AUL Open House: Notes from September 26, 2017

Topic: Comparing the core concepts

• The conversation was based on the ideas presented in an excellent paper by Persson, Alman, Yngling and Gulliksen: "Universal design, inclusive design, accessible design, design for all: different concepts - one goal? On the concept of accessibillity - historical, methodological and philosophical aspects" (Universal Access in Information Society, v. 14 (2005), pp. 505-526)
• Different concepts were prevalent in different area at different times - for example, no barriers design as a reaction to the Vietnam vets returning to the US; or cooperative design as a modern Scandinavian idea to include all parties using the product in deciding how to build the product with everyone's needs in mind.
• Many of the people in the room were finding the universal design concept to be most meaningful; we had a long conversation about the reasons for that preference.
• We also discussed how the most attractive approaches like inclusive or cooperative design require a focus on cooperation and inclusion from the very very beginning; impossible to apply these principles if this conversation only starts when the product design and coding is complete.

A couple of other things

• The concepts discussion was very rich and took nearly the whole hour, so we didn't have much discussion on other topics this time.
• We continue looking for new ideas for future topics and all other feedback about how to make this format work better for you - please send your ideas to aul@colorado.edu
• We continue to have slow growth - 17 participants this time, the most yet. The forum continues to be large enough to sustain a conversation and small enough to let everyone speak. Thank you everyone for your participation so far!