How to get to know a community (and design with everyone in mind) Alicia Knight

What is Universal Design? Design that ensures that services, products and places are accessible to everyone

Principles of Universal Design Simple and Intuitive Flexibility Tolerance in user error Easily perceptible for users Sized and spaced appropriately for everyone to use (Just overall easy to use)

Why should Design be Universal? Business Savvy! – The more people who can use it, the more potential buyers/users, the more potential for business you have! Helps promote social equality – Doesn’t exclude those at a social disadvantage (Elderly, disabled, poor) = better social equality!

Community on focus: Students who are Studying Abroad, either for a few weeks or the full duration of the program (Study Abroad and/or International Students)

Study Abroad / Int’l Students Some facts about Study Abroad Students – Most study abroad students are female 65% female, 35% male

Students Abroad / Int’l Students Most Popular Study Abroad Destinations 1.United Kingdom 2.Italy 3.Spain Approximately 50% of students study abroad in European Countries

Students Abroad 273,996 US Students studied abroad x more students studying abroad from the US than 20 years ago

Cultural Probe How will I get to know this community better, and what their wants and needs are?

Journal + Pen The Journal would include..

In the Journal… Fill in the blank – A space to draw or describe Ideal way to record and share your memories /experiences

In the Journal… A Diary space – Reflect a record thoughts throughout the day

In the Journal… List – Write / Tape in Pictures / Draw: – What have you collected while abroad? ie. Ticket stubs, t-shirts, post cards

Camera Take a picture of where you go to unwind + reflect Take a picture of a place you never want to forget

Maps Maps of Different continents Three color pencils would be included and users encouraged to mark up maps Mark ‘x’ for user’s home city/country

Maps Colored in with Green Color Pencil indicates where you have visited – Users encouraged to annotate on map along with the green color a memory they have of that place, and why they wanted to (or maybe didn’t want) to go there anyway

Maps Colored in with Yellow Color Pencil indicates where you want to visit – Users encouraged to annotate on map along with color a reason why they want to go to that place

Maps Colored in with Grey Color Pencil indicates where you would never want to go – Users encouraged to annotate on map along with color a reason why they would never want to go to that place