64 Appendix E: The 7 Principles of Universal Design

The seven Principles of Universal Design were developed by a team of architects, product designers, engineers, and environmental design researchers at North Carolina State University in the 1990s. ^[1]The principles aim to provide guidance for creating products, environments, and communications that are accessible and usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their abilities, age, or other characteristics. The seven principles are:

1. Equitable use: The design should be useful and accessible to people with diverse abilities. Provide the same means of use for all users; avoid segregating or stigmatizing any users.
2. Flexibility in use: The design should accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. Provide choice in methods of use, so people can customize their experience to fit their needs.
3. Simple and intuitive use: The design should be easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, or language skills. Use clear and concise language, provide appropriate feedback, and create logical and consistent navigation.
4. Perceptible information: The design should communicate necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities. Use different modes (such as text, audio, or visual) to communicate information and provide alternatives for users who may have difficulty perceiving certain types of information.
5. Tolerance for error: The design should minimize hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. Provide warnings, fail-safes, and barriers to prevent unintended actions and to ensure that errors are not irreversible.
6. Low physical effort: The design should be designed to minimize physical effort required to use it. Reduce repetitive or sustained physical effort, accommodate a wide range of body sizes and postures, and provide appropriate assistive technologies.
7. Size and space for approach and use: The design should provide sufficient space for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user’s body size, posture, or mobility. Consider the range of user’s abilities, from those who are standing, sitting, or using mobility aids, and ensure that the design does not create physical barriers that prevent access or use.