THE SPECIAL NEEDS CHALLENGE: UNIVERSAL DESIGN

In the interior design world, there are more decisions to make than just paint colors.  We have have to space plan areas and design floor plans. One thing that is up and coming in the design world that affects interior design is Universal Design. Have you ever heard of Universal Design? If not, then you've come to the right place. A simple description of Universal Design is creating a space that is accessible to all people whether they are handicapped, elderly, or not handicapped. Universal Design has seven principles that designers must abide by. These qualifications help to further explain what universal design is and also helps those of us who are designers, architects or contractors to create spaces that help those around us.

The 7 principles of Universal Design:
1. EQUITABLE USE
2. FLEXIBILITY IN USE
3. SIMPLE AND INTUITIVE
4. PERCEPTIBLE INFORMATION
5. TOLERANCE FOR ERROR
6. LOW PHYSICAL EFFORT
7. SIZE AND SPACE FOR APPROACH AND USE

Well, now you know a little about universal design. Universal Design is used everywhere not just in commercial spaces. It is also used in residential spaces. Since I like to focus more on the residential side of Interior Design, here are a few examples of what to expect from a designer for Universal residential design.
Examples:
-Smooth ground entrance to the home
-No stairs
-Lever handles instead of twisting handles
-Wide interior doors, hallways, and isles
-5 foot turn radius for wheelchairs
-Pull out shelving in bathrooms and kitchens
-Height of counters are lower or higher depending on the person
-Ramps

Here is a link to many universal ideas for homes to help better understand it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yINSxTduC6A

universal bathroom

universal kitchen