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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 users.
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.
Click here to visit the NCSU "Universal Design" site
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