Short answer
Design educational experiences with the inherent diversity of users in mind from the initial stages, rather than planning for exceptions.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- The Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability (2006)
- Method
- Descriptive research and process development.
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
A systematic process called 'dynamic course design' can help educators create learning experiences that are accessible and beneficial to a wider range of students, including those with disabilities. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2006 study published in The Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability. Using Descriptive research and process development., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design educational experiences with the inherent diversity of users in mind from the initial stages, rather than planning for exceptions.
Dynamic Course Design: A Process for Inclusive Learning Environments
A systematic process called 'dynamic course design' can help educators create learning experiences that are accessible and beneficial to a wider range of students, including those with disabilities.
The Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability · 2006
Key Findings
- 01Existing learner-centered education models often do not explicitly include students with disabilities.
- 02The Universal Design movement needs specific processes for integrating its principles into instructional design.
- 03Dynamic course design provides a systematic method for instructors to create more universally designed classes.
- 04Current practices often rely on individualized 'special accommodations' which can perpetuate a deficit model of disability.
Application
Design takeaway
Design educational experiences with the inherent diversity of users in mind from the initial stages, rather than planning for exceptions.
How to apply
When designing any system or product intended for human interaction, begin by identifying potential user diversity and build in flexibility and multiple means of engagement and expression from the start.
Project actions
- 01Consider the diverse needs of potential users for your design project from the very beginning.
- 02Think about how your design can offer multiple ways for users to interact with it or achieve their goals.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a structured, actionable process for achieving universally designed instruction.
- +Highlights the limitations of traditional accommodation-based models.
Limitations
The 'dynamic course design' process is specific to education; adapting it to other design fields might require significant modification. The paper doesn't provide quantitative data on the success of this process.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the 'dynamic course design' process would depend on consistent application by different facilitators. Validity would be assessed by measuring the actual increase in accessibility and user satisfaction with the designed courses.
Think critically
How can the principles of 'dynamic course design' be applied to the development of physical products or digital interfaces, and what challenges might arise in such an adaptation?
Design Principles
"Design for the widest possible range of users from the outset, anticipating and integrating diverse needs into the core structure."
This approach shifts from reactive accommodations to proactive design, ensuring that the inherent structure of a course supports diverse learning needs from the outset. By encouraging instructors to critically examine their assumptions and design for variety, it fosters more equitable and effective educational experiences.
What This Means for Your Design
This research suggests a way for teachers to plan their lessons so that everyone can learn, not just the 'average' student. It's like building a ramp into a building from the start, instead of adding one later for someone who needs it.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this research when discussing the importance of inclusive design and user diversity in your design project's introduction or rationale.
- 2.Use the concept of 'dynamic design' to explain your approach to incorporating user needs throughout your design process.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The principles of dynamic course design, as outlined by Harrisson (2006), emphasize a proactive approach to inclusivity by systematically examining and adapting design elements to accommodate a wide spectrum of user needs from the outset. This methodology encourages designers to move beyond reactive problem-solving and instead embed flexibility and multiple modes of engagement into the core of their creations, fostering more equitable and effective outcomes for all users.
Source
The Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability
Working with Faculty toward Universally Designed Instruction: The Process of Dynamic Course Design.
journal · 2006
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about dynamic course design: a process for inclusive learning environments?
- Design educational experiences with the inherent diversity of users in mind from the initial stages, rather than planning for exceptions. Evidence: The Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability (2006).
- Why does "Dynamic Course Design: A Process for Inclusive Learning Environments" matter for design?
- This approach shifts from reactive accommodations to proactive design, ensuring that the inherent structure of a course supports diverse learning needs from the outset. By encouraging instructors to critically examine their assumptions and design for variety, it fosters more equitable and effective educational experiences.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design educational experiences with the inherent diversity of users in mind from the initial stages, rather than planning for exceptions.
- What were the main findings?
- Existing learner-centered education models often do not explicitly include students with disabilities.. The Universal Design movement needs specific processes for integrating its principles into instructional design.. Dynamic course design provides a systematic method for instructors to create more universally designed classes.. Current practices often rely on individualized 'special accommodations' which can perpetuate a deficit model of disability.
- What research method was used?
- Descriptive research and process development..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2006 journal from The Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing any system or product intended for human interaction, begin by identifying potential user diversity and build in flexibility and multiple means of engagement and expression from the start.
- What are the limitations?
- The paper focuses on instructional design and may not directly translate to all product design contexts without adaptation. The effectiveness of the process is described rather than empirically validated within this paper.