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Universal Design

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Cathrine Kristiansen edited this page Apr 15, 2026 · 3 revisions

Universal Design

Universal design aims to create solutions that are accessible and usable by as many people as possible, regardless of ability or limitations. In this project, universal design is closely linked to both user experience (UX) and ethical considerations such as privacy and informed decision-making.

According to the law, ICT solutions must ensure universal design of information and communication technology solutions. With this, the company must ensure that discrimination is prevented by promoting equal participation in society for all citizens. Therefore, it is important that the solutions contribute to building down and preventing new digital barriers that can prevent the participation of as many citizens as possible in social technology (distriktsdepartementet, 2023).

Universal design is also linked to ethical design choices. The application avoids manipulative elements such as time pressure, excessive visual cues, or aggressive donation requests. Instead, the design supports voluntary and informed decisions, ensuring that users do not feel pressured or excluded. This contributes to both accessibility and fairness in how users interact with the system.

However, the system has some limitations when it comes to universal design. It has not been tested by users with disabilities, so research in the form of the WCAG guidelines has not been carried out. WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is about the solution being accessible to everyone, and is part of the regulations related to ICT solutions with requirements for uniform design (uutilsynet, u.d.). The guidelines are based on four principles:

  • Perceived (Possible to perceive)
  • Operable (Possible to use)
  • Understandable (Understandable)
  • Robust (Robust/compatible)

The application is partly developed with regard to the WCAG principles. Percieveable is about the content being possible to perceive by either being able to see or hear the content (uutilsynet, Prinsipp 1. Mulg å oppfatte, 2023). In the user interface, we have chosen to use a clear text and structure for better information sharing, here we have also focused on the use of contrasts between text and background. On the other hand, there is no alternative text for visual elements, such as logos or verification marks. The system maintains a consistent visual structure, but lacks support for screen readers.

Operative is about the system being possible to use for everyone, even without a mouse(uutilsynet, Prinsipp 2. Mulig å betjene, 2023). In the application, we have therefore chosen to have simple and intuitive navigation choices, and limited complex interactions. However, the system lacks full keyboard navigation and focus navigation that tells the user what has been selected.

Understandable says that the system should be understandable to the user(uutilsynet, Prinsipp3. Forståelig, 2021). In the application, we have chosen to have simple and descriptive buttons and functions, with predictable navigation. On the other hand, we have somewhat limited file handling and lack guidance such as help texts.

The last principle Robust states that the system should be able to function on different platforms and technologies(uutilsynet, Prinsipp 4. Robust., 2023). The application uses standard technologies such as Java, MySQL etc. so that the system can be run on most platforms as long as the relevant programs are downloaded. The system also has stable functionality in tested environments, but has not been tested with assistive devices such as screen readers etc. There is also some limited compatibility testing.

Furthermore, universal design is linked to GDPR principles. By simplifying how information is presented and ensuring transparency, the system makes it easier for users to understand how their data is handled and to make informed choices about privacy. Features such as optional anonymity and clear user control over personal data contribute to both accessibility and data protection (Tranvik, 2020).

With a good UX perspective in mind, the application was designed with a clear and structured interface, allowing users to easily navigate between different sections. Consistency in layout, buttons, and interaction patterns reduces cognitive load and helps users understand how to use the system effectively. Features such as search, filtering, and donation are easily accessible, supporting a smooth and intuitive user experience.

The color palett

With a desire for the application to appeal to users who want a better world for children, people in need and critical areas, we chose to focus on an accessible and safe color palette.

As a primary color, we chose to use a “calm, trusting blue” due to its connection to trust, stability and seriousness. The color is seen as non-threatening, and is often described as conservative and traditional. Blue also often gives a feeling of calm, peace and relaxation. Blue is also seen as a reliable color and, from the nature's perspective, is representative of the predictable like the sky or constantly flowing water. This contributes to the color being associated with wonder and the subconscious, and therefore possibly also the reason why the color is used in connection with funerals and mourning (Cherry, 2026). With this in mind, we thought it was a nice color to use in the application on various buttons and primary actions. Together with text in white, this creates a nice contrast that even colorblind people can read.

As a secondary color, we chose a "soft humanitarian teal" which is a combination of blue and green. It is a revitalizing color with calming properties, representing open communication and clarity of thought (canva, u.d.). With this information, the idea was that this color could be used as an uplifting communicator with promises of better times for the causes the organizations were working towards. The color was therefore used in both the navbar and footer, and is therefore also roughly used as a primary color, even though it was originally intended for secondary buttons and icons.

As neutral colors, the choice fell on white and gray tones, and specifically used for text and backgrounds. The choice comes from the fact that these neutral colors are considered to be less tiring on the eyes and provide good readability on the screen. This also makes long-term use safer when it comes to lists, profiles and history.

The traffic light model was used for notifications and status. For approved verifications and the Donation buttons, we have chosen to use "safe green", to show that these are safe organizations and it is safe to donate to organizations. Orange - "calm warning amber", has been used to provide a warning that this organization has not been verified as safe due to missing information. Finally, the color "muted error red" is used as for warnings on feedback, such as invalid amount when paying and more.

Future development should include accessibility testing, improved support for assistive technologies, and further refinement of design choices to ensure inclusion for a wider range of users.

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