Accessibility and Inclusive Design
This course introduces students to the design and evaluation of digital systems that are usable by people with a wide range of abilities and needs. Students will learn core concepts in accessibility, assistive technologies, and design patterns that support inclusion. The course emphasizes hands-on practice with evaluating and designing accessible websites, mobile applications, and emerging technologies. Examples of topics include assistive technologies for people with vision disabilities, web accessibility standards, and mobile accessibility. Through a combination of lectures, in-class exercises, and projects, students will develop the skills to create technology that is more usable and effective for everyone.
Topics
- Articulate the ethical, legal, and user-centered motivations for accessibility and inclusive design, using real-world examples to support your reasoning.
- Analyze how individuals with diverse physical, sensory, cognitive, and situational needs interact with digital technologies, and identify common barriers and adaptive strategies.
- Apply Inclusive Design principles to create or improve digital interfaces that accommodate user diversity and reduce exclusion.
- Conduct accessibility evaluations of digital systems using standards (e.g., WCAG), tools (e.g., axe, WAVE), and user feedback, and recommend actionable improvements.
Official roster learning outcomes
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027