The Principles of Universal Design
Principle 4: Perceptible Information
Definition
Perceptible Information communicates effectively to the user, regardless of distractions in the environment or the user's sensory abilities.
Example
This example shows a woman standing at an exhibit in Hawaii. She is looking at a tactile model of the Island of Oahu while listening to an audio program on the WWII attack on Pearl Harbor and URSS Arizona.
This exhibit accommodates the needs of most people by providing both auditory and tactile information.
Example
Redundant verbal information at the airport reminding those traveling of increased airport security and screening measures
Guidelines
- Use different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) for redundant presentation of essential information.
- Provide adequate contrast between essential information and its surroundings.
- Maximize "legibility" of essential information.
- Differentiate elements in ways that can be described (i.e., make it easy to give instructions or directions).
- Provide compatibility with a variety of techniques or devices used by people with sensory limitations.
