The Seven Principles of Universal Design
Universal Design is a movement to design products, buildings and
environments that are accessible to a wide range of users. Products
should not have to require special design changes and or special
features to suit a user with a disability - the products themselves
should encompass a deep consideration for users with a versatile scope
of needs.
The principles of Universal Design were established through a
collaborative effort among a group of architects, industrial designers,
engineers, and researchers in the field of environmental design. These
principles offer clear directions for a broad field of design used to
universally design environments, products, and information. These
principles available on the North Carolina State University homepage,
http://www.design.ncsu.edu:8120/cud/univ_design/princ_overview.htm
are not only applicable towards evaluating and deciding new design
processes for existing designs, but are also useful for educating
designers and consumers on ideal representations of accessible products
and environments.
Copyright 1997 N.C.State University, The Center for Universal Design
(The development of the Universal Design Principles was largely funded
by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.)
Version 2.0-4/1/97
THE CENTER FOR UNIVERSAL DESIGN
North Carolina State University
http://www.design.ncsu.edu:8120/cud/univ_design/princ_overview.htm