Universal 

Design

Universal Design means the design of products, environments, programs and services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

Universal Design is a general term for accommodating different levels of cognitive and physical ability in the development of new products, services and habitable structures. Universal design is a values-based design approach intended to make use of the power of design methods and specialist knowledge on disability and ageing. This results in design solutions that are of value to all, from a functional, social and aesthetic perspective. It aligns with the UN Development goal of Leave No One Behind, which means a society where there is the best possible chance for all to participate in a fulfilling and meaningful way.

Design School Kolding's work with UD means it is participant in Bevica's Universal Design Hub, a network of researchers in Denmark. This allows a critical mass to develop, leveraging the accumulating knowledge of UD to further research. The aim here is to produce definite change in society through education and awareness. With Bevica´s links to organisations for those with or concerned with disability, this research can lead to further positive change.

One will deal with industrial design and the second, later one will address a clear gap in research knowledge in relation to service design. The PhD's will produce peer-reviewed articles and conference papers in addition to general dissemination. Further, they will contribute to teaching UD concepts on the courses they are assigned (this is in addtion to UD teaching referred to earlier).