General information
| Course type | AMUPIE |
| Module title | Design for Everyone: Universal Design in Practice |
| Language | English |
| Module lecturer | dr inż. arch. Marta Szejnfeld, dr inż. arch. Kamila Sikorska-Podyma |
| Lecturer's email | marsze17@amu.edu.pl |
| Lecturer position | Assistant Professor |
| Faculty | Faculty of Human Geography and Planning |
| Semester | 2026/2027 (winter) |
| Duration | 45 |
| ECTS | 6 |
| USOS code | 25-UDIP-AMU-PIE |
Timetable
Faculty of Human Geography and Planning, Collegium Geographicum, Bugumila Krygowskiego 10
Mondays:
13.15 -14.45 - lecture (10 hours)
15.00 -16.30 - workshop (35 hours)
Module aim (aims)
This course introduces the principles of Universal Design and how to apply them in everyday design processes. Participants will learn how to create inclusive environments, products, and services that are accessible and usable for people of all ages and abilities. Through practical examples and real-life case studies, the course highlights how Universal Design improves comfort, safety, and equality for everyone.
Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)
Basic knowledge of design. Ability to work in a team.
Syllabus
Lectures
- Introduction to Universal Design. Definitions, origins, the seven principles of Universal Design, user groups and their needs.
- Accessibility and Inclusivity in Design. Architectural, sensory, and cognitive barriers; barrier-free design.
- Design of Public Spaces and Landscape. Accessibility of parks, pedestrian routes, street furniture, and recreational facilities.
- User at the Center of the Design Process. Empathy, user-centered design, research and consultation methods.
- Good Practices and Case Studies. Examples of projects from Poland and around the world; analysis of mistakes and model solutions.
Practical and Workshop-Based Component
- Analysis of accessibility in selected spaces and facilities.
- Development of design concepts in accordance with the principles of Universal Design.
- Teamwork and individual work.
Specialized Exercises
- Wheelchair Track Exercises. Experiencing spatial barriers from the user’s perspective, problem analysis, and design-related conclusions.
- Field Visit – Park in Owińska or the Invisible Street. Analysis of accessibility and inclusive solutions in public space, documentation, and discussion of observations.
Summary
- Presentation of project outcomes.
- Discussion and joint evaluation of solutions.