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UDL & Design Thinking


Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is an educational framework based on research in learning theory, including cognitive neuroscience. It guides the development of flexible learning environments that accommodate individual learning differences.

CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) is a non-profit organization founded in 1984 to improve education for all students. CAST pioneered the development of the UDL framework, drawing on scientific insights into how humans learn. One of their key ideas is that there is no "average" brain — we are all different.

CAST’s mission is to transform education by creating more equitable and inclusive learning environments. The UDL framework is built on three core principles that help educators design flexible instructional experiences:
  • Multiple means of engagement: Offer different ways to motivate and involve students.
  • Multiple means of representation: Present content in various formats to support understanding.
  • Multiple means of action and expression: Allow students to show what they know in different ways.
By applying these principles, educators can create learning experiences that offer options and support for all learners.

Download UDL guidelines. Use them while listening tho the lecture. https://udlguidelines.cast.org/static/udlg3-graphicorganizer-digital-nonumbers-a11y.pdf 

Watch this 5-minute introductory video about UDL 


What is Design Thinking?

Design Thinking is a broad, human-centered approach to problem-solving that emphasizes empathy, creativity, and iteration. It’s used across industries (tech, healthcare, business), not just in education, to design solutions that truly meet people’s needs.

While UDL (Universal Design for Learning) focuses on flexible learning environments, Design Thinking is broader. It supports inclusive design by centering the voices of diverse users and encouraging collaboration, experimentation, and equity-driven innovation.

Inclusive Design

"Inclusive design isn't about disability. It's about creating a design process that is in service of all users.". 

Inclusive Design is a specific application of Design Thinking that ensures solutions work for people with diverse needs, abilities, and backgrounds.

This video showcases how the Xbox team at Microsoft uses inclusive design to support Deaf and Hard of Hearing gamers by creating features that reflect diverse needs and preferences. It emphasizes that inclusive design is about serving all users, not just those with disabilities, through empathy-driven innovation and collaboration:
 

Here you can watch similar videos of Inclusive Design in Action 

Browse the resources at https://inclusive.microsoft.design/ 
 
Browse the resources on https://webaim.org  WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind), a non-profit service center at Utah State University dedicated to improving web accessibility.
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