The National Center for Dissemination of Disability Research's
Universal Design Resources
One definition:
"Universal Design
is the designing of products so that they can be accessed by anyone, whether or not
they have a disability. Universal Design is not a substitution for accessibility."
Thinkquest
The definition and principles from North Carolina State's Center for Universal Design:
Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all
people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or
specialized design.
The intent of universal design is to simplify life for everyone by making products,
communications, and the built environment more usable by as many people as
possible at little or no extra cost. Universal design benefits people of all ages and
abilities.
1. Equitable Use - The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
G U I D E L I N E S
- Provide the same means of use for all users: identical whenever possible; equivalent
when not.
- Avoid segregating or stigmatizing any users.
- Provisions for privacy, security, and safety should be equally available to all users.
- Make the design appealing to all users.
2. Flexibility in Use The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and
abilities.
G U I D E L I N E S
- Provide choice in methods of use.
- Accommodate right- or left-handed access and use.
- Facilitate the user's accuracy and precision.
- Provide adaptability to the user's pace.
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3. Simple and Intutive Use - Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's
experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
G U I D E L I N E S
- Eliminate unnecessary complexity.
- Be consistent with user expectations and intuition.
- Accommodate a wide range of literacy and language skills.
- Arrange information consistent with its importance.
- Provide effective prompting and feedback during and after task completion.
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4. Perceptible Information - The design communicates necessary information effectively to the
user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory
abilities.
G U I D E L I N E S
- Use different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) for redundant presentation of
essential information.
- Provide adequate contrast between essential information and its surroundings.
- Maximize "legibility" of essential information.
- Differentiate elements in ways that can be described (i.e., make it easy to give
instructions or directions).
- Provide compatibility with a variety of techniques or devices used by people with
sensory limitations.
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5. Tolerance for Error - The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of
accidental or unintended actions.
G U I D E L I N E S
- Arrange elements to minimize hazards and errors: most used elements, most
accessible; hazardous elements eliminated, isolated, or shielded.
- Provide warnings of hazards and errors.
- Provide fail safe features.
- Discourage unconscious action in tasks that require vigilance.
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6. Low Physical Effort - The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
G U I D E L I N E S
Allow user to maintain a neutral body position.
Use reasonable operating forces.
Minimize repetitive actions.
Minimize sustained physical effort |
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use - Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility.
G U I D E L I N E S
- Provide a clear line of sight to important elements for any seated or standing user.
- Make reach to all components comfortable for any seated or standing user.
- Accommodate variations in hand and grip size.
- Provide adequate space for the use of assistive devices or personal assistance.
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