Exploring Universal Design Principles: Making Spaces Accessible to People of All Ages and Abilities

More people than ever are designing their homes to be able to age in place. When you develop your home according to universal design principles, it makes the process much easier. In addition, you ensure that your home is welcoming to family members and guests of all ages, including those who appreciate accommodations that make it easier to navigate a space when dealing with mobility challenges.

So, what are universal design principles, and how can you incorporate them into a home renovation or addition? Your designer is the person best equipped to advise you on the most effective strategies for your particular home, but here are some general principles and ways to make spaces accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

The Philosophy of Universal Design Principles

Universal design is an approach aimed at creating environments that can not only be accessed by individuals of all ages and abilities but also used and understood by all. It should be thought of as a basic building block of all good designs rather than a special added option.

Architects developed the concept in the 1970s, and the principles were fleshed out more thoroughly in the 1990s. Yet in many cases, it is still not well understood or even considered when designing homes. It is sometimes incorporated into the design of commercial spaces, but not as often as might be expected.

Universal design centers on the idea that a space is not accessible unless it is usable. This is inclusivity at its most basic.

Seven Principles of Universal Design

To understand how universal design works in practice, it is helpful to look individually at the seven unique principles.

Equitable Use

When a design is created for equitable use, it means that it is designed to function for people with different physical and mental abilities and a range of life experiences. Ideally, everyone is able to use the space in the same way, but if identical use is not possible, then equivalent means are provided with a goal of not stigmatizing any users. The design should provide equal privacy, safety, and security for all users with a universal appeal.

An example would be designing an approach with a gentle slope so that individuals with difficulties using stairs enter the same way as everyone else.

Flexibility in Use

Flexible designs can be adapted for the needs of users considering issues such as whether someone will be reaching out with their right or left hand and whether they need to proceed at a slow pace. Installing levers instead of knobs on doors, faucets, and other places makes it easier for people to turn through a variety of methods rather than just gripping and twisting. Similarly, having counters and other work surfaces that adjust in height can accommodate people who need to work from a sitting position as well as those who prefer to stand.

Simple and Intuitive Use

This principle requires the design to be easy to understand even by those who have never encountered this type of space or object before. Unnecessary complexity is to be avoided. Layouts should be easy to navigate, and ergonomic considerations should accommodate diverse users.

In a home setting, simple latches for cabinets and storage options with partial transparency are two ways to make a space functional for those not familiar with it. This can be particularly useful in a home with frequent guests.

Perceptible Information

Regardless of a user’s sensory abilities, key information should be communicated effectively. This is critical in commercial settings used by a high volume of people. For instance, communicating information about bathroom facilities through words, pictures, audio recordings, and tactile signs conveys the information in a variety of ways. In the home, it can be helpful to use contrasting colors to differentiate edges or surfaces so that they are easier to discern.

Tolerance for Error

When a space has a maximum tolerance for error, making a mistake is less likely to lead to negative consequences. Examples include adding tactile and visual clues to indicate changes in the slope of a floor and creating barriers that prevent someone from going over the edge of a section of flooring that is higher than the surrounding area. This principle can provide a crucial element of safety for young children and individuals with reduced sensory perception, but it also protects those of all abilities who simply aren’t paying full attention to what they’re doing.

Low Physical Effort

This principle is intended to reduce the physical strain on those using a space. Considerations include not only the amount of effort required but also the number of repetitive actions required to fulfill a function and the ability to complete a function while in a neutral body position.

While this may be intended primarily for the benefit of those with physical disabilities or limited mobility, it also makes a space more comfortable for those of all abilities, and it creates an open, clean look that reduces the sensations of stress that can be induced by a cluttered or hemmed-in environment.

In the home, this principle can be applied through features such as walk-in showers with no barriers to entry, pull-down shelves for upper kitchen cabinets, and openings that provide hydraulic assistance for easy opening and closing.

Size and Space for Approach and Use

This final principle is the one most familiar to people when they consider creating an accessible space. It involves ensuring that dimensions are suitable to navigate for those who need extra space for equipment, such as a wheelchair, or enough space to allow a caregiver to provide assistance. Making doorways and hallways wide is one example of a way to incorporate this principle into home design.

Marcela Montoya Remodeling Can Help You Design Your Project According to Universal Principles

It is hard to get a custom renovation without a custom plan designed specifically for your needs and goals. At Marcela Montoya Remodeling, we always create designs that are tailored to the specifications of our clients, so if you want to incorporate all seven universal design principles in your renovation or addition, we are ready to make it happen. To learn how we can help you reimagine your home, schedule a free design consultation with Marcela today. Just call 954-900-9992 or contact us online to get started on the path of ensuring your home maximizes functionality for years to come.