the principles of universal design: a brief reminder

PRINCIPLE 1: EQUITABLE USE

The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.

- Provide the same means of use for all users: identical whenever possible, equivalent when not.

- Avoid segregation or stigmatizing any users.

- Provisions for privacy, security, and safety should be equally available to all users.

- Make the design appealing to all users.

PRINCIPLE 2: FLEXIBILITY IN USE

The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

- 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.

PRINCIPLE 3: SIMPLE AND INTUITIVE USE

Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.

- 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.

PRINCIPLE 4: PERCEPTIBLE INFORMATION

The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

- 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 compability with a variety of techniques or devices used by people with sensory limitations.

PRINCIPLE 5: TOLERANCE FOR ERROR

The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

- 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.

PRINCIPLE 6: LOW PHYSICAL EFFORT

The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

- Allow users to maintain a neutral body position.

- Use reasonable operating forces.

- Minimize repetitive actions.

- Minimize sustained physical effort.

PRINCIPLE 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.

- 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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source:

Herwig, O. (2008). Universal design: Solutions for a barrier-free living. Basel ; Boston : Birkhèauser.

Appendix: The Principles of Universal Design. Copyright 1997 NC State University, The Center for Universal Design.

Uyaroğlu, İ. D. (2008). Architectural implications of community based / inclusive rehabilitation centers in the light of universal design. (master thesis) METU.

symbols from UB School of Architecture and Planning.

& special thanks to metu library. "together we stand, divided we fall" =)