity is based on the assumption that the cultural environment is a part of an integrated system, and its function and form undergo changes in the course of a constant and complex process determined by the current economic, political as well as cultural circumstances. The recognition of the value of architectural monuments is an obvious fact, however, the idea of democratizing the legacy in the context of universal spatial design is a relatively new phenomenon. Adjusting the historic monuments to the needs of people with various limitations affecting their mobility and perception is less and less frequently considered in terms of oppression or arduousness. It has started to be perceived as a potential catalyser of positive changes. Architectural accessibility might contribute to popularizing the knowledge regarding the significance of historical legacy and provide the conditions for its sustainable development and stable subsistence. It is necessary to answer the question: can the cultural space along with the preserved throughout the history tradition of the absence of the excluded groups have a universal character, so that the conditions of using and experiencing this space by people with disabilities would not exceed their capacities.Owing to the fact that the application of universal design principles is practically more complex than the intuitive understanding of the concept itself, there is a need to continue multidirectional research taking into account methods for the real application of the assumptions underlying the ideas of social egalitarianism. The aim of the paper is adding new concepts to the debate on the roots of spatial discrimination and possibilities of counteracting this phenomenon by modifying the monuments, building complexes and historic places. The conclusions have been based on the analyses of international law regulations and available literature data, but, first of all, on the experience resulting from the cooperation with the people whose exploitation of the space environments is affected by various limitations and with the institutions through which they are organized. The dynamic and competent social and scientific dialogue concerning the issue of universality cannot be possible without the involvement of persons with disabilities.The article is a voice in the discussion on the common accessibility standards and it attempts to answer a question whether, due to the risk of degrading the original buildings tissue, the introduction of physical changes implied by the ongoing socio-cultural transformation should be limited or rather supported. The paper includes suggestions concerning harmless modifications and supplementing the existing building tissue with those elements which could play a role in creating optimal conditions for the inhabitants’ wellbeing and further socio-cultural development. The Author presents arguments supporting the statement that a proper understanding of the physical and mental needs of the users, professional experience as well as a proper level of awareness and empathy might open new possibilities to the designers, thus contributing to the effective reduction of the barriers existing in the space or even to their complete elimination.

Instrumentos para Avaliação Psicológica de Pessoas com Deficiência Visual: Tecnologias para Desenvolvimento e Adaptação

A adaptação dos testes psicológicos para pessoas com deficiência é um processo de alta complexidade, o qual requer cuidados especiais na qualidade e acessibilidade dos instrumentos. Em se tratando da deficiência visual faz-se necessário atender a diferentes graus de comprometimento visual, os quais geralmente inviabilizam a realização dos testes psicológicos nos formatos tradicionais. Durante a adaptação dos instrumentos as tecnologias se tornam grandes aliadas, já que as Tecnologias Assistivas permitem que as pessoas com deficiência visual utilizem o computador e a Internet com praticamente as mesmas vantagens que os videntes. Deste modo, destaca-se a importância da modernização dos instrumentos psicológicos utilizando-se das tecnologias disponíveis no mercado. Contudo, quando estas são aplicadas nas adaptações dos testes apenas para grupos específicos, pessoas com certo tipo de deficiência e sem deficiência não se beneficiam dos instrumentos. Com o objetivo de minimizar tal limitação, foi proposto o Desenho Universal que busca a acessibilidade plena ou máxima possível. Assim, com a aplicação do Desenho Universal e das novas tecnologias no desenvolvimento de instrumentos psicológicos é possível contemplar uma população ampla, independentemente de suas variações corporais, potencializando a acessibilidade.

A Review of Research on Universal Design Educational Models

Universal design for learning (UDL) has gained considerable attention in the field of special education, acclaimed for its promise to promote inclusion by supporting access to the general curriculum. In addition to UDL, there are two other universal design (UD) educational models referenced in the literature, universal design of instruction (UDI) and universal instructional design (UID). This descriptive review of 13 research studies conducted in pre-K–12 and post-secondary settings examined how researchers are applying and evaluating UD in educational settings. Results of the review illustrated that studies use a range of research designs to examine student outcomes and participant perceptions of UD-based curriculum and instruction. Researchers report on their application of UD principles in varied ways, with no standard formats for describing how UD is used. Based on results of the review, we provide recommendations to help establish a meaningful research base on the validity of UD in education.

Optimizing participation of children with autism spectrum disorder experiencing sensory challenges: a clinical reasoning framework.

Remedial sensory interventions currently lack supportive evidence and can be challenging to implement for families and clinicians. It may be timely to shift the focus to optimizing participation of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through accommodation and self-regulation of their sensory differences. A framework to guide practitioners in selecting strategies is proposed based on clinical reasoning considerations, including (a) research evidence, (b) client- and family-centredness, (c) practice contexts, (d) occupation-centredness, and (e) risks. Information-sharing with families and coaching constitute the basis for intervention. Specific strategies are identified where sensory aversions or seeking behaviours, challenges with modulation of arousal, or sensory-related behaviours interfere with participation. Self-regulatory strategies are advocated. The application of universal design principles to shared environments is also recommended. The implications of this framework for future research, education, and practice are discussed. The clinical utility of the framework now needs to be tested.

ICT‐supported learning for inclusion of people with special needs: Review of seven educational technology journals, 1970–2011

AbstractResearch and development of information and communication technology (ICT)‐supported learning for people with disabilities has not received adequate attention. It is also difficult to access research findings and developments in this field. Under the ENABLE Network of ICT Supported Learning for Disabled People (2011–2014) project, an emerging European Union reference point portal for end‐users will provide this information for a broad audience. In the design phase of the project idea, the authors of this paper conducted a review of papers indexed in Web of Science to provide a needs assessment and a design template for the project objectives. The results of the search clearly showed that ICT‐supported learning for people with special educational needs is in the domain of the educational technology journals, with more papers published in the British Journal of Educational Technology than in any other journal. This paper presents the results of a content analysis of all papers published from 1970 to 2011 in seven educational technology journals indexed in Web of Science. More papers were published from 2006 to 2011 (44.7%) than during any other of five periods examined. Findings in terms of ICT intervention, disability groups, groups of study participants by relationship with ICT, and research design, together with trends in published studies in terms of mainstreaming and inclusion, are presented. The main objective of the study was to identify the level of inclusion through analysis of educational context (special schools [30.51%], mainstream schools [28.81%] and general support for life [40.68%]). Based on content analysis, ICT interventions were classified into the two categories of technical intervention in the pedagogical context (62.71% of all papers published) and technical intervention in the wider context (37.29% of all papers published), with nine paper types identified: papers on ICT access, papers on teaching and learning methods, papers on development and testing of ICT solutions, reviews, assessments, papers on inclusion, papers on behavioural and social development, papers on use of information technology and papers on interaction. Papers were also categorised according to types of disability and according to groups of study participants by relationship with ICT. Published papers were divided into four categories by research design: descriptive (49.15%), developmental (26.27%), experimental (17.8%), and developmental and experimental (6.78%). During the period from 1970 to 2000, papers examined design of learning materials with regard to particular categories of disability and particular accessibility needs, while papers published after 2000 also discussed universal design.Based on the review, the authors of this paper have identified a need for application of universal design principles in research and development of learning environments to provide equal accessibility and inclusive education.

Functional Characteristics of Users in Tasks Associated with Grocery Retail Checkout: A Literature Review

The intent of this literature review is to examine existing research on functional characteristics and limitations of individuals engaged in tasks associated with grocery retail checkout. The resulting data will be used to generate performance criteria to guide the development of grocery retail checkstands and facilitate comparisons between highly varied populations. Target populations for this study are wheelchair users, standing users, elderly individuals and women who are pregnant. Comparing the characteristics of these individuals can contribute to understanding of key user requirements for this and related tasks in addition to providing a context for future research in the area of retail workstation optimization through the application of universal design principles.

Application of Universal Design Principles in the Design of a Self-Checkout System

A study was conducted to explore the use of universal design principles in the redesign of a grocery store self-checkout system – focusing on the accessibility for wheelchair users. Two checkout stations were built: one was a dimensionally accurate model of an existing system and the other was a redesign of this system, using universal design principles. Five wheelchair users and ten non-wheelchair users performed simulated self-checkout activities, using both checkout stations. The dependent variables were productivity, shoulder and torso posture, and users' subjective assessment. Results indicated that productivity was not significantly affected by checkout station type and posture was significantly improved – peak shoulder angle was reduced by 64% in wheelchair users and by 69% in the non-wheelchair group, and peak sagittal angle (forward lean) of the torso was reduced by 66.5% for wheelchair-users. Subjective feedback from both user groups showed a preference for the redesigned checkout station