What is the objective of the Universal Design Identity Project (UDid)?
The UDid project aims to create an identity program for universal design.
What is Universal Design?
Universal design is the careful design of places, spaces, products, and systems that
everyone can use, regardless of physical, perceptual, cognitive, economic, or situational ability.
What is an identity program?
An identity program usually consists of a logo and accompanying typeface,
as well as a slogan, soundmark or jingle, and rules for the use of those elements.
Common examples of popular identity programs include the NBC peacock and chimes,
or the "Intel Inside" logo and soundmark.
Who is in charge of the project?
The project is headed by Alex Bitterman, Assistant Professor at the Rochester
Institute of Technology (R.I.T.) in Rochester, NY. and
Beth Tauke, Associate Professor in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University at Buffalo.
Who is funding the project?
The UDid project is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding is guaranteed through December 2005.
What is the duration of the project?
The UDid project began in September 2004, and will run for18 months, ending in December 2005.
How does Universal Design affect me?
Universal design sometimes is referred to as "design for all", or "inclusive design",
and in the United States exceeds the legally mandated requirements for accessibility
(ADA Accessibility Guidelines). While many think of accessibility guidelines as
applicable only to those with disabilities, universal design exceeds accessibility
guidelines and can make life easier for many people including those with temporary
disabilities (such as a broken leg), pregnant women, older persons, left handed
people, and children – to name just a few groups.
Why is this project special?
Creating an identity program that is usable by everyone is a
challenge, traditional identity programs are not usable by
everyone (for example, a hearing impaired person often cannot
hear a jingle). This requires Bitterman and Tauke to consider
a variety of new design techniques, and requires careful research
planning to make sure that the final identity program will be
usable by a broad audience of international users with a range
of abilities.
How can the researchers be sure to include everyone?
Including everyone in our research isn't possible and would take a
very long time! However, Bitterman and Tauke already have surveyed
over 1000 people from around the world, and hope to survey over 2500,
from every continent, and 115 countries that speak 73 languages, and
range in age from 7 to 101. This "sample" will help to ensure that the
researchers develop the most effective identity program possible.
How will the identity program be used?
When complete, the identity program will be used to mark places, spaces,
products, and systems that are usable by everyone.
When can I expect to see the new identity?
Soon. The identity program is currently being tested in a controlled capacity at
The State University of New York, The University at Buffalo in the libraries and
cybraries. The identity program will be released to the public shortly after the
end of the project in December 2005. A public service announcement and poster
have been produced, so be sure to look for it!
Where is the research being conducted?
The research is housed at the Center for Inclusive Design and
Environmental Access, a major internationally-recognized research
center in the School of Architecture and Planning at the University at Buffalo.
In addition to Buffalo, research is being conducted at many sites around the
world including: Rochester, New York; Fayetteville, Arkansas; Los Angeles,
California; Tokyo, Japan; and Islamabad, India.
Where can I find out more?
More information is available at the website:
http://www.ap.buffalo.edu/idea/UDid/index.asp
Universal Design Identity Project
The proposed activities of the Universal Design Identity Project will investigate public perceptions and attitudes toward universal design. Understanding these perceptions and attitudes will help create a clear, unique, and identifiable, identity program and attendant graphic standard for universal design.
