MARCH 2016 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \
17
by The Center for Universal Design at North Car-
olina State University as ‘the design of products
and environments to be usable by all people, to
the greatest extent possible, without the need for
adaptation or specialized design.’ Sidewalks with
curb cuts and doors that automatically open when a
person moves near them are examples of universally
designed products. They benefit people with disabili-
ties, parents with baby strollers, delivery workers, and
others. Human characteristics considered in universal
designs may include age, gender, stature, race/ethnicity,
culture, native language and learning preference.”
Usable design,
an approach that aims to create products
that are easy to operate (and to remember how to operate,
when revisited) does not always include people with dis-
abilities in usability tests. As a result, “usable” products may
not always be considered “accessible.” This process contin-
ues to evolve, however, with a renewed emphasis on testing
a broader group of potential users.
A strictly semantic aspect of a much broader and import-
ant discussion, mind-opening events like these continue to
fuel my sense of excitement and optimism for Denver’s future.
It’s hard to truly portray how rich, dynamic and thought-pro-
voking the talks by various Denver-based organizations were.
Fromthe RedLine Gallery’s “Reach Studio” that has provided art
classes and entrepreneurial opportunities for Denver’s home-
less population to Djamila Ricciardi’s “Tactile Tours” of Denver,
which provide public art tours that are based on senses other
than sight, people are doing amazing things to broaden the
definition of inclusive design and programming.
Creating civic, inclusive space and programming in a rapidly
urbanizing city is no small feat. This event demonstrated the
need and enthusiasm for various constituent groups to be pro-
vided with opportunities for increased dialogue and education
with and from the disabled, with hopes of generating more
inclusive and thoughtful design solutions as well as cultural
and professional opportunities.
\\
Creative Content
Public spaces, as physical
extensions of public
artwork, have the potential
to become celebrated
markers within the fabric
of a city, woven together
with culture and a sense
of shared, inclusive
identity.
