Universal Design for Learning

UDL

This unit is a project-based design studio where students develop a studio brand, create a portfolio of work, and produce a client proposal. Learning is structured around an iterative design process including research, ideation, prototyping, feedback, and revision. Because students engage in open-ended, self-directed work, the unit is intentionally designed using CAST UDL Guidelines 3.0 to ensure access, engagement, and representation for all learners.

Checkpoints

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines.

    Engagement

    Choice and Autonomy

    In this class, students choose their studio identity, the projects they want to do to build their own portfolio, and who they would like their potential client to be. Each of these choices increases their ownership and motivation in a long-term project.

    Digital Tools:

    - Pinterest /Milanote (Ideation and Planning)

    - Notion/Miro (Project Managament)

    Collaboration and Community

    Students will follow the iterative design process where they will participate in peer critiques that incorporate feedback cycles. They will also have the opportunity to present their work and portfolio to a client in their community.

    Digital Tools:

    - Padlet/Figjam (Collaborative Critique)

    - Google Docs (Feedback)

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and half circle lines.

    Representation

    Illustrate Through Multiple Media

    Content and instruction will utilize different mediums, examples, and methods through the use of visual exemplars, video demos, written guides and research that support students different needs while offering different access to information.

    Digital Tools:

    - Youtube/Demo Recordings

    - Canva/Adobe (Work and Creation tools)

    Connect Prior Knowledge to New Learning

    As this is a Design 2 class, students will have taken Design 1 (Foundations) in order to enroll. This class will require students to build on what they have learned in the previous course in terms of design tools, design methods, and design formalities.

    Digital Tools:

    - Adobe Suite (creation software suite)

    - Course Resources Doc (they will build this)

  • Geometric drawing of an outline square with sections divided by vertical, horizontal, and circle lines.

    Action & Expression

    Multiple Tools for Creation

    Due to the changeable nature of the design world and how it can be such an independent process, it i only fitting that students in this class have access to learn, practice with and produce work using multiple mediums based on their own preferences.

    Digital Tools:

    - Adobe Suite, Figma, Canva (Creation Software)

    - Digital Sketching (or by hand)

    Multiple Tools for Communication

    Students will choose how to present their portfolio based on their body of work. This allows them to gain comfort with different presentation tools as well as understand what style suites what presentation circumstance best.

    Digital Tools:

    - Google Sites, Adobe Portfolio, Weebly

    - Slides, Canva

THE SHIFT

Traditionally, accessibility in the classroom is approached through accommodations, where adjustments are made after barriers arise for specific students. In this unit, UDL shifts that mindset by designing learning experiences that anticipate variability from the start. The studio model is built with flexibility in choice, tools, collaboration, and modes of expression.

Instead of requiring a single format for final work, students choose how to design, document, and present their ideas using a range of digital tools and media.

This design reduces barriers, increases access, and supports all learners in developing agency. UDL in this context is not an add-on, but foundational in aligning with the iterative, student-centered nature of design practice.