Student discovers passion for universal design through hands-on research at Sheridan

Among the many benefits that can emerge for Sheridan students participating in research, innovation and entrepreneurship activities, is the opportunity and space for them to fully realize their passions and career path. 

For Danielle Roberts, a fourth-year student in the Honours Bachelor of Experiential Design program, a passion for applying universal design principles in research, health and wellness was realized from her experience working on the Inclusive Community Building: A Wayfinding Journey project.  

Inclusive Community Building explores how older individuals aged 55 and over interact, access and navigate the postsecondary built environment/or Sheridan Trafalgar Road Campus built environment. Considering wayfinding approaches can help transform accessibility and make environments more enjoyable and easier to navigate for a diverse range of users. 

“My experience was incredibly valuable. The hands-on learning I received reinforced my desire to pursue work that makes a difference in the community and enhances well-being for many people,” said Roberts. 

Roberts first became connected with Sheridan’s Centre for Elder Research, an integral part of Generator at Sheridan, after taking a class tour of the Centre that included a presentation. The presenter discussed a job opening for a student research assistant to support an upcoming research project, and Roberts applied for the role through SheridanWorks - Sheridan’s propriety career job board. Once she began working with the Centre, she officially became a member of her program’s first research cohort. 

“Research is such an inspiring field, which is what attracted me to the Centre for Elder Research student research assistant position,” said Roberts. “I was excited by the opportunity to collaborate with research professionals and gain their insights, and to see how design intersects with science.” 

Roberts had the opportunity to work on the Generator Growth Grants funded project with staff from the Centre for Elder Research and faculty members from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design.  

Roberts supported the project with report writing, communication with participants, and the collection, analysis and synthesizing of research data that helped inform a final report. The project gave her a deeper understanding of accessibility, inclusion and community building, 

“Research opportunities are so beneficial to students; it helps them diversify their skill set and offers them the chance to work on projects that have meaningful real-world impacts, just like the project I was involved in,” says Roberts. “The skills I gained in the Experiential Design program really prepared me for the Inclusive Communities project. I approached this role with greater confidence, knowing that the in-classroom practice and opportunities allowed me to develop the necessary skills ranging from research audits of spaces to documenting participant journeys and user flow to designing signage systems and maps. The experience has inspired me to continue contributing the design of resources for the community, helping provide more access and knowledge to the services and supports that are needed.”  

Interested in learning more about how to get involved as a student in research, innovation and entrepreneurship at Sheridan? Visit sheridancollege.ca/generator.   

Curious where design can take you? Explore the Honours Bachelor of Experiential Design program.