Universal Design Principles & Examples

Universal Methods of Design for Accessibility

Creating Accessible Living Spaces

In the interior decorating world, universal design concepts help ensure that your indoor layouts are accessible and user-friendly to the greatest extent possible. Whether you’re decorating an entertainment room or developing a floor plan for an entryway, family room or another shared area, applying these principles to your space can help your relatives and visitors enjoy your home.

Overview

Concerned about making sure your space is comfortable, welcoming and simple to navigate? Check out this article to learn more about:

The creation of universal design concepts
The seven basic principles of universal design
The benefits of making accessibility improvements to your layouts

By applying universal design principles to your home, you can select furniture and decor that’s easy and accessible to people with a variety of characteristics, including people with disabilities and those at different life stages.

What is Universal Design?

Essentially, universal design refers to the strategies that help create spaces that can accommodate individuals with diverse characteristics.

Some product manufacturers use universal design principles to evaluate features like knobs and handles for their ease of use.

What Are the Principles of Universal Design?

Equitable Use

First is the principle of equitable use, which ensures that the design is useful to everyone in the same way.

Platform beds that lack footboards may make it easier for those who use assistance devices to get into and out of bed.

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Flexibility in Use

A flexible design gives people the ability to switch up their surroundings to suit their unique needs, abilities and preferences. Examples include using easy-to-move furniture that is lightweight or multi-purpose furniture.

Simple and Intuitive Use

This principle expands the use of a space to accommodate a range of knowledge, experience, language skills, uses and abilities.

Perceptible Information

The design conveys necessary information to the user so that it is easy for people to understand.

For example, using one upholstery type for your sectional, another material for your sofa, and a third fabric for the side chairs in your living room can help guests and family members use touch to tell these seats apart.

Using multiple textures throughout a room adds interest and can provide extra sensory input for those who may require it for guidance.

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Tolerance for Error

Designing to minimize hazards and adverse consequences of accidental actions.

Low Physical Effort

Furnishings that require low physical effort can help people feel comfortable while using them. Items like remote-controlled recliners let people kick back and relax with the push of a button.

Size and Space for Approach and Use

Lastly, your universal design layout should have appropriate size and space for reach and use.

Benefits of Universal Design

Using universal design in your home can have advantages. Accessible, barrier-free spaces can help guests feel comfortable and welcome while in your home. Even small details like supportive seating options and panel light switches that suit their unique needs can show your dedication to making them feel at ease.

One of the best ways to create the perfect universal design setup is to get feedback from the person or people you’re hoping to accommodate. With their input, you’ll be able to address specific, necessary concerns more easily and efficiently. Once you’ve got the essential elements of your design in place, you can add decorative flourishes to make the space as chic as it is accessible.