Designing for Interaction (Guideline 4)

Learners engage with materials, spaces, and technologies in diverse ways. Print-only resources, mouse-dependent software, and rigid classroom layouts can create barriers—especially for students with disabilities, but also for anyone navigating inflexible environments. Without multiple options, learners may struggle to show what they know or to access course content efficiently. Designing for interaction helps create environments where all students can navigate, respond, and participate meaningfully, while ensuring accessibility for those who rely on assistive technologies.

Strategy Library: Designing for Interaction

This strategy library focuses on designing for interaction, with two key areas that reduce barriers and support learner variability. Each strategy comes from the UDL Guidelines 3.0 and is paired with practical approaches you can apply right away using U of T’s Academic Toolbox.

Vary and honor the methods for response, navigation, and movement (4.1)

Optimize access to accessible materials and assistive and accessible technologies and tools (4.2)

Vary and honor the methods for response, navigation, and movement (4.1)

CAST 4.1 definition: Learners vary in how they navigate environments, access information, and respond to tasks. Flexibility in timing, rate, motor actions, and input methods (e.g., pen, keyboard, switch, or voice) helps ensure that diverse ways of engaging and responding are recognized and supported.

Examples using U of T's Academic Toolbox

Hypothesis: Allow students to engage by annotating texts collaboratively, supporting varied participation methods.
iClicker: Enable participation using either handheld remotes or personal devices.
Microsoft Forms: Collect responses in multiple formats (text, choice, numeric) and allow flexible timing (e.g., asynchronous completion).
Microsoft Teams Polls and Zoom Polls: Provide quick, low-stakes response options during synchronous sessions.
Quercus Assignments: Accept submissions in multiple modes (file upload, text entry, audio, or video recording).
Quercus Dashboard: Personalize navigation by reordering or favouriting courses to reduce clutter.
Quercus Discussions (Pinned): Keep key prompts visible to support flexible participation.
Quercus Mobile App: Invite students to navigate and respond to course activities on smartphones or tablets.
Quercus Notifications and Calendar: Support flexible time management by helping students track deadlines across devices.
Quercus Quizzes: Use varied question types (multiple choice, essay, numeric, file upload) and adjust timing settings (e.g., extended time, multiple attempts).

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Optimize access to accessible materials and assistive and accessible technologies and tools (4.2)

CAST 4.2 definition: Accessible materials and technologies expand opportunities for participation. Instructional content works best when it is compatible with assistive devices such as screen readers, switch devices, on-screen keyboards, and voice commands. Learners also benefit from guidance in using these tools effectively.

Examples using U of T's Academic Toolbox

Microsoft Accessibility Checker: Check Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files for accessibility issues before uploading to Quercus.
Microsoft Immersive Reader (available in Quercus and Microsoft apps): Adjust text size, spacing, font, background and text colours, line focus, or have text read aloud.
Microsoft Stream and Clipchamp: Create and share videos with customizable captions, transcripts, and adjustable playback to ensure accessibility.
Microsoft Teams and Zoom: Customize caption display (size, style, and position) and adjust playback speed in recorded videos, and access downloadable transcripts.
Microsoft Whiteboard: Facilitate collaborative diagrams and visual models with accessibility features like screen reader support and keyboard navigation.
MyMedia: Upload captions for recorded lectures and presentations.
Quercus Accessibility Checker: Identify accessibility issues with headings, image alt text, colour contrast, and tables to support assistive technology use.
Quercus Accessibility Standards: Learn more about Quercus (aka Canvas) accessibility components and features.
Quercus Home Page Recent Announcements: Surface important updates immediately on the homepage for easier access.
Quercus Keyboard Shortcuts: Navigate Quercus without relying on a mouse.
Quercus Rich Content Editor: Add alt text, headings, and properly structured tables to ensure compatibility with screen readers.

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Try One Thing

UDL doesn’t mean redesigning everything at once. Start small: pick one strategy from the lists above and try it out in your teaching or staff-facing context. Even a single simplification, added option, or reduced barrier can have meaningful impact.

Need support? CTSI offers consultations to help you adapt strategies for your context. Reach out to us to start a conversation.

U Design Learning | Teaching with Universal Design for Learning at U of T