Guidelines and Principles UNIVERSAL DESIGN & UNIVERSAL DESIGN FOR LEARNING 1

Universal design is defined as the design of products and environments, to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without 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 disabilities. The Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State Universal Design 2

Universal Design Principles 1.Equitable use 2.Flexibility of 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 3

The 7 Principles of UD Equitable Use The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities Flexibility in Use The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences & abilities 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 4

The 7 Principles of UD Perceptible Information Design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions of the user’s sensory abilities Tolerance for Error Design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accident l or unintended actions Low Physical Effort Design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue 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 5