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Learn About Universal Design
This section of the website serves as an introductory window into information about universal design. The concept originated through the work of architect Ronald L. Mace, who was the founder and director of The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University. He coined the term “universal design”, and a common definition which stems from his work is:
The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.
Seven Principles of Universal Design were authored by a group of architects, product designers, engineers and environmental design researchers affiliated with the Center. These principles are commonly applied to environments, products and communications.
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Accessibility Regulations and a Universal Design Philosophy Inspire the Design Process
This 8-page web article offers that "Universal design asks designers to rethink some fundamental formal architectural concepts, to contemplate environmental equity for all kinds of users, and to consider a variety of ways the environment can be designed or adapted to accommodate people’s changing needs, such as those of the aging or of people who don’t speak the dominant language."
Architectural Record
Accessible Design/Universal Design Resources
This website contains many links on Universal Design. The website also contains seven principles of universal design and guidelines.
Lubin, J
Applying Universal Design to the Workplace
This four-page fact sheet “offers guidelines for applying universal design in the workplace to address the needs of employees and customers with disabilities”. The fact sheet also discusses the seven principles associated with universal design and how they can be applied to various areas of the workplace. Specific examples are provided.
DBTAC Northwest
Center for Universal Design Publications
This website contains information on the Center for Universal Design which provides environments and products for all people. "The Center for Universal Design has produced many publications to aid individuals, designers, builders, and government entities in implementing universal design."
The Center for Universal Design, NC State
Global Universal Design
"GUDC (Global Universal Design Commission, Inc.) a not-for-profit corporation, was developed to establish Universal Design standards for buildings, products and services. The provided UD standards will guide corporations and government entities in the creation of barrier-free facilities, provide diverse users with access to commerce, public services, entertainment and employment opprotunities."
Global Universal Design Commission, Inc.
RERC on Universal Design at Buffalo
A partnership between the IDEA Center (University of Buffalo), the Ontario Rehabilitation Technology Consortium (ORTC), and representatives from the design and disability communities nationwide. This webpage introduces their 2 research projects, 3 development projects, 4 training projects, and 6 dissemination projects as a rehabilitation engineering research center (RERC).
State University of New York at Buffalo
Seven Principles of Universal Design - Poster
This poster (PDF) offers the Seven Principles of Universal Design, authored in 1997, from the Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University; with explanations, examples and illustrations. “These seven principles may be applied to evaluate existing designs, guide the design process, and educate both designers and consumers about the characteristics of more usable products and environments.”
The Center for Universal Design at NC State University
Universal Design: Product Evaluation Countdown
A free pdf from the Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University, includes a checklist to help individuals think about their own needs and those of potential users when selecting products. Questions for consideration are based on the 7 Principles of Universal Design.
The Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University
