Universal Design (Human Centered Design #2)

Universal Design is the ability to create something that can be utilized by a large population no matter the consumer’s age, size, ability or disability. A basic example of universal design are curb cuts. This small adjustment to the curbside makes sidewalks and storefronts easily accessible for wheelchair users as well as people who are using dollies for package deliveries.

There are 7 Principles of Universal Design that were developed in 1997 to help guide the development of these concepts:

1. Equitable Use
2. Flexibility in Use
3. Simple and Intuitive Use
4. Perceptible Information
5. Tolerance for Error
6. Low Physical Effort
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use

Ronald Mace coined the term “universal design”, which was a goal to make every day life easier for everyone. Selwyn Goldsmith is the author of Designing for the Disabled, written in 1963. It was Goldsmith himself who invented the curb ramp, or what was called the “dropped kerb” back then, that made it easier for users to navigate going from one surface to another.

http://universaldesign.ie/What-is-Universal-Design/History-of-UD/