The Seven Basic Principles of Universal Design
- Equitable. Useful to people with all sorts of abilities. Provides the same means of use for all; does not segregate any user; makes the design safe and appealing to all.
- Flexible. Accommodates a wide range of preferences and abilities by providing choice in methods of use, allowing right- or left-handed application, adapting to the user’s pace.
- Simple. Easy to understand and natural to use, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language or attention span. Eliminates complexity where possible, uses common cues and provides effective prompting and feedback.
- Perceptible Information. Communicates necessary information to the user regardless of the user’s sensory abilities. Uses different modes to present information; makes them “legible” whether they are words, pictures or shapes; and makes the design compatible with other techniques or devices used by people with sensory limitations.
- Tolerance for Error. Assuming the user will make mistakes, the design minimizes the hazards of consequent accidents. Provides appropriate warnings and fail-safe features and discourages unconscious action in tasks that require vigilance.
- Low Physical Effort. Allows the user to maintain a natural body position, requiring only reasonable exertion, and minimizes repetitive actions and sustained physical effort.
- Easy to Approach and Use. Accessible to approach, reach and manipulate, regardless of the user’s body size, posture or mobility. That means providing a clear line of sight to important elements and placing all components where they can be reached by a seated or standing user, accommodating various hand and grip sizes, and making room for assistive devices or people.
Adapted from a paper by The Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University, 1997.
National Housing Institute
