Universal design: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 16:17, 9 February 2025

Design philosophy for accessibility and usability

Universal design is a design philosophy that aims to create products, environments, and systems that are accessible and usable by all people, regardless of their age, disability, or other factors. The concept of universal design is rooted in the belief that design should be inclusive and cater to the widest possible range of human abilities.

History

The term "universal design" was coined by Ronald Mace, an architect and designer who was a pioneer in the field of accessible design. Mace, who had polio, advocated for design that would be usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. The principles of universal design were developed in the late 20th century and have since been applied to various fields, including architecture, product design, and information technology.

Principles

Universal design is guided by seven principles:

Equitable Use: The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
Simple and Intuitive Use: The design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or concentration level.
Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably with a minimum of fatigue.
Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility.

Applications

Universal design is applied in various domains, including:

Architecture: Buildings and public spaces are designed to be accessible to everyone, including those with mobility impairments. Features such as ramps, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms are common.
Product Design: Everyday products, such as kitchen utensils and electronic devices, are designed to be easy to use for people with different abilities.
Information Technology: Software and websites are developed to be accessible to users with disabilities, incorporating features like screen readers and alternative text for images.

Impact

The impact of universal design is significant, as it promotes inclusivity and accessibility in society. By considering the needs of all users, universal design helps to eliminate barriers and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. It also benefits the general population by creating more user-friendly environments and products.

Related pages

References

Mace, Ronald L. "Universal Design: Barrier Free Environments for Everyone." North Carolina State University, The Center for Universal Design.
Steinfeld, Edward, and Jordana Maisel. "Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments." Wiley, 2012.

Gallery

A universally designed public space in New York City.

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-'''Universal Design''' (UD) refers to the design of products, environments, programs, and services to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. The concept applies to everyone, regardless of age, size, ability, or disability, and encompasses a wide range of domains including architecture, product design, environment, and communication. Universal Design is about creating an inclusive world that accommodates diversity and promotes equality.
+{{Short description|Design philosophy for accessibility and usability}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-==Principles of Universal Design==
+'''Universal design''' is a design philosophy that aims to create products, environments, and systems that are accessible and usable by all people, regardless of their age, disability, or other factors. The concept of universal design is rooted in the belief that design should be inclusive and cater to the widest possible range of human abilities.
-The principles of Universal Design were developed in the 1990s by a working group of architects, product designers, engineers, and environmental design researchers, led by Ronald Mace at North Carolina State University. The seven principles serve as guidelines to better understand the characteristics that designs should meet to be more usable by as many people as possible:
+==History==
+The term "universal design" was coined by [[Ronald Mace]], an architect and designer who was a pioneer in the field of accessible design. Mace, who had polio, advocated for design that would be usable by everyone, including people with disabilities. The principles of universal design were developed in the late 20th century and have since been applied to various fields, including architecture, product design, and information technology.
+==Principles==
+Universal design is guided by seven principles:
 # '''Equitable Use''': The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
 # '''Flexibility in Use''': The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
-# '''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.
+# '''Simple and Intuitive Use''': The design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or concentration level.
 # '''Perceptible Information''': The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
 # '''Tolerance for Error''': The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
-# '''Low Physical Effort''': The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
+# '''Low Physical Effort''': The design can be used efficiently and comfortably with a minimum of fatigue.
 # '''Size and Space for Approach and Use''': Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility.
-==Application of Universal Design==
+==Applications==
-Universal Design can be applied in various fields, including but not limited to:
+Universal design is applied in various domains, including:
-* '''[[Architecture]] and Built Environment''': Ensuring buildings and public spaces are accessible and usable by everyone, including people with disabilities.
+* '''Architecture''': Buildings and public spaces are designed to be accessible to everyone, including those with mobility impairments. Features such as ramps, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms are common.
-* '''[[Product Design]]''': Creating products that are easy to use for as many people as possible.
+* '''Product Design''': Everyday products, such as kitchen utensils and electronic devices, are designed to be easy to use for people with different abilities.
-* '''[[Information Technology]]''': Designing software and websites that are accessible to people with a wide range of abilities, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities.
+* '''Information Technology''': Software and websites are developed to be accessible to users with disabilities, incorporating features like screen readers and alternative text for images.
-* '''[[Education]]''': Applying Universal Design principles in educational settings to provide equal access to learning and teaching materials for all students.
-* '''[[Transportation]]''': Designing transportation systems that are accessible and usable by everyone, including people with disabilities.
-==Benefits of Universal Design==
+==Impact==
-The implementation of Universal Design principles offers numerous benefits, including:
+The impact of universal design is significant, as it promotes inclusivity and accessibility in society. By considering the needs of all users, universal design helps to eliminate barriers and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. It also benefits the general population by creating more user-friendly environments and products.
-* Enhancing the quality of life for individuals by making products, environments, and services more accessible and usable.
+==Related pages==
-* Promoting social inclusion and equality by removing barriers that exclude people with disabilities.
+* [[Accessibility]]
-* Contributing to economic savings by reducing the need for costly specialized solutions and adaptations.
+* [[Inclusive design]]
-* Encouraging innovation in design practices by focusing on solutions that meet the needs of a diverse population.
+* [[Assistive technology]]
-==Challenges and Considerations==
-While Universal Design aims to create products and environments that are accessible to all, there are challenges in its implementation, including:
-* Balancing the needs of diverse user groups, which can sometimes be conflicting.
+==References==
-* The additional cost and effort required in the initial stages of design.
+* Mace, Ronald L. "Universal Design: Barrier Free Environments for Everyone." North Carolina State University, The Center for Universal Design.
-* The need for ongoing education and awareness among designers, architects, and stakeholders about the principles and benefits of Universal Design.
+* Steinfeld, Edward, and Jordana Maisel. "Universal Design: Creating Inclusive Environments." Wiley, 2012.
-==See Also==
+==Gallery==
-* [[Accessibility]]
+<gallery>
-* [[Adaptive Technology]]
+File:Center Blvd 48th Av td (2019-04-14) 06.jpg|A universally designed public space in New York City.
-* [[Inclusive Design]]
+</gallery>
-* [[Ergonomics]]
 [[Category:Design]]
 [[Category:Accessibility]]
-[[Category:Architecture]]
-[[Category:Inclusive Practices]]
-{{Design-stub}}