Universal Design : An Optimal Approach to the Development of Hands-on Science Exhibits in Museums

Access restricted to the OSU CommunityMuseums with interactive, hands-on science exhibits face the dual challenge of providing reasonable accommodation for visitors with disabilities while fulfilling a mandate of education and public service for all visitors. Evidence from both existing literature and original research strongly suggests that principles of universal design provide an optimal solution to both problems. Universal design is defined as the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. A review of the literature discusses the development of disability theory since the early nineteenth century, examines applications of universal design theory in selected fields outside the museum, looks at the social role of museums as centers of informal learning, and analyzes applications of universal design theory in museums, with a particular focus on hands-on science museums. Original research findings are based on a survey o f exhibit and senior administrative staff at 158 museums with hands-on science exhibits, detailed follow- up telephone interviews with seven museum professionals with expertise in universal development, and on-site case studies conducted at the Museum of Science in Boston, a leader in universal exhibit design, and the Exploratorium in San Francisco, a recognized innovator in hands-on science exhibits. Findings indicate that exhibits with universal design elements increase visitor satisfaction, learning, and time spent at exhibits; help museums fulfil their education and public service mandates; and increase intellectual access to exhibits for visitors in general. Additional insights are provided on awareness, adoption, and perceptions of universal design in museums with hands-on science exhibits; evaluation of and research on universal design in museums; commonly-perceived challenges to the successful implementation of universal design in exhibit development; and common universal design practices among developers of hands-on science exhibits