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The Principles of "Universal Design"
The Center for Universal Design
North Carolina State University
Copyright 1997 NCSU
Principle One: Equitable Use ...
To be useful to people with diverse abilities, the layout and design shall;
a. Provide the same means of
access and use for all users;
identical whenever possible, equivalent when
not.
b. Avoid segregating or
stigmatizing any user.
c. Offer provisions for privacy,
security, and safety on an equal basis to all users.
d. Make the design appealing to
all users.
Principle Two: Flexibility in Use ...
The design shall accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and
abilities;
a. Provide choice in methods of
use.
b. Accommodate right- or
left-handed access and use.
c. Facilitate the user’s
accuracy and precision.
d. Provide adaptability to the
user’s pace.
Principle Three: Simple and Intuitive Use ...
Use of the design to be easily understandable, regardless of the user’s
experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level;
a. Eliminate unnecessary
complexity.
b. Be consistent with user
expectations and intuition.
c. Accommodate a wide range of
literacy and language skills.
d. Arrange information
consistent with its importance.
e. Provide effective prompting
and feedback during and after task completion.
Principle Four: Perceptible Information ...
The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user,
regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities;
a. Use different modes
(pictorial, verbal, tactile) for redundant presentation of essential
information.
b. Provide adequate contrast
between essential information and its surroundings.
c. Maximize "legibility" of
essential information.
d. Differentiate elements in
ways that can be described (make it easy to give instructions or
directions).
e. Provide compatibility with a
variety of techniques or devices used by people with sensory limitations.
Principle Five: Tolerance for Error ...
The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or
unintended actions.
a. Arrange elements to minimize
hazards and errors; most used elements to be most
accessible;
hazardous elements eliminated, isolated, or shielded;
b. Provide warnings of hazards
and errors.
c. Provide fail-safe features.
d. Discourage unconscious action
in tasks that require alertness and vigilance.
Principle Six: Low Physical Effort ...
The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of
fatigue.
a. Allow user to maintain a
neutral body position;
b. Use reasonable operating
forces.
c. Minimize repetitive actions.
d. Minimize sustained physical
effort.
Principle Seven: 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;
a. Provide a clear line of sight
to important elements for any seated or standing user.
b. Make reach to all components
comfortable for any seated or standing user.
c. Accommodate variations in
hand and grip sized.
d. Provide adequate space for
the use of assistive devices or personal assistance.
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