THE PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL WEB DESIGN

THERE ARE SEVEN CONCEPTS OUTLINED IN THE PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN,

AND EACH ONE IS RELEVANT TO AND CAN BE APPLIED TO THE IDEA OF UNIVERSAL
WEB DESIGN.

1. EQUITABLE USE – The first principle of universal web design suggests that
the design of your website should be both useful and marketable to
individuals with diverse abilities. This principle encourages business owners
and website designers to consider all potential users, rather than just your
target or intended audience, when mapping out the various functions of
your site.
2. FLEXIBILITY IN USE – Your website design should be able to accommodate a
wide range of individual preferences and abilities. Each person who visits
your site is different from the next, and designing a site that is adaptable in
its design and functionality will allow for each of your users to control and
customize their own individual user experience.
3. SIMPLE AND INTUITIVE USE – Your website should be easy to understand
and to navigate, regardless of your users’ level of experience, knowledge or
skills. You should aim to eliminate any unnecessary complexity from the site
and consider arranging information in order of importance.
4. PERCEPTIBLE INFORMATION – All information on your site – whether text,
images or videos – should be presented in a way that is easily accessible
and digestible. You should also aim to provide compatibility with screen
readers and other tools that are used by individuals with sensory
limitations.
5. TOLERANCE FOR ERROR – As humans, we’re all bound to make mistakes.
And, as part of these web accessibility principles, it’s important to take the
potential for user error into consideration. The individual elements on your
site should be arranged to minimize hazards from the start, but in the case
an error is made, you’ll want to provide ample warnings as well as fail-safe
features.
6. LOW PHYSICAL EFFORT – What does physical effort have to do with the
universal design of websites? At first glance, this one may seem a bit out of
place. But as effortless as it may be for some to sit down at a computer and
move a mouse, for others it can present a sizable challenge. Instead, ensure
your website is also navigable by keyboard, and aim to minimize the need
for repetitive actions.
7. SIZE AND SPACE FOR APPROACH AND USE – The final principle of universal
web design is especially important for mobile websites. Whereas on a
desktop, most individuals are navigating the site with a small, nimble
pointer, on mobile they’re likely using their thumb (or another finger), and it
can be difficult for some people to select a small target area. Provide a clear
line of sight for your users, and be sure to accommodate for variations in
hand and grip sizes.