Universal Design Innovation
Module code: MEU33B09 · Semester: Semester 1
Resources
How it's assessed
No end-of-semester exam. It's assessed through project work.
Groups work with community groups to find a real user need, design for it using universal design principles, and build a rudimentary prototype.
| Assessment | Weight |
|---|---|
| Weekly need-finding and concept assignments and presentations | 50% |
| Labs | 10% |
| Universal design project: prototype plus dissemination materials for a website | 40% |
Summarised from the TCD module descriptor, checked 2026-11-09. Details can change from year to year, so check this year's descriptor and Blackboard.
From students who've done it
Questions by Year
Topics
- Universal design and user-centred design with design thinking LO1–2
- Need finding with real users: observation and interviews LO1–2
- Prototyping: foam cutting, acrylic bending, 3D printing, workshop skills LO3
- Arduino programming with sensors and actuators LO4
- SolidWorks modelling LO5
- Standards and machine components LO6
Learning outcomes
- Value differences in people's abilities through a universal design project, with social responsibility
- Use a user-centred design process to find needs, generate ideas and evaluate concepts
- Use additive and subtractive manufacturing and prototyping equipment
- Write Arduino code for sensors and actuators
- Model parts and assemblies in SolidWorks
- Conceive, design, implement and operate (CDIO) simple prototypes
- Work in teams and present with posters and slides