The Seven Principles of Universal Design By Scott Rains The Rolling Rains Report

Introduction The Principles of Universal Design were created during the Civil Rights era in the United States and systematized in They represent the distillation of our communal demands for social inclusion. Subsequent legislation, regulation, and guidance are not faithful and complete institutionalization of UD.

Introduction Subsequent legislation, regulation, and guidance are compromise documents which by their nature must clarify the specifications of a final physical product. Universal Design is rather a design approach. It is not a heuristic list of predefined solutions, measurements, or products.

Introduction The Seven Principles of Universal Design serve to orient the entire project – its conceptualization, scope, and specifications – around the observation that human beings occur with a range of abilities. These ability sets also change over time in individuals.

The Principles of Universal Design 1. Equitable Use: The design does not disadvantage or stigmatize any group of users.

The Principles of Universal Design 2. Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

The Principles of Universal Design 3. Simple, Intuitive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.

The Principles of Universal Design 4. Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

The Principles of Universal Design 5. Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

The Principles of Universal Design 6. Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably, and with a minimum of fatigue.

The Principles of Universal Design 7. Size and Space for Approach & Use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility.

The Principles of Universal Design Compiled by advocates of Universal Design in Participants are listed in alphabetical order: Bettye Rose Connell, Mike Jones, Ron Mace, Jim Mueller, Abir Mullick, Elaine Ostroff, Jon Sanford, Ed Steinfeld, Molly Story, Gregg Vanderheiden. The Principles are copyrighted to the Center for Universal Design, School of Design, State University of North Carolina at Raleigh [USA].

Resources The Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University Homes for Easy Living: Universal Design Innovations AARP Guide to Understanding Universal Design

Resources The Rolling Rains Report on Travel, Disability, and Universal Design Further reading on Universal Design in Tourism: