A committee of ten industry experts gathered in 1997 to develop the Seven Principles Of Universal Design. The group’s goal was to help develop a better definition and guidelines for universal design was headed by Ron Mace, founder of the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University,.
The principles they set forth in 1997, and revised in 2007, still serve as the gold standard in Universal Design. Here is a list of the Universal Design principles themselves, with a brief synopsis of their finer points, and examples of each.
Principle 1. Equitable Use
Equitable use simply means that something can be used by a person, regardless of skill or ability. In the case of Universal Design, it refers to design that is both useful and usable to people with diverse abilities, providing the same means of use for all users – ideally, identical use, or the equivalent. This distinction means that provisions for privacy, security, and safety are equally available to all users. In addition, the design is appealing to all users. An example of equitable use is a set of power doors with sensors at entrances which are convenient for all users.
Principle 2. Flexibility in Use
The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities and provides choice in methods of use. Like the example of a scissors that can be used ambidextrously, flexibility accommodates right or left handed access and use, and facilitates the user’s accuracy and precision, as well as adaptability to the user’s pace.
Principle 3. Simple and Intuitive Use
When design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level, we can refer to this as intuitive. Intuitive design eliminates unnecessary complexity and is consistent with user expectations. This type of design accommodates a wide range of literacy and language skills, arranges information consistent with its importance, and provides effective prompting and feedback during and after task completion. Moving walkways and escalators in public spaces are an example of simple and intuitive use.
Principle 4. Perceptible Information
The design offers feedback and communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities. It uses different modes (such as images, spoken word, or tactile) for redundant presentation of essential information. This type of design provides adequate contrast between essential information and its surroundings, maximizes the legibility of essential information, and differentiates elements in ways that can be described (i.e., make it easy to give instructions or directions). It provides compatibility with a variety of techniques or devices used by people with sensory limitations. Redundant communication such as voice commands paired with signage in airports, train stations, and subway cars illustrate perceptible information.
Principle 5. Tolerance for Error
The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. It arranges elements to minimize hazards and errors: most used elements, most accessible; hazardous elements eliminated, isolated, or shielded. It provides warnings of hazards and errors. It provides fail safe features. It discourages unconscious action in tasks that require vigilance. A tolerance for error example we’re all familiar with is the “undo,” or ctrl-Z function on the computer, allowing the user to immediately reverse a mistake in typing or formatting.
Principle 6. Low Physical Effort
The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue, allowing user to maintain a neutral body position. It uses reasonable operating forces and minimizes both repetitive actions and sustained physical effort. Lever or loop handles on doors and faucets illustrate low physical effort design elements.
Principle 7. Size and Space for Approach and Use
Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility. It provides a clear line of sight to important elements for any seated or standing user. It makes reaching to all components comfortable for any seated or standing user. It accommodates variations in hand and grip size. It provides adequate space for the use of assistive devices or personal assistance.
More and more often, Universal Design is being incorporated into all types of new construction and remodels– no longer seen as elements to be specially requested, Universal Design is simply seen as good design!
Article Source: AIPCustomBuilders.com
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