Universal design (UD) is the design of products and
environments that are usable by most people, regardless of their level of
ability or disability, and at little or no extra cost. From entryways to kitchens and bathrooms to bedrooms,
they often increase the value of a home. UD brings together the principles of
accessible design (meeting standards for handicapped access, using “adaptable”
design, meaning “normal”-looking design that can be revised later for disabled
use), ergonomic design (allowing people and things to interact most effectively
and safely), and green design (environmentally friendly spaces). UD is
sometimes also called “lifespan design.”
These seven principles, set out by the Center for Universal
Design at North Carolina State University, a national resource and technical
assistance center, help inform useful design for all ages and stages of life:
1. Design that’s equally appealing to all users
What it means: Wherever possible, universal design creates
spaces that can be used by everyone equally and that are appealing to all. UD
doesn’t stigmatize any one group of users — like those obvious wheelchair ramps
tacked onto the fronts of older homes, for example.
2. Flexible use
What it means: Good UD accommodates a wide range of
preferences and abilities. This means it considers both lefties and righties,
and those who move at different paces. It often allows for a variety of usages,
as well.
3. Simple and intuitive use
What it means: UD makes things easy to figure out,
regardless of cognitive functioning, language, literacy, experience or
know-how. Unnecessary complexity is out.
4. Presents essential information clearly
What it means: Any information that needs to be conveyed to
the user is done using a variety of methods (sensory, pictorial, tactile) so
even someone with limitations can manage it.
5. Allows for user errors
What it means: UD tries to imagine the potential problems
and then eliminates them or isolates or shields the user from them. The design
itself anticipates the dangers and discourages unconscious unsafe use.
6. Requires low physical effort
What it means: Things should be easy to use: efficient,
comfortable, and requiring minimal effort. You shouldn’t have to contort
yourself or use a lot of physical force.
7. Appropriate size and space for use, regardless of body
size or mobility
What it means: No matter what your body size, posture, or
level of functioning, you should be able to approach, reach, and manipulate
objects easily. There should also be sufficient space for someone who needs to
use adaptive devices, such as wheelchairs or walkers.
By Paula Spencer Scott,
Caring.com senior editor
No comments:
Post a Comment