UNIVERSAL DESIGN AND PRINCIPLES

The design of products and environments has to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.

PRINCIPLE 1: EQUITABLE USE

Design has to be useful for all people having diverse abilities. Equal conditions have to be provided for all people. There shouldn’t be a case causing discrimination among people.The space in the above examples shows a clear inequality between handicapped people and the others. There is no ramp or another thing that a handicapped person can use to reach the metro.

PRINCIPLE 2: FLEXIBILITY IN USE

Design has to include different individual preferences and abilities. It has to be convenient for different usage styles.

In these images, the transition between pedestrian crossing and paving don’t include a ramp for the handicapped people or people carring a push chair and a suitcase.

PRINCIPLE 3: SIMPLE AND INTUITIVE USE

Design has to be easily understandable, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, linguistic skills and current concentration level. Unnecessary complexity has to be avoided. It shouldn’t be contradictory to user’s expectation.

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PRINCIPLE 4:PERCEPTBLE INFORMATION

In these images, you can see the band which helps the blind people to find their directions. However, the band above is blocked by a buffet.

Design has to provide necessary information for user effectively, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities. It has to be useful for people having sensorial disabilities.

PRINCIPLE 5:TOLERANCE FOR ERROR

Design has to be minimize the hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.The most useful parts of the design have to be easily accessible, the most dangerous parts have to be isolated.In this image see, stair rails which have a considerable distinction between to of them, which can result in a hazardous state.For example, a child can fit into there easly, fall down from the overpass.

PRINCIPLE 6: LOW PHISICAL EFFORT

Design has to be used comfortably, and minimize fatigue.It has to be allow user to maintain a neutral body position.It has to minimize repetitive actions.Climbing these stairs needs much physical effort, and it makes people tired.This kind of design is completely contradictious to universal design.