Universal design is an approach to the design of products and environments to be as usable as possible by as many people as possible regardless of age, ability or situation.

Previous approaches have been previously labeled "barrier-free" or "handicapped accessible." These terms connoted an unattractive, separatist solution to accessibility problems. Universal design is a graceful, broad-spectrum solution that helps everyone, not just the disabled.

Seven principles of universal design

1. Equitable use
2. Flexibility in use
3. Simple and intuitive
4. Perceptible information
5. Tolerance for error
6. Low physical effort
7. Size and space for approach and use

(from the Center for Universal Design (http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/))

These principles are broader than that of accessible design.

Examples

• Smooth ground surfaces of entranceways
• Wide interior doors and hallways
• Bright and appropriate lighting, particularly task lighting
• Handles operated with a lever rather than a twisting knob
• Light controls operated with large panels rather than a toggle switch

Design standards

In October 2003, representatives from China, Japan, and South Korea met in Beijing and agreed to set up a committee to define common design standards for a wide range of products and services that are easy to understand and use. Their goal is to publish a standard in 2004 which covers, among other areas, standards on containers and wrappings of household goods (based on a proposal from experts in Japan), and standardization of signs for public facilities, a subject of particular interest to China as it prepares to host the 2008 Summer Olympics.

The International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission have developed:

• Guide 71 (http://www.iso.org/iso/en/CatalogueDetailPage.CatalogueDetail?CSNUMBER=33987) Guidelines for standards developers to address the needs of older persons and persons with disabilities (abstract only - fee for entire text)

These standards are still under development:

• ISO 20282-1 (http://www.iso.org/iso/en/CatalogueDetailPage.CatalogueDetail?CSNUMBER=34122&scopelist=PROGRAMME) – Ease of operation of everyday products — Part 1: Context of use and user characteristics
• ISO 20282-2 (http://www.iso.org/iso/en/CatalogueDetailPage.CatalogueDetail?CSNUMBER=36452&scopelist=PROGRAMME) – Ease of operation of everyday products — Part 2: Test method

External links

• Trace Research and Development Center (http://trace.wisc.edu/)
• Center for Universal Design (http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/) (1997). The Principles of Universal Design, Version 2.0. Raleigh, NC: North Carolina State University." These principles were compiled by Bettye Rose Connell, Mike Jones, Ron Mace, Jim Mueller, Abir Mullick, Elaine Ostroff, Jon Sanford, Ed Steinfeld, Molly Story, and Gregg Vanderheiden.
• Universal Design Centre at Sheridan (http://www.sheridanc.on.ca/udc)
• ISO/TC 159 – Ergonomic guiding principles (http://www.iso.ch/iso/en/stdsdevelopment/tc/tclist/TechnicalCommitteeDetailPage.TechnicalCommitteeDetail?COMMID=3906)
• AARP Home Design (http://www.aarp.org/life/homedesign/)
• Univeral design examples (http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2004/freedommachines/special_universal_bh.html) – PBS' Freedom Machines film