Lisa's Blog

Moving Universal Design into the mainstream
02 May 2013

Why we need to be much more overt about Universal Design’s ability to deliver enhanced style and enhanced function.

The Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDeA) recently suggested eight Goals of Universal Design to accompany the seven principles originally set out by Ron L Mace. I would go one further and suggest we add ‘aesthetics’ to this list of goals.

One of the key barriers to Universal Design is that both professionals and end users associate it with unattractive ‘disabled’ design, and assume that the end result will focus on function rather than style. It’s essential in future marketing and development of the Universal Design concept that we make clear the true beauty of Universal Design which is its ability to enhance both function and style.

I think this message about style and attractiveness needs to be overt if we are to generate consumer demand and move Universal Design into the mainstream.

For more information about Universal Design:

Standard definition and original seven principles (Ron L. Mace)

Eight Goals of Universal Design