Universal Design

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The term “Universal Design” was coined by the architect Ronald L. Mace to describe the concept of designing all products and the built environment to be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or status in life.

The Center for Universal Design established seven principles for the universal design of products and environments:

  1. Equitable use – The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
  2. Flexibility in use – The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
  3. Simple and intuitive use – Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
  4. Perceptible information – The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.
  5. Tolerance for error – The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
  6. Low physical effort – The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
  7. Size and space for approach and use – Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user’s body size, posture, or mobility.

Here are examples of Universal Design in various aspects of life.

A cabinet with doors open and draws pulled out. All filled with various items.
Pull out cabinets in the kitchen
A bathroom with an open floor plan
Open bathroom design
A kitchen with bar in the middle with a lower level platform that pulls out.
Multi-level work surfaces in the kitchen
battery operated toothbrush
Automatic toothbrush
Two plastic flexible straws
Bendable drinking straws
a container of adhesive velcro
Velco
A sidewalk with another lane to the side. A biker travels to one side of someone on a scooter.
Multi-use lanes
A sidewalk with plants between it and the road
Natural barriers between walkers and cars to increase safely and ease of use
A wheel chair user looks at a digital readout while chair rests on a large black platform. Another person stands nearby
Wheelchair Scales
A sign with a TTY symbol
Accessible signage
An exam table with a remote control nearby
Adjustable height exam table
A wheelchair user sits in front of a counter that is low enough reach
Reception counters accessible for all users
a laptop computer
Computers
print books beside an iPod
Audio Books
A person touches a monitor
Touch screen computers
Two photos of kids in a classroom spurned by various materials and seated at different types of tables.
Multiple means of instruction

The Partners in Planning collaborative group in Arkansas funded, designed, and constructed a universally designed bathroom in a 18-foot race car trailer. The exhibit was designed to educate the public about Universal Design and how it can translate into more usability and independence in the home.

A silver trailer with a large sign that says universal design: intuitive design for innovative living
Universal Design Demonstration Trailer