As information technology continues to evolve, it is becoming apparent that technological advancement is creating an ever-widening gap in society between those who are able to quickly grasp and adapt to this new knowledge and those who cannot. Much of the research and development occurring in the field of electronic commerce continues to focus on facilitating users who are technologically savvy, as opposed to catering to the needs of those who cannot adapt to change as easily. The aim of the Knowledge-Acquiring Layered Infrastructure (KALI) project is to create a universal access electronic commerce device which can be used by the broadest possible segment of the population, including individuals who are functionally illiterate. This paper provides a high-level description of the research in progress towards this design goal.