Universal design

When people talk about accessibility, they often jump to the features that were designed only for those with disabilities. But universal design is something bigger. It's about creating spaces, products, and technology that work for everyone, no matter their ability, age, or circumstance. 

The concept was developed in the 1970s–80s by architect Ronald Mace, who used a wheelchair himself. He believed that good design should serve everyone, not just those who fit a “standard” mould. 

There are seven internationally recognised principles that contribute to universal design. These are...

• Equitable Use. This ensures that the design is useful and marketable to people with varying degrees of ability.
• Flexibility in Use. This ensures that the design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
• Simple and Intuitive Use. This ensures that the design is easy to understand, regardless of a user’s experience, knowledge, or language skills.
• Perceptible Information. This ensures that the design communicates information effectively, no matter the user’s sensory abilities.
• Tolerance for Error. This ensures that the design minimises risks and the consequences of accidental actions.
• Low Physical Effort. This helps to guarantee that the design can be used efficiently and comfortably with minimal fatigue.
• Size and Space for Approach and Use. This ensures that there is enough space for users to approach, reach, and use the product, regardless of their body size, posture, or mobility.

Here are some real-world examples of how thoughtful design benefits us all:

• Drop kerbs - Originally implemented to help those with mobility issues that are in wheelchairs. Now it is commonly used by everyone from wheelchair users to parents with buggies or even tourists with suitcases. 
• Text messages - Originally implemented by people who were deaf and hard of hearing to help when on a phone call. Now used by everyone to send a quick message to a friend. 
• Voice assistants - Originally designed as an accessibility tool. Now they are used by everyone because they are convenient and hands free. 
• Closed captions and subtitles- Originally designed to help who were deaf and hard of hearing access the word around them. Now they are used by everyone from someone scrolling social media in a busy environment to someone trying to learn a new language. 
• Lever door handles - Originally designed for people with limited mobility or arthritis. Now used by everyone from people whose hands are full to people with wet hands. 
• High contrast steps - Originally implemented for people with low vision. Now they are widely used by everyone in dark environments to in areas that are crowded or even in situations where someone just might not be paying enough attention. 
• Screen reader friendly webpage layouts - As the name suggests they were originally created for those who had vision loss that required them to use screen readers. Now they are widely adopted by most due to them being less visually busy and easier to navigate 
• Audiobooks - Originally created to help those who were blind or had low vision. Now they are used by everybody on their commute because of convenience