Accessible design describes a site, building, facility, or portion thereof that complies with the minimum accessibility standards as set forth under the ADA, the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), and/or local building codes. Accessible design has the distinct purpose of meeting the environmental and communication needs of the functional limitations of people with disability. Accessible design aims to meet minimum requirements to achieve usability.
Universal design is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. While accessible design is focused on the needs of people with disability, universal design considers the full spectrum of human abilities. It aims to exceed minimum standards to meet the needs of the greatest number of people.
Principles of Universal Design
The Principles of Universal Design were developed by a consortium of universal design researchers and practitioners. The purpose of the Principles is to guide the design of environments, products and communications. The Principles "may be applied to evaluate existing designs, guide the design process and educate both designers and consumers about the characteristics of more usable products and environments. The seven principles and their respective guidelines are presented below.
Principles of Universal Design:
- Equitable Use: design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities
- Flexibility in Use: design accommodates wide range of individual preferences and abilities
- Simple and Intuitive Use: use of design is easy to understand, regardless of user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level
- Perceptible Information: design communicates necessary information effectively to user, regardless of ambient conditions or user's sensory abilities
- Tolerance for Error: design minimizes hazards and adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions
- Low Physical Effort: design can be used efficiently, comfortably, and with a minimum of fatigue
- 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