One such program, Universal Design, introduces primary school students to the field of industrial design and additional STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) topics. Catering to children 9 to 10 years of age, the program focuses on the importance of intuitive, user-friendly design in product development. By introducing these concepts prior to secondary school, Universal Design seeks to inspire students with information on STEM career paths across multiple sectors.
Universal Design also aims to teach students the fundamentals of good design and enable them to recognize effective design practices in their surroundings. Presented in classrooms via an interactive whiteboard, the program provides students with the resources to become “design detectives” at their learning institutions. The students work together to examine their environment for examples of both good and bad design, rating each area of the school based on its design quality.