Universal Design Principles
1997 Ronald Mace and other architects as NC State Univ. created the seven principles of UD for physical/industrial design but
... [Show More] they have been adapted to other areas like web.
UD Principle One: Equitable Use
The design of the product or environment should be useful and marketable to everyone regardless of his or her abilities. If possible, everyone should be able to use the environment or product in the same manner. If identical uses are not provided, then equivalent options should be provided.
UD Principle Two: Flexibility in Use
The design of the product or environment should provide people with a variety of options for use of its features. The environment or product should be adaptable to an individual's preferences and abilities.
UD Principle Three: Simple and Intuitive Use
The purpose of the product or environment's features should be easy to understand. A person's background, language, or experience should not hinder his or her understanding of how to use the product or navigate the environment.
UD Principle Four: Perceptible Information
Information about the product or environment's design should be communicated effectively and should be perceivable to everyone. A person's sensory abilities should not hinder him or her from receiving information. Information should be presented in different formats to increase effective communication to individuals with diverse abilities.
UD Principle Five: Tolerance for Error
The design of the product or environment should reduce the chances of accidents or hazards from occurring. The design should also anticipate any unintentional actions that may occur during use.
UD Principle Six: Low Physical Effort
The design of the product or environment should require little to no physical effort to use. A person should be able to use the product or navigate the environment comfortably without feeling fatigued during use or after use.
UD Principle Seven: Size and Space for Approach and Use
Sufficient space should be provided in the design so that it allows anyone to use the design features regardless of physical build or physical abilities.
Blindness AT
Screenreader /
Refreshable Braille Device
Low Vision AT
Screen enlarger / Screen reader
Color Blindness AT
Color enhancement overlays or glasses
Deafness AT
Captions / Transcripts
Motor/Mobility Disabilities AT
Head wand, Mouth stick, Alternative keyboards, Eye gaze tracking, Voice Activation
Cognitive Disabilities AT
Screen readers, Screen overlays, Augmentative communication aids
Medical Model
Defines disability in terms of biological impairments. Views as a problem that is diagnosed and treated. Strengths - clearly defined criteria for treatment. Weaknesses - focuses on biology not on impact to social and environmental impact.
Social Model
Points out that society creates disabling conditions - disability is avoidable condition caused by poor design. Strengths - empowers people/removes stigma by expecting society to accommodate. Weaknesses - can de-emphasize the physical reality of disability too much. [Show Less]