The 7 Principles of Universal Design

The 7 Principles of Universal Design

Universal design is a framework for the design of living and working spaces and products benefiting the widest possible range of people in the widest range of situations without special or separate design.

In 1997, a committee of 10, under Mace’s leadership, wrote the seven principles of universal design. Now 10 years later, these principles are being re-evaluated. In June 2007, the original committee will be joining others to gather public feedback. Edward Steinfeld, director of the Idea Center at the University of Buffalo, will be leading this initiative.

Principle 1:Equitable Use

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

• It provides the same means of use for all users: identical whenever possible; equivalent when not.

• It avoids segregating or stigmatizing any users.

• Provisions for privacy, security, and safety are equally available to all users.

• The design is appealing to all users.

Principle 2:Flexibility

Principle 2:Flexibility in Use

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

• It provides choice in methods of use.

• It accommodates right or left handed access and use.

• It facilitates the user’s accuracy and precision.

• It provides 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.

• It eliminates unnecessary complexity.

• It is consistent with user expectations and intuition.

• It accommodates a wide range of literacy and language skills.

PRINCIPLE 4:

Perceptible Information

PRINCIPLE 4: Perceptible Information

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

• It uses different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) for redundant presentation of essential information.

• It provides adequate contrast between essential information and its surroundings.

PRINCIPLE 5: Tolerance for Error

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

• It arranges elements to minimize hazards and errors: most used elements, most accessible; hazardous elements eliminated, isolated, or shielded.

• It provides warnings of hazards and errors.

PRINCIPLE 6: Low Physical Effort

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

• It allows user to maintain a neutral body position

• It uses reasonable operating forces.

• It minimizes repetitive actions.

• It minimizes 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.

• It provides a clear line of sight to important elements for any seated or standing user.

• It makes reaching to all components comfortable for any seated or standing user.

• It accommodates variations in hand and grip size.