STKD6020 Universal Design Fieldwork BA (International mobility) Course description

The main topic in this course is the design, evaluation, and testing of new and emerging user interfaces in international settings. This is developed in accordance with principles for universal accessibility and acquired through many practical exercises coupled with lectures presenting theories relevant to the field. The course will also provide both theoretical principles of Universal Design and hands-on experience on how to design and evaluate ICT systems using these principles.

It is recommended to have completed one full year of university studies (60 ECTS) before the program starts, and that a minimum of 30 ECTS of your total 60 ETCS be within computer science.

One half year of university studies (30 ECTS), in addition to the international summer school's general requirements. The requirement has to be met by application deadline.

After completing this course the student should have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

On successful completion of this course the student is:

• knowledgeable of national and international legislation regarding the inclusion of all groups of users in society in various national and international contexts
• knowledgeable on various physical and cognitive disabilities, universally accessible solutions for ICT in cooperation with users
• familiar with ensuring access to ICT for everyone in high- and low-resource settings
• familiar with various methods of knowledge acquisition through research and development works
• familiar with Universal Design and accessibility concepts
• able to implement Universal Design principles to design and evaluate systems
• familiar with recent research and developments in Universal Design concepts, principles, legislations and emerging accessible technologies

Skills

On successful completion of this course the student is:

• able to identify barriers to usability in particular as they apply to business and government in low-, middle-, and high-income countries
• able to develop universally designed systems in resource-limited environments
• proficiencient at applying Universal Design principles in practice
• able to critique design processes from a Universal Design perspective

General CompetenceOn successful completion of this course the student is:

• proficient at using Universal Design principles in testing and evaluating ICT
• proficient at applying Universal Design practices to ensure access to ICT for everyone
• able to evaluate existing ICT systems according to Universal Design standards and principles
• able to communicate Universal Design concepts in theory and in practical implementation

The course will take a project-based learning approach. Course participants will work on an applied research or innovation project related to universal design of ICT and this project will be evaluated at the end of the course based on a field report.

This course is a fieldwork course that involves 12 weeks independent study under the supervision of the course instructor. International mobility is a requirement of the course. In order to qualify for this course, students must conduct their fieldwork in a country where they are not currently a resident.

None.

Portfolio assessment. The students submit a portfolio consisting of an individual field report 4,000 to 8,000 words, and one additional artefact such as documentary evidence of their fieldwork in the form of pictures, videos or audio recordings, or a prototype or technical drawing of an innovation produced as part of their fieldwork.

All support materials are allowed for both the individual field report and for the additional artefact.

Pass/Fail

One examiner (internal or external) will be used. External examiner is used regularly.

None.