Universal Design

Universal design is a relatively new paradigm that emerged from "barrier-free" or "accessible design" and "assistive technology." Other terms for Universal Design used around the world include Design For All, Inclusive Design, and Barrier-Free Design. Terminology and meanings differ from one country to another.

Universal design differs from accessibility requirements in that accessibility requirements are usually prescriptive whereas universal design is performance based. Universal design does not have standards or requirements but addresses usability issues such as accessible home design for seniors and persons with a disability.

Rather than focus on adapting things for individuals at a later time, an accessible universally designed learning environments are created to be accessible to everyone from the beginning. When designers apply universal design principles, their products and services meet the needs of potential users with a wide variety of characteristics. Disability is just one of many characteristics that an individual might possess.

Barrier free design and assistive technology provide a level of accessibility for people with disabilities but they also often result in separate and stigmatizing solutions, for example, a ramp that leads to a different entry to a building than a main stairway. Universal design strives to be a broad-spectrum solution that helps everyone, not just people with disabilities.

Universal design is assuming growing importance as a new paradigm that represents a holistic and integrated approach to design ranging in scale, for example, from product design to architecture and urban design, and from simple systems such as those that control the ambient environment to complex information technologies.

Universal design is an approach to the design of all products and environments to be usable by everyone, to the greatest extent possible, regardless of age, ability, or situation. It serves people who are young or old, with excellent or limited abilities, in ideal or difficult circumstances. Universal design benefits everyone by accommodating limitations.

As the worlds population ages, so does the demand for senior appropriate homes, renovations, and assistive devices. Universal design can help builders and remodelers address the needs of their older clients, and builders focused on building houses for every need.

Centers for Universal Design provide information, technical assistance, and research center that evaluates, develops, and promotes accessible and universal design in housing, commercial and public facilities, outdoor environments, and products.

The seven Principles that describe characteristics that make designs universally usable are:

Equitable Use

Flexibility in Use

Low Physical Effort

Perceptible Information

Simple and Intuitive Use

Size and Space for Approach and Use

Tolerance for Error

As life expectancy rises and modern medicine has increased the survival rate of those with significant injuries, illnesses and birth defects, there is a growing interest in universal design. There are many industries in which universal design is having strong market penetration but there are many others in which it has not yet been adopted to any great extent.

In order to design for the general population, it is important to understand diversity, problems, tools, and abilities.

Further Information Regarding Universal Design

Home Remodeling for Universal Needs
Universally designed homes should look and feel like home, without sacrifice to personal taste and style. That's why universal design has so much appeal. This branch of remodeling, about creating homes that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy, is one of the fastest growing in the residential remodeling industry.

Universal Home Design
Over the last few years, the concept of Universal House Design has become quite popular, and is basically, a design trend focused on accommodating special needs of aging and/or physically challenged occupants. Typically, universal design house plans offer wide hallways and easy access to bedrooms and bathrooms and is becoming more and more important, driven by demographic trends.