The Center for Universal Design has produced many publications to aid individuals, designers, builders, and government entities implement Universal Design. Many of these are available in print, though increasingly, more of these publications are now available on our website in PDF format. The publications are organized by the categories listed here. http://www.ncsu.edu/ncsu/design/cud/pubs_p/pubs_p.htm

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2. The Principles of
Universal Design
6
3
1 2 4 5 7
principle
Equitable Use Flexibility in Use Simple and Intuitive Use Perceptible Information Tolerance for Error Low Physical Effort Size and Space
for Approach and Use
The design is useful and marketable to The design accommodates Use of the design is easy to understand, The design communicates The design minimizes The design can be
people with diverse abilities. a wide range of individual regardless of the user’s experience, necessary information hazards and the adverse used efficiently and Appropriate size and space
preferences and abilities. knowledge, language skills, or education effectively to the user, regardless consequences of accidental or comfortably and with a is provided for approach,
level. of ambient conditions or the unintended actions. minimum of fatigue. reach, manipulation, and use
user’s sensory abilities. regardless of user’s body size,
posture, or mobility.
Guidelines
1a. Provide the same means of use for 2a. Provide choice in methods of use. 3a. Eliminate unnecessary complexity. 4a. Use different modes (pictorial, 5a. Arrange elements to minimize 6a. Allow user to maintain a 7a. Provide a clear line of sight to
all users: identical whenever possible; 2b. Accommodate right- or left- 3b. Be consistent with user expectations and verbal, tactile) for redundant hazards and errors: most used neutral body position. important elements for any seated
equivalent when not. handed access and use. intuition. presentation of essential elements, most accessible; 6b. Use reasonable operating or standing user.
1b. Avoid segregating or stigmatizing any 2c. Facilitate the user's accuracy and 3c. Accommodate a wide range of literacy and information. hazardous elements forces. 7b. Make reach to all components
users. precision. language skills. 4b. Provide adequate contrast between eliminated, isolated, or 6c. Minimize repetitive comfortable for any seated or
1c. Provisions for privacy, security, and essential information and its shielded. actions. standing user.
2d. Provide adaptability to the user's 3d. Arrange information consistent with its
safety should be equally available to pace. importance. surroundings. 5b. Provide warnings of hazards 6d. Minimize sustained 7c. Accommodate variations in hand
all users. 4c. Maximize "legibility" of essential and errors. physical effort. and grip size.
3e. Provide effective prompting and feedback
1d. Make the design appealing to all users. during and after task completion. information. 5c. Provide fail safe features. 7d. Provide adequate space for the
4d. Differentiate elements in ways that 5d. Discourage unconscious action use of assistive devices or personal
can be described (i.e., make it easy in tasks that require vigilance. assistance.
to give instructions or directions).
4e. Provide compatibility with a variety
of techniques or devices used by
people with sensory limitations.
examples
zz Power doors make visiting public Large grip scissors zz Public emergency stations utilize recognized Small bumps on a cell phone The "sequential trip" Door lever does not Wide gates at subway stations
spaces easier for all users. accommodates use with either emergency colors and a simple design to keypad tell the user where mechanism on a nail gun require grip strength to accommodate wheelchair users as
zz E-mail makes communication easier for hand and allows alternation quickly convey function to passers-by. important keys are without prevents accidental firing operate, and can even be well as commuters with packages
everyone, including people who have between the two in repetitive zz Intuitive ATM interfaces allow use without requiring the user to look at the when the tool is not pressed operated by a closed fist or luggage.
trouble communicating via phone. tasks. instruction or training. keys. against an object. or elbow.