An Approach To Designing ART 2650 Introduction to Design Process and Programming Fall 2018 M, W 11:50 AM to 1:10 PM Grover Center W125   Matthew Ziff, Associate Professor, Area Chair Office: Grover Center W325 Email: ziff@ohio.edu Phone: 740. 593. 2869 Office Hours: MW: 10:45-11:45, TTH: 12-1 Universal Design An Approach To Designing

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.”
–Ron Mace

Overall Concept The overall intent of Universal design is to simplify life for all the consumers or users. Creating products, communications, and built in environments more usable and benefit as many people as possible with little or no extra cost. Universal design benefits people of all disabilities, special needs, and ages

Universal design refers to broad-spectrum ideas meant to produce buildings, products and environments that are inherently accessible to older people, people without disabilities, and people with disabilities. The term "universal design" was coined by the architect Ronald Mace to describe the concept of designing all products and the built environment to be aesthetic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ability, or status in life.

Examples of Universal Design Applied Curb cuts or sidewalk ramps, essential for people in wheelchairs but also used by all, are a common example. Color-contrast dishware with steep sides that assists those with visual or dexterity problems are another. There are also cabinets with pull-out shelves, kitchen counters at several heights to accommodate different tasks and postures. Of the world's public transit systems, low-floor buses that "kneel" (bring their front end to ground level to eliminate gap) and/or are equipped with ramps rather than on-board lifts.

Examples of Universal Design Applied Smooth, ground level entrances without stairs Surface textures that require low force to traverse on level, less than 5 pounds force per 120 pounds rolling force Surfaces that are stable, firm, and slip resistant per ASTM 2047 Wide interior doors (3'0"), hallways, and alcoves with 60" × 60" turning space at doors and dead-ends Functional clearances for approach and use of elements and components Lever handles for opening doors rather than twisting knobs Single-hand operation with closed fist for operable components including fire alarm pull stations Components that do not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist

Examples of Universal Design Applied Components that require less than 5 pounds of force to operate Light switches with large flat panels rather than small toggle switches Buttons and other controls that can be distinguished by touch Bright and appropriate lighting, particularly task lighting Auditory output redundant with information on visual displays Visual output redundant with information in auditory output Contrast controls on visual output Use of meaningful icons with text labels Clear lines of sight to reduce dependence on sound Volume controls on auditory output Speed controls on auditory output Choice of language on speech output

Examples of Universal Design Applied Ramp access in swimming pools Closed captioning on television networks Signs with light-on-dark visual contrast Web pages that provide alternative text to describe images Instruction that presents material both orally and visually Labels on equipment control buttons that is large print A museum that allows visitors to choose to listen to or read descriptions

Goals of Universal Design Body Fit Comfort Awareness Understanding Wellness Social Integration Personalization Cultural Appropriateness

Principles of Universal Design Principle 1: Equitable Use Principle 2: Flexibility in Use Principle 3: Simple and Intuitive Use Principle 4: Perceptible Information Principle 5: Tolerance for Error Principle 6: Low Physical Effort Principle 7: Size and Space for Approach and Use

PRINCIPLE ONE: Equitable Use The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. Guidelines: 1a. Provide the same means of use for all users: identical whenever possible; equivalent when not. 1b. Avoid segregating or stigmatizing any users. 1c. Provisions for privacy, security, and safety should be equally available to all users. 1d. Make the design appealing to all users.

PRINCIPLE TWO: Flexibility in Use The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. Guidelines: 2a. Provide choice in methods of use. 2b. Accommodate right- or left-handed access and use. 2c. Facilitate the user's accuracy and precision. 2d. Provide adaptability to the user's pace.

PRINCIPLE THREE: 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. Guidelines: 3a. Eliminate unnecessary complexity. 3b. Be consistent with user expectations and intuition. 3c. Accommodate a wide range of literacy and language skills. 3d. Arrange information consistent with its importance. 3e. Provide effective prompting and feedback during and after task completion.

PRINCIPLE FOUR: Perceptible Information The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities. Guidelines: 4a. Use different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) for redundant presentation of essential information. 4b. Provide adequate contrast between essential information and its surroundings. 4c. Maximize "legibility" of essential information. 4d. Differentiate elements in ways that can be described (i.e., make it easy to give instructions or directions). 4e. Provide compatibility with a variety of techniques or devices used by people with sensory limitations.

PRINCIPLE FIVE: Tolerance for Error The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. Guidelines: 5a. Arrange elements to minimize hazards and errors: most used elements, most accessible; hazardous elements eliminated, isolated, or shielded. 5b. Provide warnings of hazards and errors. 5c. Provide fail safe features. 5d. Discourage unconscious action in tasks that require vigilance.

PRINCIPLE SIX: Low Physical Effort The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue. Guidelines: 6a. Allow user to maintain a neutral body position. 6b. Use reasonable operating forces. 6c. Minimize repetitive actions. 6d. Minimize sustained physical effort.

PRINCIPLE SEVEN: 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. Guidelines: 7a. Provide a clear line of sight to important elements for any seated or standing user. 7b. Make reach to all components comfortable for any seated or standing user. 7c. Accommodate variations in hand and grip size. 7d. Provide adequate space for the use of assistive devices or personal assistance.

Please note that the Principles of Universal Design address only universally usable design, while the practice of design involves more than consideration for usability. Designers must also incorporate other considerations such as economic, engineering, cultural, gender, and environmental concerns in their design processes. These Principles offer designers guidance to better integrate features that meet the needs of as many users as possible.

Michael Graves: Universal Design Discovered Inclusive Design: A Case Study Beyond Code: Striving For Universal Design

References for Universal Design: 10 things to know about Universal Design