Universal Instructional Design

Universal Instructional Design (UID) recognizes seven principles that, when followed, can help instructors to design accessible teaching and learning activities, environments and materials, and create learning experiences that respect and value diversity.

Seven Principles of UID

At the core of UID is the concept of inclusiveness and equity. Instructional matters and activities should:

1. Be accessible and fair
2. Be straightforward and consistent
3. Provide flexibility in use, participation and presentation
4. Be explicitly presented and readily perceived
5. Provide a supportive learning environment
6. Minimize unnecessary physical effort of requirements
7. Ensure a learning space the accommodates both students and instructional methods

UID Resources

The University of Guelph is well known for its work with UID and has compiled the following set of valuable resources:

• Introduction to Universal Instructional Design (PDF)
• Universal Instructional Design Principles (PDF)
• UID Quick-Start Implementation Checklist (PDF)
• The Universal Instructional Design Implementation Guide (PDF)
• Universal Instructional Design (UID): A Faculty Workbook (for face-to-face courses) (PDF)
• Universal Instructional Design (UID): A Workbook for Faculty Teaching at a Distance (PDF)

UID Project at the University of Guelph

This project, funded by the Learning Opportunities Task Force, researched and applied UID principles across a number of Guelph courses. Read the Evaluation Report on the Universal Instructional Design Project at the University of Guelph (PDF).