UPM has a leading role in Human Computer Interaction in Spain, with research groups that are internationally recognized in the fields of Accessibility and Inclusive design, Integration of Usability Techniques into the Software Development Process, Intelligent educational software and Student modeling, Virtual and augmented reality. UPM is also active in the development of international and European standards on HCI and accessibility, such as ISO 9241-171 (software accessibility), ISO/IEC 29136 (PC hardware accessibility), ISO 9241-129 (individualization) and EN 301 549 (accessibility of ICT for the context of public procurement).

The School of Computer Science at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) offers a specialization in Universal Design of Interactive Systems. In the context of interactive systems, accessibility can be defined as the usability of a product or service by people from a population with the widest range of characteristics and capabilities, including persons with disabilities and elderly people. Even if the user-centered design process guarantees a certain degree of personalization of the interaction, dynamic system adaptation should also be addressed in order to react to changing conditions. Universal Design implies taking into account the diversity of sensory, physical and cognitive abilities of the users of the system. Some users will have limitations in their abilities, which may be permanent, temporary, situational or contextual.

The usability-based concept of accessibility implies that designers should work for reaching adequate levels of effectiveness, efficiency and user satisfaction across the diversity of users. To reach good accessibility a combination of two approaches is required: design for all and assistive products. Design for all, also known as inclusive design, is the design of products to be accessible and usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for specialized adaptation. But design for all is not always enough, as some persons with disabilities require specific adaptations to be able to use ICT. These adaptations are called assistive products, which are any product (including devices, equipment, instruments and software), especially produced or generally available, used by or for persons with disability for participation; to protect, support, train, measure or substitute for body functions, structures and activities; or to prevent impairments, activity limitations or participation restrictions.

The whole spectrum of adaptation possibilities, from adaptable to adaptive systems will be considered in this specialization.