Latest revision: 2022-04-27

The term Universal Design was coined in 1985 by the architect Ronald Mace as a reaction to an accessibility work that did not see the big picture but was mostly about following rules. Universal design was thus developed in architecture, but also has its roots in IT (where it is called Inclusive design). The idea is that the solution should work for as many people as possible, and at the same time be so flexible that different ways of application are possible.

One goal of UDL is to make the teaching clear, comprehensible, varied, interesting and accessible (see, for example, Diskrimineringslagen (Discrimination Act) 2008: 567 §5, and Webbtillgänglighetsdirektivet (the Web Accessibility Directive) which came into effect on 1 January 2019). By removing obstacles from the beginning students can gather information and demonstrate knowledge in different ways. Working based on UDL, the need for individual adaptations is reduced.

Today, the student body at universities and colleges is heterogeneous. Through UDL, we can be one step ahead – no need to wait for students to tell us that they have difficulties. When we design education according to UDL, we give students the opportunity to put their energy into the learning itself.

Visual overview over the UDL guidelines

Resources around UDL

Short description of UDL: 7 things you should know about UDL
Short video explaining what UDL is
UDL for higher education