Skip to main content

Life's Uncertain

so eat dessert first!

The Seven Principles of Universal Design

Universal Design

In 1997, a group of architects, product designers, engineers, and environmental design researchers developed the 7 Principles of Universal Design.

The work was led by Ronald Mace.

These principles are a guide to designing more usable products, environments, and communications.

The seven principles

  1. Equitable Use
  2. Flexibility in Use
  3. Simple and Intuitive Use
  4. Perceptible Information
  5. Tolerance for Error
  6. Low Physical Effort
  7. Size and Shape for Approach and Use

1. Equitable Use

The design is useful and marketable to people of diverse abilities.

Guidelines:

  • 1a. Provide the same means of use for all people. Identical when possible, equivalent when not.
  • 1b. Avoid segregating or stigmatizing any users.
  • 1c. Privacy, safety, and security provisions should be equally available to all.
  • 1d. Make the design appealing to all users.

Review question: Is it equitable in use?

The image examples show an automatic sliding door, a smart thermostat, a voice assistant, and a remote control.

2. Flexibility in Use

The design accommodates a wide range of user preferences and abilities.

Guidelines:

  • 2a. Provide choices in method of use.
  • 2b. Accommodate right- and left-handed access and use.
  • 2c. Facilitate the user's accuracy and precision.
  • 2d. Provide adaptability to the user's pace.

Review question: Is flexibility in use?

The image examples show an adjustable desk, a multi-tool, adaptive eating utensils, and flexible seating.

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 completion.

Review question: Is it simple and intuitive to use?

The image examples show a smartphone, a coffee maker, a camera, and a microwave.

4. Perceptible Information

The design communicates information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

Guidelines:

  • 4a. Use different modes for redundant presentation of essential information.
  • 4b. Provide adequate color contrast between essential information and its surroundings.
  • 4c. Maximize legibility of essential information.
  • 4d. Differentiate elements in ways that can be described.
  • 4e. Provide compatibility with a variety of techniques or devices used by people with sensory limitations.

Review question: Does it have perceptible information?

The image examples show a fire alarm, an elevator sign with braille, a vibrating phone, and a pedestrian signal.

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.
  • 5b. Provide warnings of hazards and errors.
  • 5c. Provide fail-safe features.
  • 5d. Discourage unconscious actions in tasks that require vigilance.

Review question: Does it have tolerance for errors?

The image examples show autosave, saved account login help, camera controls, and a public transit sign.

6. Low Physical Effort

The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

Guidelines:

  • 6a. Allow users to maintain a neutral body position.
  • 6b. Use reasonable operating forces.
  • 6c. Minimize repetitive actions.
  • 6d. Minimize sustained physical effort.

Review question: Does it require much physical effort?

The image examples show electric toothbrushes, an automatic can opener, an automatic sliding door, and elevator buttons.

7. Size and Shape for Approach and Use

Appropriate size and shape are provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility.

Guidelines:

  • 7a. Provide a clear line of sight to important elements for any standing or seated 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.

Review question: Does it have enough size and shape for approach and use?

The image examples show wheelchair access at a table, an accessible baby-changing station, kiosks usable from standing or seated positions, and an accessible playground.

Quick memory chain

Principle Memory handle
Equitable Use Same purpose and dignity for everyone.
Flexibility in Use Works more than one way.
Simple and Intuitive Use No instruction manual needed.
Perceptible Information Users can sense the information.
Tolerance for Error Forgives mistakes.
Low Physical Effort Does not wear the user out.
Size and Shape for Approach and Use The user's body, device, and space fit.

Video and self-study resources

No separate lesson video link was available in the supplied bookmarks.

Self-study links