Inclusive Interiors: Good Design is Creating Accessible & Universal Spaces

A home that is accessible, comfortable, and a delight to occupy is a value to everyone—regardless of age, size, ability, or disability. If we consider the concept from a pragmatic perspective, universal design is just good design. After all, if a home is already adhering to one or more of the seven principles of universal design, how much easier will any additional accommodations be? If home is where many people plan to stay, it should be a place that is designed so all of its occupants can maintain independence and dignity therein. That’s why universal design isn’t for one segment of the population—because all people will eventually find themselves in a position where they or someone they love— whether by pregnancy, childhood, injury, disability, or old age—will need some sort of non-traditional accommodation.

With baby boomers now estimated at about 73 million, we are an aging population. But as they enter their senior years, baby boomers continue to change the way we do things, as they have for over 70 years. They continue to set trends and break records when it comes to wellness, finances, fashion, travel, and more. They’re changing the definition of ‘retirement’ and shifting the conversation about where and how they want to spend their golden years. This generation of changemakers has decided that they’re aging in place, which means rethinking how we live in and design our homes. Enter the concept of universal design. 

 There are “Seven Principles of Universal Design,” which were developed in 1997 by a working group of architects, product designers, engineers, and environmental design researchers, led by the late Ronald Mace (design pioneer and internationally recognized Architect) at North Carolina State University. Here are the seven principles of universal design and how they benefit everyone.

The 7 Principles of Universal Design 

Equitable Use 

Flexibility in Use 

Simple and Intuitive Use 

Perceptible Information 

Tolerance for Error 

Low Physical Effort 

Size and Space for Approach and Use 

Principle 1: Equitable Use 

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

The guidelines for this principle include: 

1. Providing the same means of use for all users: identical whenever possible; equivalent when not. 
2. Avoid segregating or stigmatizing any users. 
3. Provisions for privacy, security, and safety should be equally available to all users. 
4. Make the design appealing to all users.

Some examples of this principle are:  

• An entryway that accommodates a wheelchair so that no one has to use a separate entrance.  
• Textured flooring that provides traction.  
• Shallow, illuminated steps.  
• A well-designed floorplan that provides enough space to move around furniture and accommodate people of all sizes and needs.  
• A zero-threshold shower that is wide enough to accommodate all. 

Principle 2: Flexibility in Use 

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

The guidelines for this principle include: 

1. Provide choice in methods of use. 
2. Accommodate right- or left-handed access and use. 
3. Facilitate the user's accuracy and precision. 
4. Provide adaptability to the user's pace.

Some examples of this principle are:  

• Door levers easily used by right- or left-handed occupants. 
• A wall oven with fold away door.  
• Shower controls that can be adjusted for height.  
• Motion-sensing lights which allow switch operation without the need to “turn” them on.

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. 

The guidelines for this principle include: 

1. Eliminate unnecessary complexity. 
2. Be consistent with user expectations and intuition. 
3. Accommodate a wide range of literacy and language skills. 
4. Arrange information consistent with its importance. 
5. Provide effective prompting and feedback during and after task completion.

Some examples of this principle are:  

• An instruction manual with drawings and no text.  
• Appliances with controls and displays that are easy to use for everyone.  
• Digital keyless entry.  
• Touch and touchless faucets.  
• Smart home hubs.

Principle 4: Perceptible Information 

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

The guidelines for this principle include: 

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

Some examples of this principle are:  

• Tactile, visual, and audible cues and instructions on a thermostat.  
• Large text on digital displays.  
• Bold tonal contrast between floor and cupboards.  
• Handles and hardware that are easily grasped and appropriate to the size of the task they perform, also bearing in mind the needs of small hands or hand weakness.  
• The use of color or tonal contrast between fixtures as well as the avoidance of highly reflective surfaces (this is key for people with visual or cognitive difficulties).

Principle 5: Tolerance for Error 

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

The guidelines for this principle include: 

1. Arrange elements to minimize hazards and errors: most used elements, most accessible; hazardous elements eliminated, isolated, or shielded. 
2. Provide warnings of hazards and errors. 
3. Provide fail safe features. 
4. Discourage unconscious action in tasks that require vigilance.

Some examples of this principle are:  

• A well-lit entryway with conveniently placed lighting controls.  
• Slip-resistant floor surfaces.  
• Easily maintained and effective drainage in bathroom flooring surfaces, ensuring water cannot pool. 
• Secure railings at steps and ramps.  
• Handrails made from a warm material such as timber or coated metal.

Principle 6: Low Physical Effort 

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

The guidelines for this principle include: 

1. Allow user to maintain a neutral body position. 
2. Use reasonable operating forces. 
3. Minimize repetitive actions. 
4. Minimize sustained physical effort.

Some examples of this principle are:  

• Touch and touchless faucets.  
• Bidet toilet seats.  
• Lever handles on doors.  
• Toggle light switches.  
• Voice-activated lighting.

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. 

The guidelines for this principle include: 

1. Provide a clear line of sight to important elements for any seated or standing user. 
2. Make reach to all components comfortable for any seated or standing user. 
3. Accommodate variations in hand and grip size. 
4. Provide adequate space for the use of assistive devices or personal assistance.

Some examples of this principle are:  

• Clear, unobstructed space in living areas for free movement and activities.  
• Ample space on either side of beds.  
• Controls on the front of and clear floor space around appliances, trashcans, and other fixtures.  
• Pull down racks and slide out drawers from wall cupboards.  
• Wide doorways for entryways and interior doors.  
• Bathrooms large enough to accommodate a wheelchair or walker. 

What’s clear is that developing user-friendly spaces, appliances, fixtures, and other products is for the benefit of all. No one wants to heal or age in a clinical environment, and it’s important to be surrounded by things that are familiar and make us feel good when life changes do occur. A well-designed home can keep us healthy longer by reducing stress, and there is healing power in the beauty and comfort of home.