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Universal Design is the design of products and
environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without adaptation or specialized design.
Universal Design considers lifestyle changes and incorporates principles, features, and concepts that allow individuals of
all ages and abilities the opportunity to occupy spaces that better supports their individual and ever-changing needs.
The seven principles of Universal Design were collaboratively
authored by a working group of architects, product designers, engineers and environmental design researchers as a guide for
a wide range of design disciplines including environments, products, and communications. These principles may be applied
to evaluate existing designs, guide the design process, and educate both designers and consumers about the characteristics
of more usable products and environments.
Principle 1: Equitable Use
The design is useful and marketable to people with
diverse abilities.
Guidelines for Principle 1
- Provide the same
means of use for all users: identical whenever 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.
Principle 2: Flexibility in Use
The design accommodates a wide range of individual
preferences and abilities.
Guidelines for Principle 2
- 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.
Principle 3: Simple & Intuitive Use
Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless
of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
Guidelines for Principle 3
- Eliminate unnecessary
complexity.
- Be consistent with
user expectations and intuition.
- Accommodate a wide
range of literacy and language skills.
- Arrange information
consistent with its importance.
- Provide effective
prompting and feedback during and after task completion.
Principle 4: Perceptible Information
The design communicates necessary information effectively
to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
Guidelines for Principle 4
- 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.
Principle 5: Tolerance for Error
The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences
of accidental or unintended actions.
Guidelines for Principle 5
- 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.
Principle 6: Low Physical Effort
The design can be used efficiently and comfortably
and with a minimum of fatigue.
Guidelines for Principle 6
- Allow user to maintain
a neutral body position.
- Use reasonable
operating forces.
- Minimize repetitive
actions.
- Minimize sustained
physical effort.
Principle 7: Size & 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 for Principle 7
- 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 the use of assistive devices or personal assistance.
Universal Design Principles, Version 2.0 -
4/1/97
© 1997: Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University
Funded by the National Institute on Disability
and Rehabilitation Research
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