UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES

7 Universal Design Principles Applied by Level Playing Field
 

Universal Design Principles

The Level Playing Field team are experts in Universal Design, we apply the principles of Universal Design to our projects. Our approach goes beyond building codes to ensure spaces are usable and welcoming for everyone.

Examples of how we have integrated Universal Design Principles into our work include:

Equitable Use

Ensuring designs are useful and appealing to individuals with a wide range of capabilities.  Such as ensuring the main entrance can be utilized by everyone regardless of age, ability or circumstance.

Flexibility in Use 

Providing a space with a wide range of preferences and abilities accommodated within the design. This includes items such as recommending hardware and design that are easy to use by right or left-handed persons.

Simple and Intuitive

Ensuring the designs are straightforward and easy to understand regardless of the user’s experience knowledge or capabilities. Including items such as guidance in pattern selections which intuitively lead people, especially those with visual impairments, along the path of travel.

Perceptible Information

Information pertinent to users should clearly be communicated, regardless of sensory abilities. We can do this through ensuring proper tactile information, such as textured flooring at locations such as the top and bottom of stairs to indicate changes in the path of travel, this is especially important for those with vision loss.

Tolerance for Error

Minimizing the risk of potential accidents. Including slip-resistant surfaces or changing curb cuts from one combined curb cut at a 45-degree angle to two curb cuts aligned with the crosswalk areas helps guides people intuitively into the safety of the crosswalk.

Low Physical Effort

Ensuring designs have minimal effort for its users, they should be comfortable and effective. Recommending items such as automated fixtures such as showers and faucets and  minimal effort hardware such as decora or automated light switches, lever style door handles and automated doors.

Size and Space for Approach and Use

Including all body sizes, shapes and capabilities into the design. Such as ensuring enough space for turning and including wide enough passages through doors and halls, so the space can easily be used without making unnecessary maneuvers around obstacles. Also ensuring counters and vanities are an appropriate height and have enough space for someone in a wheelchair to get their knees under.

 

Want to make your business accessible to everyone?