Date of Graduation
Spring 2014
Degree
Master of Arts in Writing
Department
English
Committee Chair
Lyn Gattis
Abstract
Universal Design concepts can be applied to the field of technical writing to help writers and designers create universally accessible material for their audiences. From its origins in architecture to its applications in the field of education, Universal Design assists all users, not just those with visible disabilities. Though writers concern themselves with accessibility and usability, these considerations are often an afterthought. If writers would purposefully design print and web-based materials to be accessible without need for assistive devices, they would reach a wider audience, save time and money, and comply with legal standards. The purpose of this study was to see what it would take to design a Web site that supports, suggests, and exemplifies Universal Design principles writers and designers can follow in their work. The result was a site that offers specific suggestions for design and writing for print and Web media on items such as writing style, colors and graphics, and information display.
Keywords
universal design, accessibility, web design, print design, writing, usability, access, people with disabilities, user advocacy
Subject Categories
Creative Writing
Copyright
© Eden M. Olena
Recommended Citation
Olena, Eden M., "Universal Design: A User-Centered Approach to Achieving Universal Access in Print and Web Writing and Design" (2014). MSU Graduate Theses. 2635.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/2635
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