Why Universal Design?
It’s good business.
When you design products, services, and solutions for the most marginalized groups of people you can reach all market segments.
It’s the law.
Universal Design is part of our human rights. We have a legal obligation to design solutions that everyone can use equally.
It’s the right thing to do.
Universal Design is empowering for everyone no matter their background or experience and enables all of us to participate in all parts of life.
At the intersection of the three lies the power of change.
We need to start from a strong foundation of knowledge, constantly re-evaluate our assumptions of the rapidly changing world, and seek the knowledge and opinions of persons with disabilities.
We need strong accessibility regulations to set a baseline for a minimally acceptable level of accessibility. Regulations around the world need to be made more stringent and more consistent, while acknowledging the wide variety of physical and cultural differences in different areas. Regulations must be developed in consultation with persons with disabilities to ensure a broad perspective.
We need to advocate tirelessly for Universal Design. It is important, it is timely, and it is the right thing to do. Universal Design remains a new or confusing concept to many people.
When we can unleash the power of public acceptance, we will see great progress.
Universal Design will enable you to:
Create custom designs that work more efficiently and satisfyingly for everyone.
Acquire exciting new skills for changing the experience of your users in a way that is more engaging and useful.
Make new more personalised solutions using your knowledge in design and development to create something unique.
Make design decisions about complicated problems that endure and save you time and money.
What is INCLUSION?
EXCLUSION
INTEGRATION
SEPARATION
INCLUSION
Universal Design will transform you to:
Consider and reflect on the changes you need to make in your life and work.
Commit to caring about the needs and preferences of diverse users and sharing in the value of their experiences.
Take control of a new way of working that showcases your integrity as a designer and a leader.
Enjoy rare insights that come from seeing things in ways that impact your decisions and perceptions.
Who is responsible for Accessibility?
Policy
Explains user needs and provides accessible content.
Product
Prioritizes tasks including accessibility activities and checks.
UX Designer
Tests usability and includes people with disabilities.
Accessibility Guru
Provides training and advice as needed.
Manager
Assembles team and supports accessibility training.
UI Designer
Creates look and feel with contrast and accessible patterns.
Writer
Explains user needs and provides accessible content.
Researcher
Interviews users and includes people with disabilities.
Developer
Builds service and checks pages with axe and screen reader.
Quality Assurance
Checks for issues including accessibility (zoom 400%).
Universal design is essential because it ensures that everyone, regardless of age, ability, or status, can access and benefit from the full range of opportunities society offers. It goes beyond mere compliance with accessibility laws to foster an environment where all individuals can participate fully in everyday activities.
This approach to design is about creating products, services, and spaces that are inherently accessible to all people, making daily life more manageable and enhancing overall quality of life.
By embracing universal design, we not only uphold the values of inclusivity and equality but also drive innovation and open new possibilities for creative solutions that benefit everyone.