Study universal design
Explore foundation, certificate, diploma, short and professional learning through the institute. Confirm current course availability.
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Institute of Universal Design & Inclusive Futures
Institute of Universal Design & Inclusive Futures
The KENCID Institute of Universal Design & Inclusive Futures advances Universal Design, accessibility, disability inclusion, human factors, ergonomics, assistive technology and inclusive innovation across education, research and professional practice.
Choose a pathwayChoose a pathway
Study, investigate, practise or partner.
Research with the institute
Investigate human diversity, environments, technologies and inclusive participation.
Explore researchRequest professional services
Discuss accessibility audits, Universal Design reviews, consultancy, user research, human-factors evaluation and training.
Request a consultationBuild a partnership
Connect education, policy, government, industry and disability-led organisations around inclusive solutions.
Discuss a partnershipInstitute structure
Seven centres in the institute.
The institute links inclusive environments, human factors, mobility, assistive technology, digital access and standards through an interdisciplinary structure.
Universal Design & Inclusive Environments
Built spaces and everyday environments.
Accessibility & Disability Studies
Participation, barriers and disability inclusion.
Human Factors, Ergonomics & Lifespan Design
People’s abilities and needs across life stages.
Inclusive Mobility & Transportation
Travel and movement for more people.
Assistive Technology & Inclusive Innovation
Tools and products that support independence.
Digital Accessibility & Inclusive Technology
Accessible digital products and services.
Universal Design Policy, Standards & Certification
Policy and standards work; any certification framework remains a longer-term possibility.
Learning pathways
Routes into Universal Design learning.
KENCID's learning pathways span these levels and formats. Confirm which programmes and awards have current approval before applying.
Foundation & certificate
Starting points for accessibility, human diversity and inclusive design practice.
Diploma & advanced study
Longer pathways described in the academic plan; future degree routes remain subject to development and approval.
Short & professional courses
Focused skills for designers, built-environment practitioners, educators, technologists and other professionals.
Executive education
Organisational learning for leaders working on accessibility and inclusive systems.
Research agenda
Investigating barriers in African contexts.
The institute's research themes examine how people experience environments, products, technologies, services and systems.
Built environments & cities
Interiors, housing, public facilities, streets and public space.
Mobility & transport
Accessible journeys, vehicles and passenger experience.
Digital access & assistive technology
Interfaces, devices and technologies that support independence.
Human factors & ageing
Usability, safety, changing ability and lifespan design.
Education, health & hospitality
Learning, care and service experiences for diverse users.
Disability, policy & society
Participation, standards and evidence-informed public decisions.
Professional enquiries
Ask what support fits your challenge.
The institute offers services to organisations, governments and communities. Confirm the scope of support through a consultation.
Accessibility audits
Understand current barriers in places, services or digital experiences.
Request an audit conversationUniversal Design review
Find potential barriers before a design solution is implemented.
Discuss a reviewUser research & human factors
Learn from diverse users and evaluate safety, comfort and usability.
Discuss researchTraining & policy advisory
Build organisational competence and explore evidence-informed standards.
Request a consultationAccessibility work
A review has a clear sequence.
The review process moves from consultation to a prioritised improvement plan, with direct input from the people affected.
- 01Consult
- 02Review documents
- 03Assess the site or service
- 04Hear users
- 05Identify gaps
- 06Report priorities
- 07Plan improvements
- 08Follow up
Where inclusion matters
Design across people, places and services.
The institute addresses participation across the lifespan and works with people who experience barriers.
Learning environments
Accessible schools, campuses and Universal Design for Learning.
Housing & public spaces
Inclusive homes, neighbourhoods and civic environments.
Mobility & transport
Journeys and transport systems that more people can use.
Health & hospitality
Care, service and visitor experiences that respect human diversity.
Workplaces & digital services
Accessible work practices, interfaces and technology.
Ageing & assistive innovation
Support for independence, dignity and changing needs.
