Who we are and what we do...

The Design for All Group is concerned with ensuring that computer technology is easy to use by all sections of the community. We are interested in both the design and evaluation of systems. This includes both the technical aspects of design and the social and cultural aspects that affect usability. We believe in participative design where the user groups take part in the design of systems as a way of ensuring that the resulting systems are not only useful, but are actually used. We have particular expertise in the areas of design for an aging population, for those people with disabilities (including multiple minor disabilities), and for children.

The Design for All Group acts as a practical research forum to enable it's members to meet, share information and carry out research work in the fields of Design for All and design for older people and people with disabilities. The meetings also provide a good environment for initiating collaborations and providing support.

In January 2004 the Group organised a workshop in conjunction with the EPSRC EQUAL network on research methodology: "Quality research with older and disabled people: theoretical, practical and ethical issues".

The Group is a member of the European Design for All e-Accessibility Network (EDeAN)
http://www.e-accessibility.org/

The Group was instrumental in the setting up of the Collaborative International Research Centre for Universal Access (CIRCUA).

Further information about the research currently being carried out by Group members can be found on the CIRCUA web pages.

If you are interested in joining the DFA group please contact the Convenor - Gill Whitney (G.Whitney@mdx.ac.uk).