Connecting UD theory to tool selection in the design process: Tool use as theory implementation.

This article reports on a five-phase study into communicating Universal Design theory so as to align tool use to UD design outcomes. It explains how to apply a method for strengthening the connection between UD and implementation. This study builds on research which indicates designers lack explicit UD justification for design tool selection. The study describes a teaching method for UD that encourages students to actively consider what elements of a design problem require direct user-involvement and what tools might be appropriate to achieve this end. The study shows that the process of categorization and organization of categories raises awareness of design tools generally and user-centred design tools in particular. The study also indicates that educators in UD and design generally should be concerned about the number and type of design tools their students are aware of and use.