DESIGN FOR ALL: WHAT IS UNIVERSAL OR INCLUSIVE DESIGN?
In all fields of design, professionals set out to address user needs while considering aesthetic concerns. Accurately defining those needs is critical for solving problems and ultimately creating a successful product, space, or environment. To do this, designers must understand their users, empathize with them, and consider their cultural, physical, gender-based, and other differences. The philosophy of universal design aims to address these differences by adopting approaches that are as inclusive as possible.
Universal design is defined as “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” (Story, Mueller & Mace, 1998). Terms such as design for all, inclusive design, lifespan design, and human-centered design are often used interchangeably in literature, all sharing similar goals.
Following World War II, the needs of veterans and injuries caused by poor human-machine interaction led to developments in ergonomics (Erkan, 1988). In the 1950s, studies aimed at eliminating physical barriers in built environments laid the foundation for design for all (Catanese, 2012). One of the earliest regulations was the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard A117.1, issued in 1961 to ensure accessibility for people with physical disabilities.
The term universal design was coined in the 1980s by architect Ronald L. Mace. As a physically disabled academic, Mace developed the principles of universal design in collaboration with the Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University. These principles aimed to ensure that individuals with disabilities could fully participate in education, transportation, work, healthcare, communication, and social life. In many developed countries, relevant standards and laws have been adopted to support this.
Some important legal milestones include:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – United States, 1990
- Disability Discrimination Act – Australia (1992), United Kingdom (1995)
- Support and Services for Persons with Functional Impairments Act – Sweden, 1993
In Turkey, universal design practices began to be more widely adopted after 2000. Efforts have focused primarily on public buildings and spaces, especially addressing the needs of individuals with physical and sensory disabilities. Thanks to two temporary provisions in the 2005 Disability Law, it became mandatory for public buildings and areas to meet accessibility standards by 2012. Today, we see the results in features such as audible signals at crosswalks, ramps, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms in public buildings like hospitals, schools, and malls.
However, universal design is not limited to physical or sensory differences. It also encompasses age, gender, cultural, economic, and cognitive differences. The goal is to design for a wide range of people without separating or labeling any group. For example, a turnstile marked solely with a wheelchair symbol may make a wheelchair user feel singled out. At the same time, a parent with a stroller or luggage might hesitate to use that gate, even though they need it. A more inclusive approach would use a range of pictograms representing different users together.
PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN
Recognizing that accessibility legislation alone was insufficient, Mace and his team proposed a more comprehensive approach focused on user understanding. In 1997, they outlined seven core principles of universal design:
- Equitable Use
- Ensure that all users benefit equally, avoiding stigmatization or separation. Provide equal privacy, security, and appeal for all users.
- Flexibility in Use
- Accommodate a wide range of preferences and abilities. Offer options and adaptability, including both left- and right-handed use.
- Simple and Intuitive Use
- Design should be easy to understand regardless of the user's experience, literacy, or concentration level. Avoid unnecessary complexity.
- Perceptible Information
- Communicate essential information effectively using multiple modes (visual, auditory, tactile). Ensure key information is distinguishable and easy to perceive.
- Tolerance for Error
- Minimize risks and adverse consequences of accidental actions. Alert users to potential hazards and design for safety.
- Low Physical Effort
- Enable efficient use with minimal fatigue. Avoid repetitive actions and sustained physical effort.
- Size and Space for Approach and Use
- Ensure comfort and accessibility whether users are sitting or standing. Consider reach, grip, and space requirements for diverse users.
Note: These principles are not strict rules, but guidelines meant to inspire designers to develop solutions that meet the diverse needs of all users. The specific details of implementation are left to the creativity and judgment of the designer.
FINAL WORD
Designers may sometimes worry about how to create solutions that truly include everyone—and such concerns are valid. However, addressing the needs of older adults is already a major step toward inclusivity. By 2023, it was estimated that over 10% of Turkey’s population would be 65 or older (Koç et al.). This demographic shift brings increased rates of sensory loss and chronic illnesses. For example, a national study found that 21.9% of older adults have vision loss and 7.6% have hearing loss (Aközer et al., 2011), while another study found that 56% suffer from chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis (Arun & Çakıroğlu-Çevik, 2013).
As designers, we are responsible for creating products, spaces, and communication tools that are safe, accessible, and usable for everyone. Universal design contributes to more productive, efficient, and safe environments—and promotes social sustainability. From an economic perspective, inclusive designs are also more marketable and broadly applicable. Products and environments designed with these principles tend to be more desirable and serve a wider range of users, increasing their long-term success.
Content: Tasarım Group
