Accessible Design

Kyra Chung-Olagbaiye & Taylour Poellnitz-Thomas



OUR MOTIVATION

The purpose of this project is to create an inclusive and functional campus environment by addressing the balance between aesthetics and accessibility in design, with a focus on furniture arrangements. While the visual appeal of campus spaces is essential for fostering a positive and engaging atmosphere, it’s equally important to ensure that these spaces are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities, mobility challenges, or other special needs.

By strategically rearranging furniture, we aim to improve both the aesthetic quality and the accessibility of common areas, classrooms, libraries, lounges, and other shared spaces. This will involve creating clear pathways, optimizing space utilization for ease of movement, and ensuring that furniture configurations support diverse learning, social, and recreational needs. Additionally, we’ll consider the inclusion of adjustable or multi-purpose furniture pieces to accommodate different user preferences and ensure that all students, faculty, and visitors feel comfortable and welcome in every space.


NAVIGATING THE SITE

Homepage: The homepage introduces the core motivation behind our project. It highlights the driving factors that inspired us to undertake this redesign initiative, setting the stage for the rest of the content.

Redesigning U-M: This section provides a deeper dive into the intent behind our project. It outlines the goals we set, the process we followed, and the vision we had when redesigning the spaces we chose. This page serves as a narrative framework for understanding the purpose and outcomes of our work.

Redesigning U-M Sub-Pages: These sub-pages showcase our detailed redesigns of the selected spaces. Each page includes visuals and descriptions of the changes we made, as well as an explanation of the key considerations that guided us in creating spaces that are both functional and accessible.

Tips for Accessible Design: This section provides practical and actionable strategies for creating spaces that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity. From enhancing color contrast and lighting options to improving navigation and physical accessibility, these tips are designed to help you build environments that meet the diverse needs of all users.


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