Universal design is the legacy of the late Ron Mace, FAIA, and founder of The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University. His vision of a world accessible to everyone regardless of abilities is realized through a set of 7 design principles:
- Equitable Use - The design does not disadvantage or stigmatize any group of users and is marketable to people with diverse abilities.
- Flexibility in Use - The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences (i.e., L/R handed) and abilities; provides choice in methods of use.
- 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; eliminates unnecessary complexity.
- Perceptible Information – The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities; uses pictures, audible, or tactical methods.
- Tolerance for Error – The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended fatigue; elements most used should be most accessible, or fail-safe features included.
- Low Physical Effort – The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
- Appropriate Size and Space - The appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the user’s body size, posture, or mobility.
Universal Design in Your Life
The sidewalk curb-cut introduced many of us to Universal design for the first time. Early developed focused on the person in a wheelchair; soon curb cuts intuitively became “universal” as they accommodated baby strollers, delivery workers, roller blade users, skate-boarders, cyclists, travelers with roller bags, blind people, and middle-aged runners (like me!).