Universal Design The Principles. Overview Topic 2.0. Introduction to Universal Design Topic 2.1. Equitable Use Topic 2.2. Flexibility in Use Topic 2.3.

Universal Design

The Principles

Overview

• Topic 2.0. Introduction to Universal Design• Topic 2.1. Equitable Use• Topic 2.2. Flexibility in Use• Topic 2.3. Simple and Intuitive• Topic 2.4. Perceptible Information• Topic 2.5. Tolerance for Error• Topic 2.6. Low Physical Effort• Topic 2.7. Size and Space for Approach and Use• Topic 2.8. The Principles in Action

Topic 2.0.Introduction to

Universal Design

Universal Design

• Inclusive Design• Design for All• User Needs Design• User-Centred Design• Human-Centred Design• Barrier-Free Design• Accessible Design• Adaptable Design• Transgenerational design• Design for a Broader Average

Universal Design

• Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size or disability– Irish Disability Act, 2005

Universal Design

• Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size or disability– Irish Disability Act, 2005

Universal Design

• Universal design is an approach to design that honours human diversity. It addresses the right for everyone – from childhood into their oldest years – to use all spaces, products and information, in an independent, inclusive and equal way. It is a process that invites designers to go beyond compliance with access codes, to create excellent, people centred design.– Elaine Ostroff

The Principles of Universal Design

1. Equitable Use2. Flexibility in Use3. Simple and Intuitive4. Perceptible Information5. Tolerance for Error6. Low Physical Effort7. Size and Space for Approach and Use

Universal Design

• In this lecture we are going to explore a new way to look at design to allow as many people as possible to benefit from the design.

• This is Universal Design

Topic 2.1. Equitable Use

Principle 1: Equitable Use

The design is useful and marketable to any group of users

1. Provide the same means of use for all users: identical whenever possible; equivalent when not

2. Avoid segregating or stigmatising any users3. Provisions for privacy, security and safety should be equally available

to all users4. Make the design appealing to all users


Can everyone use the same entrance?


Does the design provide the same means of use for all?


Does the design provide the same means of use for all?

Topic 2.2. Flexibility in Use

Principle 2: Flexibility in Use

The design accommodates a range of individual preferences and abilities.

1. Provide choice in method of use2. Accommodate right-handed or left-handed access and use3. Facilitate the user’s accuracy and precision4. Provide adaptability to the user’s pace


Does the design provide choice in method of use?


Does the park seating accommodate individual preference?


Does the furniture adapt to people’s needs and abilities?


Can the design be used by left and right handed people?


Does the design work well for children, adults and older people?

Topic 2.3. Simple and Intuitive

Principle 3: Simple and Intuitive

Use of the design is easy to understand regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.

1. Eliminate unnecessary complexity2. Be consistent with user expectations and intuition3. Accommodate a wide range of literacy and language skills4. Arrange information consistent with its importance5. Provide effective prompting and feedback during and after task

completion


Is it easy to understand? Can you make it work?


Is it easy to understand? Can you make it work?

Topic 2.4. Perceptible Information

Principle 4: Perceptible Information

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

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

2. Provide adequate contrast between essential information and its surroundings

3. Maximize ‘legibility’ of essential information and its surroundings

4. Differentiate elements in ways that can be described (i.e. make it easy to give instructions or directions)

5. Provide compatibility with a variety of techniques or devices used by people with sensory limitations


Does the design use different modes for presentation?


Does the environment help you find your way?


Does the environment help you find your way?



Are there different ways to enjoy the experience?

Topic 2.5. Tolerance for Error

Principle 5: Tolerance for Error

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

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

2. Provide warnings of hazards and errors3. Provide fail safe features4. Discourage unconscious action in tasks that require vigilance


Are there unexpected level changes?


Can you work safely without toxic fumes?


How can you tell when the water is hot?


Is it safe to handle?

Topic 2.6. Low Physical Effort

Principle 6: Low Physical Effort

The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue

1. Allow user to maintain a neutral body position2. Use reasonable operating forces3. Minimise repetitive actions4. Minimise sustained physical effort


Does the design help minimise the effort needed?


Can you easily reach and use home products?

Topic 2.7. Size and Space for Approach and Use

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.

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

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

3. Accommodate variations in hand and grip size4. Provide adequate space for the use of assistive devices or

personal assistance


Is there room to manoeuvre?


Is there space to examine the art exhibit?


Can you use the campsite or get onto the boat?

Topic 2.8. The Principles in Action

Universal Design

Good design enables, bad design disables.

Universal design caters for many users, irrelevant of gender, age, size, strength,

mobility, hearing, vision etc.

Top 10 Myths and Misconceptions1. Universal Design is one size fits all2. Universal Design aims to replace the design of products targeted at specific markets3. Universal Design will reduce the number of products available on the market4. Universal Design is a synonym for the compliance with accessible design standards5. Only disabled and elderly people benefit from Universal Design6. Universal Design aims to replace assistive technology7. Universal Design is a trend8. Universally Designed products are aesthetically unattractive9. Universal Design can be achieved by specialist designers only10. Universal Design can be applied at the end of the design process11. BONUS MYTH! If a Universally Designed product is not achievable it is not worth trying

at all

Conclusions

• Diversity is the norm• Universal design celebrates human differences• Universal design markets usability, not disability• Ageing consumers have great economic power• Universal design offers a blueprint for designing a

world fit for all people• Universal design recognises the interdependence of

humanity, the natural world, and the products of human design

Universal Design The Principles. Overview Topic 2.0. Introduction to Universal Design Topic 2.1. Equitable Use Topic 2.2. Flexibility in Use Topic 2.3.

Documents

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universal design topic

design appealing

principles of universal

equitable use slide

people centred design

equitable use topic

means of use