Course content

The course introduces the principles of universal design and digital accessibility and prepares the students for further work in web projects. Furthermore, it aims to help the students understand how to effectively integrate these theories and practices in the development process to comply with minimum standard required by accessibility laws in Norway.

The theoretical learning part of the course is combined with real-life project work, that is connected to specific cases brought in by the course participants themselves, to bind theory and practice together, and additionally make the learning outcome particularly relevant to their respective business.

Learning outcome

The student, upon completion of this course, will have:

Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of the term universal design, inclusive design, design principles, and their theoretical and practical importance.
• Ability to recognize, analyze, compare, and apply various universal design standards and methods for assessment.
• Advanced knowledge of the term digital accessibility and its critical importance- Ability to use relevant methodologies and evaluation tools.
• In-depth knowledge of accessibility guidelines, standards, regulations, and legislation at the national and international level.

Skills

• Analyze, inspect and respond critically to universal design and digital accessibility with respect to end-users in the design, development, and evaluation of interactive systems.
• Discuss legal requirements for the design of user interfaces with regard to end-user needs and wants.
• Analyze and evaluate the appropriateness of various methods for understanding the need of target group/s.
• Perform independent and groupwise practical work in understanding universal design and digital accessibility.
• Identifying and understanding the problem, conducting user research, ideation, and concept development, observing and testing as well as documenting and presenting.

Overall Competence

• Be able to develop an understanding of and reflect upon theory, definitions, and concepts in the field of universal design and digital accessibility - hence contribute to the improvement of existing ecosystem

Learning methods and activities

The course is taught in English and online.

Project-based learning, including the following activities:

• lectures,
• individual and group project works
• workshops
• critical discussions and peer reviews sessions
• documentations
• presentations

Compulsory assignments

• Participation in module 1 and 2

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

The primary target group is designers, developers, UX professionals, project managers, leaders, and advisors. The learning of the course will be applicable to all sectors and disciplines that work with digitization processes in connection with the universal design of information and communication technologies. The secondary target group is project staff, and other participants in web development projects.

Required previous knowledge

The admission requirement is twofold:

1. Completed degree of 180 credits
2. Minimum of two years of relevant work experience

You must document employment with a certificate from your employer describing the type of job and work tasks, full-time equivalent percentage and duration.

If you do not have a bachelor's degree or equivalent completed education of at least 180 credits, you can request an assessment of prior learning of your admission criteria.

Course materials

Course materials will be provided before the course starts.