Universal design is a building concept that requires spaces to be built in a way that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of physical ability.
Universal design, also called barrier-free design, focuses on making the house safe and accessible for everyone, regardless of age, physical ability, or stature. Most of us think immediately of ramps and grab bars when we think of accessible housing, but universal design goes far beyond that while remaining largely invisible to the casual observer. In fact, applying universal design concepts such as wider doors and hallways makes a house feel more spacious.
Here are some steps you can take to make your house more user-friendly:
Universal design is a building concept that requires spaces to be built in a way that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of physical ability.
Universal design is a building concept that requires spaces to be built in a way that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of physical ability. Following are the seven overarching principles of universal design:
Principle 1: Equitable use
Principle 2: Flexibility in use
Principle 3: Simple and intuitive use
Principle 4: Perceptible information
Principle 5: Tolerance for error
Principle 6: Low physical effort
Principle 7: Size and space for approach and use
Read more about each of these principles below.
The principle of equitable use states that the design should be useful and marketable to people with diverse ability. This principle promotes the creation of a space that can be enjoyed by all. The space should not create separate or segregated areas based on ability. Privacy concerns should be met in the same manner for everyone. The design should appeal to all users, regardless of their ability.
A universal design accommodates a wide range of different and individual tastes. It provides for left- and right-handed people. It also allows for different personal preferences in how a space is used. It can handle differences in precision and accuracy as people use the space.
This principle focuses on the space being easy-to-use and easy-to-understand. Regardless of prior experience or exposure to the space, people should be able to learn and adapt almost immediately without a complex set of instructions to read. The space should accommodate different learning styles and modes of learning, including language differences.
The principle of perceptible information takes into account our learning modalities (the ways we learn) and incorporates them into the space. Universal design accommodates individuals whose sensory perceptions are more physical or tactile in the same manner as those individuals whose sensory perception is more auditory.
The space should make allowances for accidental use or misuse of the space. Universal design accomplishes this goal through the use of fail-safes, warnings, signals, and overrides. Such methods allow people to continue using the space and properly adapt to the correct or intended use.
A universal space is designed for individuals with different expectations and diverse abilities. This sixth principle requires that the space be designed in a way that requires the lowest amount of effort and fatigue on the part of the user.
The final principle of universal design states that the space should accommodate and make allowances for any size of person (whether small or large, in a wheelchair, and so forth).
Copyright © 1997 NC State University, The Center for Universal Design