The seven principles of universal design

Robin Christopherson | 04 Oct 2022

At AbilityNet, we champion the accessible, inclusive design that creates technologies and online services that are open to every user. We are mostly concerned with digital design, but good, inclusive design affects both the physical and virtual worlds.

Developed in 1997 by a working group of architects, product designers, engineers and environmental design researchers, the ‘7 principles of universal design’ aim to “guide the design process and educate both designers and consumers about the characteristics of more usable products and environments." 



So what are the seven principles, and what can we learn from each of them?

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Principle 1: Equitable Use

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

Person in wheelchair entering train with ledge on same level as platform

Guidelines:

  • 1a. Provide the same means of use for all users: identical whenever possible; equivalent when not.
  • 1b. Avoid segregating or stigmatizing any users.
  • 1c. Provisions for privacy, security, and safety should be equally available to all users.
  • 1d. Make the design appealing to all users.

Principle 2: Flexibility in Use

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

Right and left handed scissors

Guidelines:

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



Principle 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.

Page of instruction manual for putting furniture together from IKEA shop

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 task completion.



Principle 4: Perceptible Information

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

Trains on either side of platform with barriers to stop passengers falling onto tracks

Guidelines:

  • 4a. Use different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) for redundant presentation of essential information.
  • 4b. Provide adequate contrast between essential information and its surroundings.
  • 4c. Maximize "legibility" of essential information.
  • 4d. Differentiate elements in ways that can be described (i.e., make it easy to give instructions or directions).
  • 4e. Provide compatibility with a variety of techniques or devices used by people with sensory limitations.



Principle 5: Tolerance for Error

The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

Screenshot of computer screen showing prominent 'Undo' option within menu

Guidelines:

  • 5a. Arrange elements to minimize hazards and errors: most used elements, most accessible; hazardous elements eliminated, isolated, or shielded.
  • 5b. Provide warnings of hazards and errors.
  • 5c. Provide fail safe features.
  • 5d. Discourage unconscious action in tasks that require vigilance.



Principle 6: Low Physical Effort

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

Two women using cashpoints at waist height

Guidelines:

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



Principle 7: 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.

Person in wheelchair navigating through ticket barrier wide enough for wheelchair

Guidelines:

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

NB - Images used from Institute for Human Centred Design document / universaldesign.ie.

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Page updated 4 October 2022.

Further resources

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