universal design
Design for everyone
Universal design is the practice of creating buildings, products, and environments that are usable by the widest possible range of people without requiring adaptation or specialized modifications.
The concept emerged from architecture and disability advocacy but extends to everything from websites to kitchen tools.
Rather than designing for an average user and retrofitting for others, universal design considers diverse abilities, ages, and circumstances from the start.
Lever door handles and curb cuts are classic examples of universal design that benefit everyone.
Known without reasoning
- user-friendlyEasy to operate
- simplicityLack of complexity
- learnabilityEase of acquisition
- affordancePerceived usability property
discoverability · consistency · clarity · flexibility · feedback · navigation · self-explanatory · barrier-free
Sloped connecting surface
- wheelchairSeated conveyance for mobility-impaired
- audio descriptionSpoken explanation of visuals
- closed captioningOn-screen transcription of audio
- grab barsFixed handles for stability
wide doorways · accessible parking · accessible restroom · visual alarm · curb cut · automatic door · wayfinding · signage
Impartial treatment or ownership value
- diversityState of varied elements
- non-discriminationEqual treatment regardless of difference
- equal accessUniform right to participate
- human-centeredPrioritizing people's needs first
age-friendly · cognitive diversity · neurodiversity · cultural sensitivity · cross-cultural · multigenerational · social inclusion · dignity
Able to bend freely
- adjustableAble to be changed
- customizableAble to be modified
- modularMade of separable units
- scalableAble to increase capacity
convertible · reconfigurable · versatile · multipurpose · one-size-fits-all · interchangeable · transformable · personalization
intuitive
Known without reasoning
- user-friendlyEasy to operate
- simplicityLack of complexity
- learnabilityEase of acquisition
affordance · discoverability · consistency · clarity · flexibility · feedback · navigation · self-explanatory · barrier-free
ramp
Sloped connecting surface
- wheelchairSeated conveyance for mobility-impaired
- audio descriptionSpoken explanation of visuals
- closed captioningOn-screen transcription of audio
grab bars · wide doorways · accessible parking · accessible restroom · visual alarm · curb cut · automatic door · wayfinding · signage · contrast
equity
Impartial treatment or ownership value
- diversityState of varied elements
- non-discriminationEqual treatment regardless of difference
- equal accessUniform right to participate
human-centered · age-friendly · cognitive diversity · neurodiversity · cultural sensitivity · cross-cultural · multigenerational · social inclusion · dignity · independence
flexible
Able to bend freely
- adjustableAble to be changed
- customizableAble to be modified
- modularMade of separable units
scalable · convertible · reconfigurable · versatile · multipurpose · one-size-fits-all · interchangeable · transformable · personalization · responsive
- accessibilitywheelchair access, wheelchair sports, wheelchair ramp, adaptive skiing, accessibility features
- designfunctionality, emphasis, unity, typography, logos
- design fieldsarchitecture, color scheme
- disabilitydisability rights, disability culture, disability activism, disability services, disability identity
- Disability Rightsdisability rights, ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation, accessibility
- pedagogyteaching methods, teaching, teaching strategies, teaching models, teaching techniques
universal designretrofit
Update existing equipment
retrofitting · accommodation · reasonable accommodation · adaptive equipment · assistive technology
design, designer, universe, universal, universally, universality, universalize, universalism, universalist