| What is Universal Design? | History of Universal Design | Why use Universal Design? | Where Can I Learn DU? |
| Principle 1 | Principle 2 | Principle 3 | Principle 4 |
| Principle 5 | Principle 6 | Principle 7 | Bibliography |
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What is Universal Design?
Universal Design is the design of products and environments
to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, w/o the need
for adaptation or specialized design. The design must be useable
by a wide variety of users and accommodate these users appropriately.
It must be able to communicate effectively with these users regardless
of their conditions or the user's abilities. Universally designed
products minimize hazards of accidental or improper use of the product
and must be designed such that
the user can use the product effectively with minimum physical effort.
The American Disabilities Act (ADA) stipulated that starting January 1992, all commercial and public facilities be barrier-free, providing access to the disabled. Employers with fifteen or more employees could not discriminate against disabled people that are qualified and employers must accommodate disabilities unless it would represent undue hardship. This included state and local governments. Also, new construction and structure alterations must provide access for disabled. By July 1995, buses, trains, and stations should be barrier free, and public facilities may not discriminate.
In response to the American Disabilities Act and the growing awareness of the needs of a large percentage of the population currently at a disadvantage with many products and facilities, led to the concept of Universal Design. Put simply, it is the idea that all facilities, spaces, and products should be designed to accommodate all in the greatest degree possible. In trying to accommodate all abilities and faculties, a facility, product, etc. is made more accessible and easier to use for all.
Universal Design is more advantageous in the long run because it provides users with greater accessibility regardless of age, disabilities, or other conditions that require special needs. Although requirements for Universal Design, such as equipment and space, may be costly economically, users will benefit from the accessibility that has been provided, thus eliminating the extraneous barriers that are placed on a large part of the population.
Where Can I Learn Universal Design?
North Carolina State University has embraced the concepts of Universal Design by teaching its concepts in several of its design courses, as well as offering courses in Universal Design itself.. Other universities may or may not offer design programs including the concepts of Universal Design.
The design must be useful and
marketable to any group of users.
- Provide the same means
of use for all users: identical whenever possible; equivalent when not.
- Avoid segregating or stigmatizing
any users.
- Provisions for privacy,
security, and safety should be equally available to all users.
Principle Two of Universal Design: Flexibility in
Use
The design accommodates a wide range of individual
preferences and abilities.
- Provide choice in methods
of use
- Accommodate right- or
left-handed access and use
- Facilitate the user's
accuracy and precision.
- Provide adaptability to
the user's pace.
Principle Three of Universal Design: Simple and Intuitive
Use
The use of the design must be simple and easy to
understand regardless of the user's experience or knowledge.
- Eliminate unnecessary
complexity.
- Be consistent w/ user
expectations.
- Arrange information consistent
w/ its importance
- Provide timely feedback
during and after task completion.
Left: Sliding exterior doors open automatically
Right: A moving sidewalk is an intuitive alternative
Principle Four of Universal Design: Perceptible Information
The design must communicate necessary information
effectively to the user, regardless of their conditions.
- Maximize legibility of
essential information in all sensory modalities.
- Provide compatibility
w/ a variety of techniques or devices used by people with sensory limitations.
Left: ATM with tactile, visual, and audible cues and instructions.
Principle Five of Universal Design: Tolerance for
Error
The design must minimize hazards and consequences
of unintended actions.
- Provide warnings of hazards
and errors.
- Provide fail safe features.
- discourage unconscious
action in tasks that require vigilance.
Principle Six of Universal Design: Low Physical Effort
The design must be able to be used efficiently and
comfortably with low physical effort.
- Use reasonable operating
forces.
- Minimize repetitive actions.
- Minimize sustained physical
effort.
Principle Seven of Universal Design: Size and Space
for Approach and Use
Appropriate size and space must be provided for approach,
reach, and manipulation regardless of the user's size, posture,
or mobility.
- Provide a clear line of
sight to important elements for any seated of standing user.
- Make reach to all components
comfortable for any user.
- Provide adequate space
for the user and for the use of assistive devices.
"Assistive Technology goes Mainstream: PC Devices that Help People with
Disabilities also Appeal as Convenience
Tools." Dallas Morning News.
12 Jan 1998: 2D ONLINE. ProQuest Direct.
Donio, Paul J. "Tailor-fit Kitchens." Today's Homeowner. vol 93, iss 816: 66-71. ONLINE Proquest Direct.
Lehman, H. Jane. "A Home to Aid the Disabled." Newsday. 12 Jan. 1996: D.02. ONLINE Proquest Direct.
Sunstrom, Ingrid. "Catalog Offers Accessories for Accessible Homes."
Star Tribune. 16 Oct. 1997: 07.
ONLINE Proquest Direct.
Varkonyi, Charlyne. "Affirmative Access Universal Design's Mission:
Making Homes as Comfortable as Possible
for Everyone Living in Them, Regardless of Age or
Any Physical Limitations Series: Dr. Design". Sun
Sentinel.
29 Mar. 1996: 1E. ONLINE Proquest Direct.
Young, Julie. "Universal Design Home Can Meet Variety of Needs." Richmond
Times-Dispatch. 28 Sept. 1997: S.10
ONLINE Proquest Direct.