Universal Design: A Problem-Based Exercise in a Fast-Paced Competitive Environment

Universal Design (UD) involves the creation of accessible, flexible products that are functional for a wide population of users. Our problem-based learning exercise challenges student teams to create products and services guided by the principles of UD. After teams generate their new product concept, a spokesperson from each team pitches it in front of the class. Using polling software, the entire class evaluates the student-generated solutions on two criteria: the integration of UD principles and creativity. This fast-paced, gamified activity is scalable from small classes to large-class populations (of 100 students) or online settings. Our goal is to help all participants understand the benefits of inclusiveness in the creative design process.