Universal design blends the principles of accessible, inclusive aging and living in place design, and responds to our growing appreciation and respect for diversity in the spaces we design, and in the stature, age, abilities, and culture of the people for whom we design. Simply defined, the goal for universal design is to design products and spaces usable by everyone, making homes accessible and safe to the greatest extent possible.
- Learning Objective 1: The badge holder will possess knowledge of basic universal design terminology.
- Learning Objective 2: The badge holder will possess knowledge of a universal design development process from preparation to completion.
- Learning Objective 3: The badge holder will possess knowledge of how to effectively determine the needs of their universal design client.
- Learning Objective 4: The badge holder will possess knowledge of universal design access-related laws, codes, and standards.
- Learning Objective 5: The badge holder will possess knowledge of similarities and differences in universal design and accessible design as it relates to new construction and renovations.
Like most principles and elements of design, universal design is an enduring approach that draws from both science and spirit. The study of human dimensions and the design of spaces and products around human factors are solid steps toward good universal design. It is based soundly on human factors and, along with this quantitative information, places equal value on the appeal of a space or product.
Universal design moves away from the one-size-fits-all extreme and builds on anthropometry and ergonomics in different ways. There is a wealth of information available to plan kitchen and bathroom spaces based on realistic human dimensions.
Universal design builds on ergonomics to improve the use of products, spaces, and systems equally for people of a variety of sizes, ages, and abilities. This includes all forms of sensory, cognitive, and physical characteristics of people and related design concepts to help stimulate and streamline the design process when working on a space that is to accommodate a client with a specific needs. An awareness of this information as we develop a plan for a client’s kitchen or bathroom helps to more accurately determine sizes and spatial relationships in each case.
A needs assessment is the critical first step in the design process. Without knowing your client’s wants and needs, you cannot know how to design the space. There are many decisions and details involved in creating a space plan for a kitchen or bath that is both functional and usable. Not only must you consider the client’s needs and physical space you are working in, but you must also consider the selection of product in relation to some of the spatial requirements.
During the needs assessment phase of design, you will need to employ a tremendous amount of empathy. Empathy skills in working with clients and their families or caregivers in this demographic will be more important than usual to effectively execute a project that will exceed the needs of a universal design client.
Universal design places equal emphasis on aesthetics, acknowledging the importance of beauty and comfort in design solutions. Assessment tools and NKBA Kitchen and Bathroom Planning Guidelines will further influence design decisions. These guidelines provide key criteria for effective space planning along with the necessary requirements specified by local building codes.
A design program is a plan to guide the design process and is based on the information gathered from assessing the clients needs. This includes the goal or purpose of the project, the objectives and priorities related to the project, the activities to be accommodated in the designed space, and the relationships or adjacencies among the activity spaces.
There are differences and overlaps between universal design and design for accessibility. As time passes and we embrace more of the access solutions, more concepts will be moved from access to the universal category, creating true equity in design. Thinking broadly about the client’s needs, now and in the future, can aid in developing a thoughtful design, anticipating changes that will occur over the client’s lifespan.
It is important to address the differences between proactive approaches through design and technology, as well as working with a client who may be approaching the project proactively, or reactively due to an existing trauma, crisis or situation requiring immediate home alterations. Considering the long-term demographic trends pointing to an increase in older age groups, access needs will not diminish, and universal design is a broad and beautiful way to achieve improved access without mandates.
