Universal Design is a concept applied to design in which the environment is set up to accommodate a multitude of needs and abilities.
“Universal design is design that’s usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.” –Ron Mace, architect
Universaldesign.org lends us an extensive, but not exhaustive list of needs that would benefit from universal design:
difficulty interpreting or processing information.
susceptibility to fainting, dizziness, or seizures.
a speech impediment.
difficulty processing sensory input.
blindness (loss of sight).
low vision (limited sight).
deafness (loss of hearing).
a hearing impairment.
a mental health impairment.
a need for caregiver assistance
difficulty moving the neck or head
limited stamina.
difficulty sitting.
limited coordination.
limited sensation.
limited balance.
loss of upper extremity motor control.
loss of lower extremity motor control.
difficulty reaching, lifting, or carrying items.
difficulty bending, kneeling, etc.
a reliance on walking aids or mobility devices.
difficulty manipulating items.
chemical sensitivities
an extreme height or weight
As you can see from the list above, there are many people who will experience some of these symptoms, even for a short while.
Universal Design involves 7 principles:
1. Equitable Use
The design is useful and marketable to people of all abilities
2. Flexibility in Use
The design accommodates a broad range of individual preferences, needs and abilities.
3. Simple and Intuitive Use
The design is easy to understand regardless of the user’s knowledge, experience, skills or concentration level.
4. Perceptible Information
Necessary information is conveyed effectively to the user regardless of ambient settings or sensory abilities
5. Tolerance of Error
The design minimizes hazards and adverse consequences of accidental or unintended consequences.
6. Low Physical effort
The design can be used comfortably, efficiently and with minimum fatigue.
7. Size and space for approach and use
Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation and use regardless of person’s body size, posture, mobility or abilities.
If you’d like to know more about Universal Design and learn of one person’s first hand account of navigating our world with a disability, please watch this short TED Talk video: https://youtu.be/bVdPNWMGyZY
Thank you for reading! Please contact Home and Able, LLC to schedule your free phone consultation.