Universal Design
Universal design implies the idea of having the ability to have a design and composition so that it could be accessed by all people regardless of age, size, disability, or ability which benefits everyone. It was specifically made for those with disabilities and there are seven principles of universal design to take advantage of its usage is having low physical effort, tolerance for error, flexibility of use, simple and intuitive use, perceptible information, size and space of use, and equitable use. This helps make everything from cabinets and to door be accessible for everyone of different shapes and sizes and is often a key concept used in interior design and even to the life around us and thought it is not required and really only benefits the minority, it is a fundamental condition of good design.
Designers want the home to accessible for all members of the family to provide a sense of comfort and breaks down the barrier for those who may have complications with accessing materials or needs. Facilities and companies are encouraged to empower all people regardless of the label that is placed upon them and not only does this help the handicapped individuals but it keeps their spirits up by keeping these items accessible. Some may even simply start off with knobs placed on furnitures of furnishes to make doors or cabinets easy to open. A round door knob may make it more difficult to open for some with disabilities or merely convenience. With a level handle, it is just a push down and out mechanism that could be used by everyone, whether you have two handfuls of groceries or an incapability of turning a knob and it has the ability to benefit everyone. Another example would be with toilets. Having a toilet too high or too long could be a disadvantage for kids and handicapped so the ideal height of a toilet should be 16 to 17 inches off of the floor where a 15 inch is too low and a 19 is too high for both handicapped and for children. These designs in homes are important because trying to be comfortable while you are at home should not have to be a challenge and by having specific designs, it really helps those in need of having a safe space for themselves.
Not only will these universal design principles come in handy to help everyone in need, it can also give off a high aesthetic value and make the original design more inclusive. It keeps designs nice and simple while also maximizing its purpose within the home. The aesthetic usability suggests that people tend to find designs easier to use if they look easy to use. It is so much more the just a design trend, rather yet, it is an approach to a design that can be applied to design and trends the magnifies the needs of the client. It is not a one size fit all concept and is often mistaken for that due to its usage and to its ability to meet the minorities needs and the handicapped but the aim is to provide the same or even equal experiences, activities and services to everyone.
Universal design is a goal and is an entire process for interior designers to achieve. It is not as simple as placing a level door knob onto a door and that is universal all together. It is to achieve simplicity and accessibility for all of those who may or may not need it.
