The Impact of Hypermedia on Introductory Exercises about Universal Design in Academic Settings
Marcelo Pinto Guimaraes, UFMG/CAPES, Center for Universal Design, USA
This presentation is about a dissertation research in the PhD program in Design, NCSU. It provides information about an assessment of the impact of a "hypermedia perceptual simulation" (HPS) tool on outcomes of the sensitization activity of first year design students. Providing students with both visual and verbal content through an online interactive interface in a context of task development, the HPS tool will test current sensitization activities. Research will explore students' knowledge retention about the concept of universal design in a series of comparative tests in which HPS is used.
Problem Statement and Research Goal
Our first experience in life stages can be unforgettable. It may provide lasting positive attitudes towards the object of interest, or conversely, it can be traumatic. Research and practice has proved intellectual stimuli associated with immersion in context of social problems and emotional engagement as critical factors to build a professional commitment to socially oriented activities.
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Presently, existing strategies for sensitizing first year students to the concept of universal design focus primarily on a short-term empathic experience in design undergraduate programs. These exercises expose participants to the life experiences and challenges of people with difficulty navigating inaccessible buildings. The students' sensitization is enriched through shared learning and discussion about other disability problems. The Center for Universal Design at NCSU runs a program twice a year titled "Sight, Sound and Motion" (SSM) which is the first contact of students with universal design issues.
Despite positive assessment of results, criticism of this type of sensitization activity is based on students' superficial level of understanding. Such limited understanding generates and reinforces stereotypes about physical characteristics of the target population and the narrow scope of segregated solutions, such as separate means of access rather than integrated solutions that benefit everyone to the greatest extent possible.
This research study focuses on development and assessment of a "hypermedia perceptual simulation tool" as a supplement to current practices of sensitization exercises that introduce the concept of universal design for novice design students at NCSU. Premises are that hypermedia can provide opportunities for deeper understanding through perceptual stimulation and reflective thinking.
Research Question
What is the impact of a hypermedia perceptual simulation tool on sensitization practices when introducing the concept of universal design to novice students at the College of Design?
Primary Hypotheses
- The experience of using a hypermedia perceptual simulation tool before participating in sensitization exercises can add to the current practices for introduction of the universal design concept.
- The use of a hypermedia perceptual simulation tool after sensitization exercises can supplement current practices for introduction of the universal design concept.
- The use of a hypermedia perceptual simulation tool does not affect current sensitization strategies for introduction of the universal design concept.
Methodology
The research involves use of heuristic methods combined with online simulation environments, role-playing simulations and field observation. The hypermedia perceptual simulation tool contains images that illustrate either segregated or integrated environmental design solutions for people with mobility problems to navigate in built environments. It also provides special computer effects that simulate perceptual limitations for navigation in built structures.
Discussion
The research will explore comparisons between two distinct strategies for sensitization of design students:
- In the first one, students will be immersed in role-play activities according to the Empathic Model.
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In the second one, students will respond to cognitive oriented tasks in the online virtual environment:
The research study is a critical view of experiential and reflective modes of thinking, represented respectively by empathic role-playing of mobility problems and empathic perception of such problems through hypermedia interface. The settings of the human-computer interface will prompt research participants to make decisions and select specific views of built structures that accommodate the experiences of other people who are not familiar with the building and require integrated solutions that serve the widest range possible of mobility skills.
Application of Outcomes
In design practice it may provide substantial evidence of perceptual resources for practitioners to make clearer distinctions between designing for code compliance and considering everyone's needs through Universal Design.
In design education it may encourage the development of hypermedia collaborative resources that can be available for long distance learners to understand users' perspective on Universal design. In addition, it may supplement role-play immersion exercises about disability or environment-user misfit.
Points of Discussion
Is it possible that online simulation exercises may foster greater user empowerment and participation in design processes?
Is it possible to define patterns for online collaboration database at world scale so that it represents the simulation of universal design at local levels to address potential problems anywhere?
Image Description: Composite image shows two photographs of different sizes. The smaller photo shows a daylight view of brick pathway that runs by the side of a building. The bigger photo show the same location at evening hour and it presents the dim effect of lights of the existing lamppost, the emergency blue-light pole, and the light coming from some windows. Below the photographs is the statement "in evening hours, lack of efficient lighting may transform the accessible route from Brooks Hall to reserved parking into a dangerous dark path." [ Back to Image ]