Universal Design Principles
UndergraduateCUR-DIG112020
Previously CUR-DIG272
Course information for 2020 intake View information for 2025 course intake
Dig deeper into the key tenets of design theory and practice. Zero in on how good design aids the user’s experience. Unpack the universal elements that make a design more appealing. Engage with modern software and design a digital media work.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Universal Design Principles
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- identify universal design principles in designed artefacts and recognise their role in shaping the effectiveness of the user experience
- compare design approaches to understand and justify design decisions
- work collaboratively to apply design principles to generate effective design outcomes
- conceptualise design solutions that improve design functionality and effectiveness
- analyse the use of technology in relation to the functionality of a designed artefact.
- Design-based Creative Brainstorming
- Principles that influence the way a design is perceived
- Principles that help people to learn from a design
- Principles that enhance the usability of a design
- Principles that increase the appeal of a design
- Principles that can help a designer to make better design decisions
- Production Workflow Approaches
This subject was previously known as DIG272 Universal Design Principles.
This subject emphasises the importance of considering end users when developing a design experience. Students will be introduced to a set of ‘universal’ design principles that are common to all disciplines of user experience design. By analysing case studies through this framework of universal design principles, students will have an opportunity to hone their awareness of user-centred design and consider how individual elements may be shaped to improve the users’ experience. Students will synthesise these universal design principles by developing a user-centred solution to a discipline-relevant design problem.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.
- Design Investigation (30%)
- Exercise (30%)
- Project (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
CUR-DIG272-Universal Design Principles (no longer available)
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Student feedback
5 student respondents between 19 Aug 2024 - 3 Mar 2025.
80%of students felt the study load was manageable
80%of students felt this subject helped them gain relevant skills
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