Universal Design

Definition of Universal Design

Universal design refers to broad-spectrum ideas meant to produce buildings, products and environments that are inherently accessible to all people including older people, younger people, children, disabilities people and abilities people. The term "universal design" was introduced by the architect, Ronald L. Mace. He 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. Universal design also the  products and environments to be usable by all 

people, to the greatest extent possible, without adaptation or specialized design.

The Principles of Universal Design

1. EQUITABLE USE 

The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities

Guidelines:

• Provide the same means of use for all users; identical when ever possible; equivalent when not.

• Avoid segregating or stigmatizing any users.

• Make provisions for privacy, security, and safety equally available to all users.

• Make the design appealing to all users

2. FLEXIBILITY IN USE 
The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities

Guidelines:

• Provide choice in methods of use.

• Accommodate right- or left-handed access and use.

• Facilitate the user’s accuracy and precision.

• Provide adaptability to the user’s pace.
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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.

Guidelines:

• Eliminate unnecessary complexity.

• Be consistent with user expectations and intuition.

• Accommodate a wide range of literacy and language skills.

• Provide effective prompts and feed-back during and after task completion.

4. PERCEPTIBLE INFORMATION
The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.

Guidelines:

• Use different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) for redundant presentation of essential information.

• 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.

                                               

5. TOLERANCE FOR ERROR

The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

Guidelines:

• Arrange elements to minimize hazards and errors: most used elements, most accessible; hazardous elements eliminated, isolated, or shielded.

• Provide warnings of hazards and errors.

• Provide fail safe features.

• Discourage unconscious action in tasks that require vigilance.

                                                 

6. LOW PHYSICAL EFFORT
The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue

Guidelines:

• Allow user to maintain a neutral body position.

• Use reasonable operating forces.

• Minimize repetitive actions.

• Minimize sustained physical effort.

                                                  

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.

Guidelines:

• Provide a clear line of sight to important elements for any seated or standing user.

• Make reach to all components comfortable for any seated or standing user.

• Accommodate variations in hand and grip size.

• Provide adequate space for use of assertive devices or  personal assistance.

        

Source: Universal Design Principles and guidelines (see Center for Universal Design Principles flyer with examples at http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud). 

The Principles of Universal Design are not intended to constitute all criteria for good design, only universally usable design. Other important factors such as aesthetics, cost, safety, gender, and cultural appropriateness must also be considered when designing. 

Summary:All product that have want to design must or should concern about all people such as preparation of ramp for disabilities people. This is because can give easier movement for them. The designer should be concern and smart when design the product to make sure that all products and the built environment be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or status in life.