Access your own ability to 'design for all'!

The Universal Design Series is a sequence of interdisciplinary workshops presented annually by the Design Exchange to introduce the design industry and other professionals to the concepts of Universal Design and how they can create universally accessible products, services and environments for people of all abilities and age groups. These multidisciplinary, themed workshops are comprised of skilled facilitators, keynote speakers, hands-on activities, print materials and online resources. Professionals are able to learn principles, concepts, and practical applicability, with an aim toward implementation.

What is Universal Design?

Most people are unaware that products, communication systems and environments are mainly designed for able-bodied, right-handed young adults of average height and width, with perfect sight and hearing capabilities. The concept of Universal Design sets out seven principles that would improve accessibility for people, such as those with disabilities or the elderly, who would otherwise be excluded from the use of such products in daily tasks.

2007 Theme: the Aging Population

Since its introduction in 2005, the Universal Design Series has become more focused in its content. In 2006, workshops focused on social and economic responsibility, for instance.  Now, with the knowledge that by 2026, one in five Canadians will have reached the age of 65 (Health Canada, 2002), the DX has decided to focus on the aging population, and the resultant product and service markets for designers and manufacturers.

In 2007, the series will run five workshops from September to January.  Workshop results and feedback will be collected and launched to coincide with the opening of a 2008 exhibition, Designing for the Aging Population. The DX also aims to produce a toolkit aimed for beginners, about designing for inclusivity; it will be distributed through libraries, schools, and the internet.

Workshops at a Glance

(All workshops take place at the DX, unless otherwise noted)

Thurs, September 27, 2007 – Master class: Visual Communications
9:30am-12pm

The DX is thrilled to welcome Dr Alex Bitterman from the Rochester Institute of Technology to teach a master class on Universal Design and signage, wayfinding, graphic systems, and more. This will be of particular interest to graphic designers and urban planners wishing to learn more about how to make streetscapes and signage more accessible to our aging population.


Monday, October 15, 2007 – Universal Design and Profitability
1-5pm

This workshop will introduce participants to methods developed by the Royal College of Art’s (UK) Helen Hamlyn Centre that match design researchers with large corporations to develop new products that respond to unique social circumstances. This workshop ultimately aims to identify a set of tools to enable designers and business managers to work together to design socially responsible products while still maintaining an economic corporate advantage.


Thursday, November 8, 2007 – Designing for Communities
1-5pm

This workshop will show how interface design and technologies in an urban setting can build community awareness and connectivity through ‘storytelling’ and ‘information sharing’. Perfect for urban planners, technology providers, community stakeholders and young adults, and presented as part of the Orphan Spaces workshops developed in partnership with the City of Toronto Clean and Beautiful Cities Secretariat.


Tuesday December 4, 2007 – Product & Space Design
1-5pm

This workshop will give participants a chance to analyze case studies focused on the mobility and spatial needs of the aging population, in multi-disciplinary groups. This will be followed by a workshop with leading researchers who will share their approaches and real-life solutions to these case studies. This session will provide invaluable insight into current geriatric-based problem-solving techniques, especially for product designers and interior designers.

January 10, 2008 – Managing the Design Process for a Maturing Client
1-4pm

Design, apparel and safety expert Lisa Cook McGill will present a step-by-step guide on how designers can cultivate effective client and manufacturer relationships, from corporations to the public sector. Using real-life design case studies, participants will learn to hone their skills in taking their creative concept to a marketable, profitable deliverable – and in particular, how to tap into the aging population as a critical mass market. McGill will share tips on timelines, pricing, sourcing, industry relationships and intellectual property agreements.

Seating is in high demand, so sign up now with our registration form. $75 / $60 for members, or $250 / $ 200 for series.