About Universal Design

Universal design refers to the process of creating environments, products, and systems that can be accessed, understood, and used by all people, regardless of their age, ability, or status. It emphasizes inclusivity and aims to eliminate barriers that could exclude or limit anyone’s participation. The concept originated in architecture but has since expanded to cover most other areas, including education, technology, and product design.

“Universal design is design that is usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.” - Ron Mace, architect and original champion of universal design

There are seven key principles of universal design:

1. Equitable Use: The design should be useful to people with diverse abilities.
2. Flexibility in Use: It should accommodate a wide range of preferences and abilities.
3. Simple and Intuitive Use: It should be easy to understand and use, regardless of the user’s experience or cognitive ability.
4. Perceptible Information: The design should communicate necessary information effectively, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.
5. Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of unintended actions.
6. Low Physical Effort: It should be used efficiently and comfortably with minimal fatigue.
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use: The design should provide appropriate size and space for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility.

Universal Design was originally created by Ron Mace at North Carolina State University's College of Design. This led to the creation of The Center for Universal Design as a national research, information, and technical assistance center that evaluated, developed, and promoted universal design in housing, public and commercial facilities, and related products.

DO-IT advocates for universal design in all aspects of design, particularly focusing our energy in educational settings (Universal Design in Education). We continue to support The Center for Universal Design in Education to share and promote resources that help educators apply universal design to all aspects of the educational experience. 

To learn more about universal design, see resources on our website under our Applications of Universal Design collection. The UD Project and the Center for Excellence in Universal Design are also both resource centers we promote.