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Maximizing Usability The Principles of Universal Design PDF
Maximizing Usability The Principles of Universal Design PDF
To cite this article: Molly Follette Story M.S. (1998) Maximizing Usability: The Principles of
Universal Design, Assistive Technology, 10:1, 4-12, DOI: 10.1080/10400435.1998.10131955
Download by: [University of Iowa Libraries] Date: 17 January 2017, At: 13:14
Asst Technol1 998;10:4-12
APPLIED RESEARCH © 1998 RESNA
The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina TYPES OF ACCESSIBLE DESIGN
State University has developed a set of seven Princi-
ples of Universal Design that may be used to guide the Accessible design can be defined as design that
design process, to evaluate existing or new designs, meets prescribed code requirements for use by peo-
and to teach students and practitioners. This article ple with disabilities (Center for Accessible Hous-
presents preceding design guidelines and evaluation ing, 1991). Because it is often achieved by provid-
criteria, describes the process of developing the Prin- ing separate design features for "special" user
ciples, lists The Principles of Universal Design and
groups, it can segregate people with disabilities
provides examples of designs that satisfy each, and
suggests future developments that would facilitate ap-
from the majority of users and make them feel out
plying the Principles to assess the usability of all types of place. Examples of accessible design include
of products and environments. ramps alongside entrances with stairs; oversized
Ke y Words: Universal design-Principles of uni- paddle blade handles on large, lowered sinks in
versal design-Design guidelines-Evaluation crite- public re strooms; and auxiliary tactile signage.
ria-Assistive technology. These solutions can be stigmatizing and costly,
sometimes added on to existing designs or even to
new construction at the end of the design process.
When added on later, accessible features reflect
the designers' failure to consider people with lim-
Universal design can be defined as the design of itations until after the fact , often until forced to by
products and environments that can be used and law.
experienced by people of all ages and abilities, to Universal design is always accessible, but be-
the greatest extent possible , without adaptation cause it integrates accessibility from the beginning
(Center for Accessible Housing, 1995). In the best of the design process, it is less likely to be notice-
examples, universal design features go unnoticed able.
because they have been fully integrated into Adaptable design features are modifications
thoughtful design solutions that are used by a full made to a standard design for the purpose ofmak-
spectrum of the population. Successfully designed ing the design usable for an individual, as needed
universal solutions do not call attention to them- (Center for Accessible Housing, 1991). Some ex-
selves as being anything more than easier for ev- amples of adaptable design are base cabinets that
eryone to use, which is exactly what they are. De- are removable from under bathroom sinks, volume
sign s that were developed with consideration for controls for attaching to telephones, and large
the needs of a diverse population work for men and grips for adding to kitchen utensils. Like accessible
women , children and elders, small people and designs, adaptable design features sometimes look
large, and people with temporary or longer-term tacked on, are stigmatizing, and add expense.
disabilities. They work when it's dark, noisy , wet, Universal design sometimes employs adaptable
or when we're tired. Everyone benefits. strategies for achieving customization, but it is
best when all choices are presented equally. Ex-
Address correspo ndence and reprint re quests to Molly Follet te amples include a height-adjustable cooktop that
Story, M.S., 16438 East Dorado Avenue, Aurora , CO 80015. can move between low for short or seated cooks and
4
Not all accessible design is universal. Design s
that fall within the relm of "accessible" but outside
of "univer sal" exlude some users, such as a control
panel with large membrane switches that suit peo-
ple with limited manual control but not people who
are blind. Univer sal design is the most inclusive
and least stigmatizing of the three typ es of acces-
sible design because it addresses all types of hu-
man variation and accessibility is integrated into
design solutions .
HUMAN ADAPTATION
alpha bet ical order) Bettye Rose Connell (The Center for Universal
From 1994 to 1997, the Center conducted a re-
Design), Michael L. J ones (Shepherd Spinal Cente r ), Ronald L.
search and demonstration project funded by the Mace (The Cente r for Unive rsa l Design), J ames L. Muelle r (J. L.
National Institute on Disability and Rehabilita- Mueller, Inc.), Abir Mullick (The Unive rsi ty at Buffalo), ElaineO s-
tion Research (NIDRR) titled "Studies to Further troff'(Ada ptive Enviro nments Center), Jon A. Sanford (The Cente r
the Development of Universal Design." Staff of the for Universa l Design), Edwar d Stei nfeld (The Unive rsity at Buf-
falo), Molly Follette Story (The Center for Universal Design ), and
Center for Universal Design conducted a series of
Gregg C. Van der heiden (Trace R&D Center).
evaluations of consumer products, architectural 2 Reviewers of The Prin ciples of Unive rsa l Design were Mer e-
spaces, and building elements. The evaluations in- dith Davis (North Caro lina Sta te University ), Allan Eckhaus
volved site visits, focus groups, observations, and (Consumers Union), Susa n Goltsman (Moore, Iacofano, & Golts-
personal interviews. The purpose of the evalua- man ), Paul Grays on (Environments for Living), Pet er Orlean s (Ar-
chitect ), Mary J o Pet er son (Interior Designer), Vietor Regnier (An -
tions was to determine optimal performance char-
drus Geronto logy Cente r), J ohn Sa lme n (Universal Designers &
act eristics and use features that make products Consulta nts ), Steven Sargent (Consumer Produ ct Test ing Labs),
and environments usable by the greatest diversity Polly Welch (University of Oregon ), and Margaret Wylde (Pro-
of people. Matura Group ).
hazardous elements eliminated, isolated, or be easy to open. The bottle and the cap should be
shielded. easy to grip and to turn and involve only a small
(5b) Provide warnings of hazards and errors. range of motion (Fig. 4).
(fie) Provide fail-safe features.
(5d) Discourage unconscious action in tasks that Principle Seven: Size and Space for Approach
require vigilance. and Use
Example: building features . Visitors to a public Appropriate size and space is provided for ap-
place should be able to navigate without risking proach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless
physical danger. A color coding scheme can facili- of the user's body size, posture, or mobility.
tate wayfinding, as can hallways that return to a
common area rather than stop in dead ends; door-
ways to destinations can be painted in colors that
contrast with the adjacent walls while doorways to
private spaces are painted to match them; and
doorknobs on doors that lead to mechanical rooms
and other potentially dangerous spaces can be
locked or abrasively textured.