Anna Lindgren-Streicher

@astreichs

Sina Bahram

@SinaBahram

Ben Wilson

#MCN2014

Weaving Universal Design Into Museum Practice

• Design is used to facilitate learning

• Natural possibilities for multi-sensory

learning activities

Inclusion in museums

CAISE inquiry group framework

• Physical inclusion

• Cognitive inclusion

• Social inclusion

Inclusion in museums

Photo by Emily Maletz

Universal designThe design of products and environments to be usable

by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without

the need for adaptation or specialized design.

Center for Universal Design

North Carolina State University

Physical inclusion

Principles of universal design

• Equitable use

• Flexibility in use

• Simple and intuitive

• Perceptible information

• Tolerance for error

• Low physical effort

• Size and space for approach and use

Copyright © 1997 NC State University, The Center for Universal Design

Physical inclusion

Universal design for learning

• Recognition networks: multiple means

of representation

• Strategic networks: multiple means of

action and expression

• Affective networks: multiple means of

engagement

National Center on Universal Design for Learning

Cognitive inclusion

• Define your audience up front

• Use personas early on

• Look for in-house expertise

• Consult with expert advisors

• User testing throughout

• Collaborate with colleagues

Developing inclusive experiences

Using personas

Use in-house and external experts

Photo by Emily Maletz

Nothing can replace hearing from actual

users through hands-on testing!

User testing

Collaborate with colleagues

The Universal Keypad

• Provides tactile key based access to visual

touchscreen controls

• Allows users to switch between descriptive

audio/screen reader and amplified audio for

deaf/hard of hearing

• Controls zoom functionality for low vision

users

The Universal Keypad

Rule:

Name+state+ordinality+(PAUSE)+hint

Example:

“Speed, Normal, 3 of 5, (PAUSE),

use Left and Right Arrow Keys to adjust speed."

Speech rule for reading out an item

• Focus Highlighting

• Wrapping Menus

• Intuitive Activation

• Stateful Position

• Automatic Reading

Rules of thumb for accessible interfaces