Sabbatical Proposal Abstract:
Creative Development of Universal Design Product Environment

Ricardo Gomes, Professor
Department of Design & Industry (DAI)

ABSTRACT

1. Sabbatical Plan:

"Universal Design" - is the design of all products and environments to be usable by people of all ages and abilities, to the greatest extent possible. (Mace, 1991)

The focus and merit of my Sabbatical Leave would be to investigate the Creative Development of Universal Design Research, Product Design Applications and Curriculum Models.

The research will explore how Universal Design could be better marketed and promoted from a creative and appealing manner that will minimize any "specialty" stigma that may be typically associated, or misconstrued with adaptive, or accessible products. Creative design development will look at developing a "seamless" and integrated approach to UD that will look at optimizing the interface between design innovation and the pragmatic principles of Universal Design.

The investigation that I propose to develop would look at expanding the focus of Universal Design to be more "inclusive" and holistic in respect to issues of developing products and environments that better appeal, as well as facilitate users of various ages, abilities, cultures, and economies of scale. My research will explore where creativity, innovation and responsible resources come together to form a universal and inclusive product environment.

2. Benefits to You, the University

The results from this research will be utilized as a basis for development of UD Research and Product Case Studies. The articulation of these products and case studies could be utilized and further developed in the existing courses of study, as well as creative work in the DAI Department and associated areas of study at SFSU.

The objectives of this research will be to establish SFSU as a center for UD Research, Education and Curriculum Development in the western region of the U.S., Latin America and Pacific Rim.

The cumulative results from investigating UD Centers; Design Offices & Manufacturers; and UD Curriculum; will assist in the development of the 2nd International Universal Design Symposium & Workshop at SFSU in the Fall of 2007.