The Seven Principles of

Universal Design
 Introduction

• Universal Design is the design of products, media

and environments to be usable by all people to the
greatest extent possible.
• UD is therefore an approach to address the needs
of each individual.
 Rosanne Ramos

“While we are aware that one size does not fit all, we are
equally aware that without designing for the individual
we will miss opportunities and innovations that bring us
closer to a universal design solution. Inclusive Design is
design for all by designing for every individual.”

- Rosanne Ramos of Inclusion by Design

 Ron Mace

“Universal design 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.”

- Ron Mace, founder and program director of

The Center for Universal Design.
The Principles of Universal Design

1. Equitable Use: Be accessible and fair so the

environment does not disadvantage or stigmatize any
group of users and appeals to everyone. Provide the
same means of use for all users: identical whenever
possible; equivalent when not. Ensure provisions for
privacy, security, and safety.
The Principles of Universal Design

2. Flexibility in Use: Be flexible, provide choices in

methods of use, participation and presentation so you
accommodate a wide range of individual preferences
and abilities. Facilitate the user's accuracy and
precision. Provide adaptability to the user's pace.
The Principles of Universal Design

3. Simple, Intuitive Use: Information is easy to

understand, regardless of the user's experience,
knowledge, language skills, or current concentration
level. Be simple, straightforward and consistent.
Accommodate a wide range of literacy and language
skills. Provide effective prompting and feedback during
and after task completion.
The Principles of Universal Design

4. Perceptible Information: The presentation

communicates necessary information effectively to the
user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's
sensory abilities. Be explicit, explicitly presented and
readily perceived. Use different modes (pictorial,
verbal, tactile) for the presentation of essential
information. Provide adequate contrast between
essential information and its surroundings.
The Principles of Universal Design

4. Perceptible Information (cont.): Maximize "legibility"

of essential information. Differentiate elements in ways
that can be described (i.e., make it easy to give
instructions or directions). Provide compatibility with a
variety of techniques or devices used by people with
sensory limitations.
The Principles of Universal Design

5. Be supportive: Provide a supportive learning

environment. Encourage students to excel while
offering assistance where necessary. Be tolerant
when students are experiencing challenges in
learning and require extra assistance.
The Principles of Universal Design

6. Low Physical Effort: The information and learning

environment can be accessed efficiently and
comfortably, and with a minimum of fatigue. (i.e.
allows a user to maintain a neutral body position).
Minimize repetitive actions and sustained physical
effort by students.
The Principles of Universal Design

7. Size and Space for Approach & Use: Ensure a

learning space that accommodates both students
and instructional methods. The appropriate size
and space is provided for approach, reach,
manipulation, and use, regardless of the user's
body size, posture, or mobility.
The Principles of Universal Design

7. Size and Space for Approach & Use (cont.):

Provide a clear line of sight to important elements for
any seated or standing user. Make the reach to all
components comfortable for any seated or standing
user. Accommodate variations in student’s size and
strength. Provide adequate space for the use of
assistive devices or personal assistance.