Universal design (UD) is defined as “an approach to the design of products, places, policies, and services that can meet the needs of as many people as possible throughout their lifetime, regardless of age, ability, or situation” (Americans with Disabilities Act, 2024). The term was first coined by architect Ronald Mace in the 1960s, with the goal of increasing accessibility for all (Hayden, 2022; Woodward, n.d.). Other terms commonly used for UD are Inclusive Design, Design for All, and Barrier-Free Design (Woodward, n.d.).

What is Universal Design?

UD is a design process that “enables and empowers a diverse population by improving human performance, health and wellness, and social participation” (Dewey, 2022).

Typically, our environment and products are designed to fit the “average person,” which mostly includes those between the ages of 18-34 years old (Tse, 2023). Unfortunately, this limits accessibility for children, those with disabilities, the elderly, and many others.

UD seeks to design products and environments that are usable by everyone (Tse, 2023). Additionally, implementing UD proactively minimizes the need for assistive technology, adaptations, or modifications for those with disabilities, creating a more equitable society (Tse, 2023; University of Washington, 2022).

**Principles of Universal Design**

The seven principles of UD were originally developed to provide direction when designing “environments, products, and communications'' (Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, 2024). The seven principles of UD are equitable use; flexibility in use; simple and intuitive design; perceptible information; tolerance for error; low physical effort; and size and space for approach and use.

Goals of Universal Design

The goals of UD cover various factors, including functional, emotional, social, cognitive, health promotion, safety, and biomechanics (University at Buffalo, 2024). The eight goals of UD include:

Universal Design vs. the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) “prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to state and local government programs and services” (U.S. Department of Labor, n.d.). Architects, engineers, and other developers must comply with the ADA or risk a lawsuit (Penny, 2024). Unfortunately, this is often where accessibility ends.

UD is not a replacement for the ADA but rather expands upon it to increase accessibility and equity for the majority (Dewey, 2022; Penny, 2024). Not only does it enhance access for those with disabilities, but it also creates a world made for a range of human abilities to increase accessibility and equity for all (Dewey, 2022). Additionally, as society’s needs and preferences evolve, so does UD. For example, as the population ages, UD assumes that our environment and product design should evolve to support this aging population and promote independent living and participation in daily activities (Dewey, 2022).

Common Examples of Universal Design

There are many products and environmental elements that were originally created to increase accessibility for individuals with disabilities that have been adopted for use by the majority, such as:

Sidewalk curb cuts were initially designed to make sidewalks more accessible for wheelchair users. However, they are also commonly used for delivery staff using rolling carts, parents pushing baby strollers, and more!
Automatic doors are useful for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids. They are also helpful for individuals rolling luggage, small children, or workers carrying heavy objects.
Closed captioning helps individuals with hearing impairments access information that is presented through audio. However, they are also useful for individuals watching videos in quiet or loud places or those with learning disabilities.

(University at Buffalo, 2024; University of Washington, 2022)

The Future of Universal Design

The potential for UD in the future is promising, fueled by a growing emphasis on inclusivity, equity, and accessibility across various fields.

Despite the availability of UD products for personal use and in architectural design, a gap remains in the widespread adoption of UD principles. Many architects are not considering UD in their designs, but rather are simply seeking to meet ADA and similar legal requirements. For example, in Japan, subway stations follow a guideline stating that one entrance gate should have a wide entrance to accommodate wheelchair users, so many subway stations only have one of these wider gates (Dobashi & Ohmori, 2018). In Sendai, Japan, the transport bureau decided to install only wide-entrance gates in their subway station as these accommodate all subway users. This decision utilized UD to create an accessible environment for all, rather than creating an accommodation for the disabled (Dobashi & Ohmori, 2018).

While widespread adoption may take time, historical technological advancements, such as the introduction of curb cuts in 1945 and the development of the electric toothbrush in the 1950s for individuals with dexterity issues, highlight the evolution of UD from targeted solutions to universally beneficial innovations (Tse, 2023). While these innovations were initially targeting those within the disability community, they have gained widespread acceptance and use, showing the value of designing products and environments that increase accessibility and inclusivity for all.

Insights from industry leaders, such as the lead concept developer with the Lego Group, further highlight the significance of UD principles in product design (Hayden, 2022). Rather than integrating UD principles retrospectively, this leader uses UD principles as a guideline from the beginning of the design process. This includes considering sensory differences, ages, safety, and more. Through learning from children and including diverse individuals in the design process, the team at the Lego Group can promote inclusion and accessibility in their designs and products (Hayden, 2022).

As society confronts shifting demographics, including an aging population, increased life expectancy, evolving research, and the proliferation of technology into daily life, the relevance of UD becomes even more pronounced (Hayden, 2022). Embracing UD principles will allow designers to take a proactive approach to these challenges and create a future where accessibility and equity are the standard.

SENSE-ational Spaces and Universal Design

At SENSE-ational Spaces, we strive to create sensory-friendly spaces that are accessible for all! We utilize UD principles when designing and implementing our space transformations in many ways, such as:

We ensure that our designs are simple, intuitive, and meet our clients’ needs and abilities
We integrate safety measures, such as floor and wall mats, to reduce the risk of injury
When selecting equipment, SENSE-ational Spaces often recommends equipment that a child can continue to use as they grow to increase longevity

Interested in learning more about our sensory-friendly space transformations? Check out our website today!

References

Americans with Disabilities Act. (2024, March). Glossary of ADA terms. https://adata.org/glossary-terms#U

Centre for Excellence in Universal Design. (2024). The 7 principles. https://universaldesign.ie/about-universal-design/the-7-principles

Dewey, P. (2022, June 23). How does universal design benefit all people? Fraser. https://www.fraser.org/resources/blog/how-does-universal-design-benefit-all-people

Dobashi, Y., & Ohmori, N. (2018). Re-examining the creativity of universal design initiatives in public spaces in Japan. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 256, 279-289.

Hayden, A. (2022, October 2). A deep dive into universal design in digital and physical play experiences with the Lego group’s Bret Schafbuch. DeMagSign. https://demagsign.io/a-deep-dive-into-universal-design-in-digital-and-physical-play-experiences-with-bret-schafbuch/

Penny, J. (2024, February 9). Universal design: When to go above and beyond ADA requirements. Buildings magazine. https://www.buildings.com/safety-security/ada-compliance/article/33019270/universal-design-when-to-go-above-and-beyond-ada-requirements

Tse, C. (2023, March 22). The importance of universal design for an equitable future. Success. https://www.success.com/the-importance-of-universal-design/

Universal Access. (2023). 8 goals of universal design. Universal Design. https://universalaccess.ie/universal-design/

University at Buffalo. (2024). The goals and benefits of universal design. https://www.buffalo.edu/access/help-and-support/topic3.html

University of Washington University. (2022, May 24). What is universal design? Disabilities, opportunities, internetworking, and technology. https://www.washington.edu/doit/what-universal-design-0

U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Americans with disabilities act. https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/disability/ada

Woodward. (n.d.). Ronald Mace and his impact on universal design. Center for Disability Rights. https://cdrnys.org/blog/advocacy/ronald-mace-and-his-impact-on-universal-design/

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What is Universal Design?