# Universal design - Developed in 1997 by working group of architects, product designers, engineers, and environmental researchers at North Carolina State University, led by Ronald Mace. ## Seven Principles From [Centre for Excellence in Universal Design](https://universaldesign.ie/about-universal-design/the-7-principles) ### Principle 1: Equitable Use The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. #### Guidelines - 1a. Provide the same means of use for all users: identical whenever possible; equivalent when not. - 1b. Avoid segregating or stigmatizing any users. - 1c. Provisions for privacy, security, and safety should be equally available to all users. - 1d. Make the design appealing to all users. ### Principle 2: Flexibility in Use The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. #### Guidelines - 2a. Provide choice in methods of use. - 2b. Accommodate right- or left-handed access and use. - 2c. Facilitate the user's accuracy and precision. - 2d. Provide adaptability to the user's pace. ### Principle 3: Simple and Intuitive Use Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level. #### Guidelines - 3a. Eliminate unnecessary complexity. - 3b. Be consistent with user expectations and intuition. - 3c. Accommodate a wide range of literacy and language skills. - 3d. Arrange information consistent with its importance. - 3e. Provide effective prompting and feedback during and after task completion. ### Principle 4: Perceptible Information The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities. #### Guidelines - 4a. Use different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) for redundant presentation of essential information. - 4b. Provide adequate contrast between essential information and its surroundings. - 4c. Maximize "legibility" of essential information. - 4d. Differentiate elements in ways that can be described (i.e., make it easy to give instructions or directions). - 4e. Provide compatibility with a variety of techniques or devices used by people with sensory limitations. ### Principle 5: Tolerance for Error The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. #### Guidelines - 5a. Arrange elements to minimize hazards and errors: most used elements, most accessible; hazardous elements eliminated, isolated, or shielded. - 5b. Provide warnings of hazards and errors. - 5c. Provide fail safe features. - 5d. Discourage unconscious action in tasks that require vigilance. ### Principle 6: Low Physical Effort The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue. #### Guidelines - 6a. Allow user to maintain a neutral body position. - 6b. Use reasonable operating forces. - 6c. Minimize repetitive actions. - 6d. Minimize sustained physical effort. ### Principle 7: Size and Space for Approach and Use Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility. #### Guidelines - 7a. Provide a clear line of sight to important elements for any seated or standing user. - 7b. Make reach to all components comfortable for any seated or standing user. - 7c. Accommodate variations in hand and grip size. - 7d. Provide adequate space for the use of assistive devices or personal assistance. ## Microsoft | | Permanent | Temporary | Situational | | --------- | ---------- | ------------- | ----------------- | | **Touch** | One arm | Arm injury | New parent | | **See** | Blind | Cataract | Distracted driver | | **Hear** | Deaf | Ear infection | Bartender | | **Speak** | Non-verbal | Laryngitis | Heavy accent | ^MicrosoftUniversalDesign