3 Content for Universal Design

3.1 Seven Principles of Universal Design

In many space design considerations, we design the space for "ourselves". Basically, by design, the user is implied to be:

1. young and able bodied
2. well-educated and tech-savvy
3. use products as the designer intended

Many "interfaces" or places where the user accesses a space, product, service (e.g., computer and Internet based activities) can be too challenging to allow access. Some users may have temporary or permanent disabilities that interfere or prevent access to a product. For example:

• low vision ( need large print, high contrast colors)
• blindness ( need equivalents of information in images, animation and video, unable to use mouse)
• low hearing (needs louder, clearer, lower frequency sounds)
• deaf
• cognitive disabilities (memory challenges, difficulty in adapting to new situations)
• mobility disabilities (non-ambulatory)
• speech disabilities (unable to speak, difficult articulation)
• amputation (loss of manipulation)

Technology can often bridge the gap in accessing services and information. However, technology used in industry and in mobility devices must also follow principles of universal design.

Seven Principles of Universal Design

1. Equitable use: equipment should be somewhat standardized for predictability (e.g., universal keyboards)
   
2. Flexible use: should accommodate a wide range of user preferences
   
3. Simple and intuitive: routine features/task should be self-explanatory and have few steps
   
4. Perceptible information: features do not rely on color contrasts to convey information
   
5. Tolerance for error: if mistakes are made in keyboarding or sequencing, the equipment can be easily reset for multiple attempts
   
6. Low physical effort: efficient use with minimum fatigue
   
7. Size and space for approach and use: approach and manipulation is not limited by mobility issues

 

Universal Design

Power Point

This power-point is an extensive resource to help in your education of Universal Design/UD, the history of UD as well a rich understanding of the principles of UD.

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