In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) set out a clear prohibition of discrimination based on disability. When buildings became a challenge to access, they shut people out of public places. Therefore, the built environment can be a form of discrimination. If a place is accessible, usable, and convenient, people with disabilities benefit.
What exactly is Universal Design?
It is the design and composition of an environment. The environment should be designed to meet all human needs of the people that choose to go there. Universal Design creates services, products, and environments that pleases people.
In the 90’s, a team of experts from NC State University released a guide for Universal Design and its principles.
The 8 goals of Universal Design are:
- Body fit: building for the full range of human body sizes.
- Comfort: don’t create an overly demanding environment.
- Awareness: use different modes to communicate information effectively.
- Understanding: make sure the environment is clear, unambiguous, and intuitive to use.
- Wellness: promote people’s health and prevent injury.
- Social integration: ensure everyone is invited into the public sphere equally.
- Personalization: allow people to personalize their experience.
- Cultural appropriateness: respect the context of any design project.
https://www.reliance-foundry.com/blog/universal-design#gref
Amanda Geffner FA 102D Spring 2020 Blog 