Independent living is a life-altering experience that allows for self-growth. By implementing Universal Design (UD) elements into public and private spaces, the opportunity to live independently expands for individuals with disabilities. 

Universal Design promotes inclusive design solutions that allow people of all abilities to live independently. This guide will walk you through the key principles of implementing Universal Design into workspaces, living spaces, and even public spaces.

 

Equitable Use

This principle finds solutions that can be used by all people. A rule of thumb for following this principle is to find solutions in design that are identical for all. When that is not possible, find equivalent solutions. For example, an automatic sensor door at an entrance can be used by and beneficial to everyone. 

This principle allows everyone to participate in society without the stress of seeking accommodation. The goal of equitable use is to find solutions that benefit ALL.

 

Flexibility in Use 

Flexibility in use focuses on designs that accommodate various individual preferences and abilities. This principle places significant value on allowing individuals to use design elements that best benefit them. A key challenge that this principle seeks to address is the difference between left- and right-handed users. Therefore, a strong example of adapting toward flexibility is having scissors that allow users to cut using their left or right hand. 

Another solution that embodies universal design is an ATM with visual, audible, and tactile feedback and prompting. Again, this allows users to choose the best method that suits their preferences and abilities.

 

Simple and Intuitive Use 

This principle eliminates confusion. Individuals should seek to design products at an easily comprehensible level. Using these products should be easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, concentration level, knowledge, or language skills. 

For instance, this principle can be understood through the example of an instruction manual for building a desk. This manual should eliminate ambiguity and unnecessary complexity, accommodate a wide range of literacy and language skills, and arrange information according to importance. Following these guidelines when creating user manuals can allow all individuals to maximize their independence while doing tasks. Access to independence through simple, intuitive use will boost self-growth.

 

Perceptible Information

Perceptible information is essential to ensuring that all individuals receive necessary information in a manner that accommodates all sensory abilities and ambient conditions. In Universal Design, this can take on many roles. Whether it be in public spaces such as an airport's intercom system or a private home’s thermostat reading, information should be accessible in many formats. 

Moreover, information should be available in pictorial, verbal, or tactile modes. There should be adequate contrast between essential information and its background to maximize legibility. Perceptible information can allow all individuals to live comfortably in a private space or navigate a crowded airport. 

 

Tolerance for Error

Principle five, Tolerance for Error, allows users to fail effectively. Essentially, this principle emphasizes the need for warnings and solutions to hazards. That could be as simple as an undo or delete button on computers or a raised curb cut on a busy intersection that warns users of crossing cars. Regardless, this principle protects all civilians, making it possible for people of any ability to participate in society.

 

Low Physical Effort

Low physical effort is an essential principle. Picture this: you are coming home from the grocery store with six bags of overweight fruits and vegetables. You reach the door and cannot find the strength or availability to twist the doorknob. Now, if there was a lever or loop handle on the door, the problem could have been avoided. 

Solutions such as lever door knobs allow for maximum ease of participation in society. Universal Design emphasizes minimizing sustained physical effort and allowing users to maintain a neutral body position while completing daily tasks.

 

Size and Space for Approach and Use

Principle seven emphasizes providing space for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of body size, posture, or mobility. In a private home, this looks like controls to appliances on the front for easier access. In a public setting, this looks like wider gates at subway stations to benefit people of all sizes and accommodations. Including this element of Universal Design in private and public spaces allows more independence for people of all shapes and sizes, creating a more inclusive environment.

 

Sources

https://universaldesign.ie/about-universal-design/the-7-principles

https://dac.berkeley.edu/services/campus-building-accessibility/universal-design-principles#:~:text=These%20seven%20principles%20may%20be,more%20usable%20products%20and%20environments.