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This study explores the application of Universal Design (UD) principles to university environments, aiming to improve the experiences of students and staff by fostering inclusivity in educational and social spaces. The research began with a literature review and employed the 'Design for All A.U.D.I.T.' tool, developed by Politecnico di Milano. This tool was adapted to evaluate six buildings across two universities in Milan: Politecnico di Milano and Statale University. The buildings ranged from the most recent to medium-aged and the oldest on each campus. The assessment focused on three main categories--physical, social, and sensory-cognitive quality--across eight key areas, including outdoor environments, entrances, halls, horizontal and vertical circulation, restrooms, classrooms, and study/leisure spaces. A binary scoring system was used to calculate the satisfaction of requirements, previously weighted by experts. The evaluation revealed that newer buildings generally scored higher on average (77%) compared to those from the 1960s (62%) and historical ones (67%). Despite higher scores, newer constructions often prioritized educational spaces over social and leisure areas, resulting in a lack of student gathering spaces. Significant issues included poor entrance design, inadequate wayfinding strategies, and a lack of inclusive classroom features, although restroom facilities consistently demonstrated good accessibility. The most recent building at Politecnico di Milano scored highest overall but struggled in leisure and study rooms, as did the new building at Statale University. This research highlights both the current state and potential for improvement in university architecture through the lens of UD. The study underscores that innovative design does not always equate to user satisfaction and provides an objective tool to aid decision-makers in enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of university spaces, ultimately improving the well-being of all users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the authors consider a novel eudaemonic approach to spatial design, proposed by Mikus et al., and examine how researchers and practitioners can co-design with participants to achieve a flourishing interpretation of Aristotle's concept of eudaemonia (i.e., being one's best self). The approach was tested in doctoral research conducted during 2021 at a time when many areas were under lockdown, necessitating a virtual approach. The research engaged nine older adults, aged 65-80 and living alone in Australia, and nine design professionals via creative methods including interviews, cultural probes, and co-design workshops. Combining these methods in concert with respectful engagement was found to produce not only the aimed-for principles to guide eudaemonic home design but also unintended yet beneficial consequences resulting from meaningful inclusive praxis. Here, the authors reflect on the importance of recognising eudaemonic design as a means of careful methodological praxis to precipitate promising participant outcomes, ranging from individual intrinsic motivation to collective mutual inspiration, to enhance the research experience, and to promote flourishing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a multi-case study on universal crisis information design, focusing on individuals with communication disorders, the elderly, and immigrants. Using a research-through-design approach and various qualitative data collection methods, the study explores accessible information solutions by examining the accessibility of crisis information design and developing universal crisis information design guidelines based on the findings. The findings highlight the necessity for simplified crisis messages, multimodal communication, and the involvement of community facilitators. This leads to a set of guidelines for universal crisis information design, including integrating adaptive technologies and multiple communication channels to enhance trust and inclusivity in crisis management. The study underscores the importance of community-based strategies and the role of personalized, clear, and trustworthy information in improving crisis preparedness and response among vulnerable groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the incorporation of Design for All (DfA) in the human nutrition and dietetics curriculum within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), aligning with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). A bibliographic review in the Scopus database focused on literature connecting DfA with this degree. The study also analyzed Spain's legal and educational frameworks, including ANECA's White Book and Order CIN/730/2009. The findings highlight a gap in explicitly including DfA in Spanish universities' curricula for this degree. The paper stresses the importance of integrating DfA across essential courses like public health and diet therapy. It suggests a pedagogical approach blending theory, problem-solving, and service-learning to foster an understanding of inclusivity. The article proposes strategies for embedding DfA in the curriculum, recommending the development of specific subjects and integrating DfA content into existing courses. This approach aims to prepare future professionals to offer inclusive nutrition and dietetic services, ensuring equitable access and participation for all, including those with disabilities. This curricular integration is vital for addressing societal needs and upholding quality and inclusivity in health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Architectural Sciences & Applications (JASA) is the property of Journal of Architectural Sciences & Applications and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In today's digital age, mobile applications have become invaluable tools for enhancing accessibility and inclusivity, especially for individuals with disabilities. This study focuses on the landscape of accessibility apps designed to facilitate inclusivity for disabled individuals in buildings. By investigating current trends, strengths, weaknesses, and their impact on independence and quality of life, the research aims to shed light on the state of these apps and identify areas for future development. To achieve these objectives, a multi-faceted approach was employed, encompassing a literature review and app categorization. The study emphasizes the necessity for a common evaluation and certification framework to ensure consistency, reliability, and transparency in assessing the effectiveness of accessibility apps in the built environment. Such a framework would instill user trust, support informed decision-making, and stimulate innovation in this field. The findings of this research contribute to the advancement of inclusive design practices, serving as a valuable resource for developers, policymakers, and disabled individuals seeking effective tools to enhance accessibility. By fostering an inclusive society where disabled individuals can fully navigate and participate, this study aligns with the broader goal of creating a more inclusive and equitable world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, drawing disciplines supported by digital technologies have played a fundamental role in the interdisciplinary approach to communication. Digital media and ICT in general are a versatile means of managing and customizing communication at different levels according to the user's personal needs. The paper presents the output of a recent research funded by the Archaeological National Museum of Naples (MANN), which aimed at designing four video-tours, each customized according to the different needs and functioning of a large, diversified target audience, also including users with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by exploiting the potential of Virtual Reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solutions designed for specific niches have over time become integrated into common use, while others have remained the sole purview of small groups, defining and stigmatizing them. Through an analysis of the process that has made many technological solutions created for the disabled into common use for the majority, it is possible to understand when and how designers should intervene in creating their projects to guarantee the accessibility and usability of the resulting artefacts. There are ways to 'empathize' and consider users based on their general abilities and technological skills, so as to broaden the meaning and the sphere of accessibility. Deepening users' needs and ways of interacting, shaping 'personas' according to their abilities and not just difficulties, can help design more inclusively. This approach makes possible not only the scalability and inclusiveness of the end result but also of the design tools, focusing on specific needs without being exclusionary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Many citizens face situations where they have difficulty accessing and understanding information, particularly due to insufficient literacy skills. Although strategies have been proposed for improving comprehensibility of texts or web sites, there is no consensus on the standards to favor, nor is there any one single approach that addresses this issue. This article defines the expression "access to and understanding of information," with the aim of guiding designers in their quest to develop inclusive information resources. Method A literature search was performed. The investigation led to the identification of elements that could serve as dimensions or indicators for the conceptualization of access to information. In a co-construction process, the co-authors compared these elements with the dimensions and indicators from Fougeyrollas et al.'s (2015, 2019) conceptualization of "access" in order to adjust and complement these so that they may apply in the context of access to information. Results First, the expression "access to and understanding of information" is clarified because it is not well defined in the scientific literature. Then, a theoretical conceptualization of access to information is proposed in order to clarify what this term encompasses; also elaborating on its dimensions and indicators and on ways to measure them. Conclusion This conceptualization stems from a literature search and a co-construction of the "access to information" concept. It is still evolving because we aim to enrich it in step with social, technological, and knowledge developments, with the objective of meeting users' needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent analysis has shown deteriorating traffic conditions in urban areas, caused by an increase in the motorization rate, which has risen to 66.6 vehicles per 100 inhabitants. As a result of the pandemic, individuality has grown, hence private vehicles are becoming more prevalent whilst public transport and sharing are negatively affected. Therefore, European policies have encouraged and innovated more sustainable mobility. Thus, the developed project aims to achieve more efficient mobility and more sustainable environments, towards social and economic well-being. The proposed means of transport aims to appeal to an audience with a reduced ability to drive a car as intended. The IDeS methodology was applied to develop a self-driving, urban micro mobility vehicle, aimed to give enough room and equipment for people with moving disabilities. The innovation of the IDeS method is state-of-the-art and ought to satisfy current product needs, which leads to an innovative micromobility vehicle and portrays a design for a car that will help to close the gaps in urban mobility. These design processes, which are distinguished by the fusion of several industrial techniques, enabled the development of a plan that addresses current mobility issues for disabled people and opens to new mobility prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resumen El presente estudio pretende evaluar desde una perspectiva crítica el nivel de inclusión de las personas con discapacidad en los nuevos modelos de ciudad de proximidad, como es la ciudad de los 15 minutos de París. Se han establecido tres fases de análisis: recopilación de criterios basados en la revisión bibliográfica para posteriormente evaluar el modelo de Ciudad de 15 minutos de París; distribución de una encuesta, comparando las preferencias reveladas y las preferencias declaradas; y síntesis de ambos a través de entrevistas semi-estructuradas para estudiar in-situ los obstáculos urbanos que impiden la correcta interacción de las personas con discapacidad y la ciudad. Uno de los resultados más relevantes es la importancia del transporte público tiene en la ciudad de proximidad, descubriéndose como una pieza esencial para conseguir la movilidad inclusiva en los modelos de ciudad actuales. Abstract This study pretends to evaluate the level of inclusiveness of people with disability in new city of proximity models, as it is the case of the 15-minute city of Paris, from a critical perspective. Three stages have been established for the analysis: criteria compilation based on the state of the art to evaluate the 15-minute City model of Paris afterwards; distribution of a survey, comparing revealed preferences and declared preferences; and synthesis of both in the form of semi-structured interviews where in-place cases of urban obstacles will be studied, as far as impediments for proper interaction between people with disabilities and the city is concerned. One of the most relevant results is the importance of public transport in the city of proximity, turning into an essential part to achieve inclusive mobility in today’s city models.

In today’s digital age, mobile applications have become invaluable tools for enhancing accessibility and inclusivity, especially for individuals with disabilities. This study focuses on the landscape of accessibility apps designed to facilitate inclusivity for disabled individuals in buildings. By investigating current trends, strengths, weaknesses, and their impact on independence and quality of life, the research aims to shed light on the state of these apps and identify areas for future development. To achieve these objectives, a multi-faceted approach was employed, encompassing a literature review and app categorization. The study emphasizes the necessity for a common evaluation and certification framework to ensure consistency, reliability, and transparency in assessing the effectiveness of accessibility apps in the built environment. Such a framework would instill user trust, support informed decision-making, and stimulate innovation in this field. The findings of this research contribute to the advancement of inclusive design practices, serving as a valuable resource for developers, policymakers, and disabled individuals seeking effective tools to enhance accessibility. By fostering an inclusive society where disabled individuals can fully navigate and participate, this study aligns with the broader goal of creating a more inclusive and equitable world.

Various studies highlight a gap on reliable methods to measure the quality of projects and environments in terms of Universal Design (UD) and Design for All (DfA). In particular, healthcare facilities need decision support systems to improve the well-being of as many users as possible through a systematic approach. The present research proposes an evaluation tool to support designers and decision makers in the adoption of UD to develop healthcare facilities suitable for a wide range of users. Several methodologies have been adopted: an in-depth literature review on the current state of knowledge on UD evaluation, workshops and focus groups with both users and experts, and the analysis of four hospital case studies. The result was an evaluation framework built by using a Multi-criteria Analysis (MCA) methodology. The first version of the tool was applied to an American hospital and validated d in an Italian pilot case study. The research outlines a tool called Design for All A.U.D.I.T., able to evaluate Physical, Sensory-cognitive, and Social qualities based on a hierarchical framework with criteria and indicators based on UD and DfA. The framework evaluates the different areas of the hospital from outdoor to indoor spaces, allowing hospital administrators to act to improve the well-being of users according to the critical aspects of UD identified by the tool. The analysis provides a report of the facility status and design strategies to support designers for new projects or buildings renovations. The application shows that DfA A.U.D.I.T. can assess hospitals by examining both spatial qualities and DfA criteria. The tool could represent a decision support system in the national and international context, where many hospitals are not newly built. Further research will include application in different facilities and building typologies, aided by the flexible structure of the tool, which allows measurement of the environment's quality in terms of DfA and UD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to analyze different city plans in terms of proximity and accessibility. A total of 6 highly-recognized pedestrian models were chosen to compare their inclusive micro-mobility measures, not only in international contexts (Paris, Melbourne or Portland); but also a closer look will be taken at Spain, as it has managed to present its own referents (Valladolid, Vitoria and Pontevedra). A qualitative approach study was undergone to assess the real extent of inclusive proximity criteria, triggering a more in-depth, critical analysis by recognizing implicit, non-explicit, inclusive micro-mobility measures. The findings show disconnections between accessibility and proximity policies, mainly regarding exclusion of explicit accessibility measures and pedestrian mobility comfortability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Touch interaction has established a dominating role in the realisation of Human–Machine Interfaces. However, to be able to use touch effectively and efficiently, users have to comply with particular prerequisites. Due to age-related changes, such as the decline of tactile accuracy and speed, especially elderly users often struggle with the touch modality. Interfaces that adapt to specific user characteristics could be a promising solution to overcome this problem. Notwithstanding the advantages of adaptive systems, perceived changes in the user interface can reduce the system's predictability and transparency. The present study compares three approaches concerning the adaptation of touch button sizes: no adaptation and adaptation with visible and invisible feedback. Results show that especially elderly users substantially benefit from an adaptive approach. Furthermore, data shows that the type of adaptation supports different usage goals. While adaption with visual feedback enables a higher interaction speed, invisible adaptation leads to a higher degree of accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freshmen in Higher Education are required to exhibit a strong inclination to taking ownership of their own learning. It entails well-developed self-regulated learning competences. This demand is further exacerbated in purely online settings such as open distant learning, MOOCs, or disruptive circumstances like the COVID pandemic. Time management skills are an essential component in this process and the target of this study, wherein 348 students covered a course through two conditions: the control group attended the semester in an unchanged way, while students in the experimental group were weekly invited to estimate and log their workload and time allocations, via "reflection amplifiers" provided on their mobile devices. While no major difference in time management and learning performance was observable, data reveals that perceived time allocation and prescribed study-time differ substantially. These results raise questions, on the students' side, about the potential of qualitative (self-inputted) learning analytics to raise awareness on where time investments go. On the teachers' side, the results highlight the need to better plan the curricula workload specifically for first-year students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging intelligent environments are considered to offer significant opportunities to positively impact human life, both at an individual and at a societal level, and in particular to provide useful means to support people in their daily life activities and thus improve well-being for everybody, especially for older people and for people with limitations of activities. In this context, accessibility and usability, although necessary, are not sufficient to ensure that applications and services are appropriately designed to satisfy human needs and overcome potential functional limitations in the execution of everyday activities fundamental for well-being. This position paper puts forward the claim that, in order to achieve the above objective, it is necessary that: (i) the design of Assistive Intelligent Environments is centered around the well-being of people, roughly intended as the possibility of executing the (everyday) human activities necessary for living (independently), thus emphasizing usefulness in addition to usability; (ii) the technological environment is orchestrated around such activities and contains knowledge about how they are performed and how people need to be supported to perform them; (iii) the environment makes use of monitoring and reasoning capabilities in order to adapt, fine-tune and evolve over time the type and level of support provided, and this process takes place considering ethical values; (iv) the applications must also support the possibility of contact with other people, who in many cases may be the only effective help. Moving forward from the Design for All paradigm, this paper discusses how the latter can be revisited under the perspective of technology's usefulness and contribution to human well-being. Subsequently, it introduces a practical notion of well-being based on the ICF classification of human functions and activities and discusses how such notion can constitute the starting point and the focus of design approaches targeted to assist people in their everyday life mainly (but not exclusively) in the home environment. As a subsequent step, the need for integrating Artificial Intelligence capabilities in assistive intelligent environments is discussed, based on the complexity of the human problems to be addressed and the diversity of the types of support needed. The proposed approach is exemplified and illustrated through the experience acquired in the development of four applications, addressing vital aspects of human life, namely nutrition, stress management, sleep management and counteracting loneliness. Finally, based on the acquired experience, the need to take into account ethical values in the development of assistive intelligent environments is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universal accessibility is about the condition that spaces, processes, goods, products and services, as well as objects or instruments, tools and devices, must meet in order to be understandable and usable by all people; while inclusive design seeks to simplify life for everyone in the most autonomous and natural way possible. The objective of this article is to expose the methodology of inclusive design SPA (Feel, Think, Act) according to its acronym in Spanish, based on students experiencing the conditions of disability and the social environment where they live, and generate multidisciplinary proposals towards the evolution of an inclusive society. From this didactic experience it was possible to promote knowledge about the culture of disability, to develop in the student the sensitivity for the detection of adverse situations and, consequently, the generation of integral solutions, specifically in public spaces and heritage buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]