1.2.2. Design Goals

Definition: The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.

Design Goals: • Avoid segregation or stigmatization of any users. • Provide the same means of use for all users — identical whenever possible; equivalent when not. • Ensure privacy, security, and safety are equally available to all users.

Examples in Civil Engineering: • Automatic doors at entrances allow both people with disabilities and able-bodied individuals to enter without assistance. • Digital pedestrian signals with audio and visual outputs benefit both visually impaired and hearing-impaired users. • Multi-height counters in public buildings or customer service points that serve people in wheelchairs as well as standing individuals.

Equitable use means that designs should be available and effective for everyone, no matter their abilities. The goal is to create designs that do not separate or label users — everyone should feel included. This involves making sure that all users can access the same functions and ensuring their safety and privacy. For example, having automatic doors allows everyone to enter a building without needing help, making it accessible.

Imagine a restaurant where there are no steps at the entrance, and everyone can enter freely. Visitors using wheelchairs or those with strollers can easily get inside just like anyone else. This makes the experience enjoyable for everyone, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Definition: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

Design Goals: • Provide choice in methods of use. • Accommodate right- or left-handed access and use. • Facilitate user accuracy and precision. • Adapt to the user’s pace.

Examples in Civil Engineering: • ATM machines with tactile keypads, audio outputs, and adjustable screen angles. • Staircases with handrails on both sides to support left and right-handed individuals or people with reduced grip. • Adjustable lighting in public spaces that helps individuals with varying degrees of visual sensitivity.

Flexibility in use refers to designs that cater to various individual preferences and needs. This could mean allowing people to use an object in different ways based on their physical abilities or preferences. For instance, an ATM that has buttons at different levels and has features for both sound and touch can assist different users comfortably.

Think of a multi-purpose gym where workout machines can be adjusted for different heights and preferences. Some people might prefer standing while others might want to sit. By having flexible equipment, everyone gets the chance to exercise comfortably and according to their needs.

Definition: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.

Design Goals: • Eliminate unnecessary complexity. • Be consistent with user expectations and intuition. • Accommodate a wide range of literacy and language skills. • Provide feedback to the user.

Examples in Civil Engineering: • Pictograms on signage that convey messages universally (e.g., restrooms, exits, emergency information). • One-touch pedestrian crossing buttons with LED feedback. • Color-coded and labeled floor plans in buildings for easy navigation.

Simple and intuitive use means that designs should be easy to understand, no matter who is using them. The goal is to reduce confusion and make user interaction as straightforward as possible. For example, using clear symbols on signs makes it easier for everyone, regardless of their language skills, to find their way around.

Imagine you visit a new city. If the signs clearly show where the restrooms are with an easily recognizable symbol, you can find them without needing to understand a different language. This makes the experience smoother and more enjoyable!

Definition: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.

Design Goals: • Use different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) for redundant presentation of essential information. • Provide adequate contrast between essential information and surroundings. • Maximize legibility of essential information. • Differentiate elements in ways that can be described (i.e., make it easy to give instructions or directions).

Examples in Civil Engineering: • Tactile paving on footpaths and at pedestrian crossings for visually impaired individuals. • Emergency evacuation signs that include both audio alarms and flashing lights. • Contrasting colors and textures on stairs and walkways to enhance visibility for the elderly or visually impaired.

Perceptible information ensures that all users can receive important information in ways that suit their needs. This means using signs that people can read visually, hear audibly, or feel tactically. Providing clear contrasts helps everyone notice critical information easily, especially those with visual impairments.

Think of crossing a busy street. If the signals not only beep for the visually impaired but also have a light signal for those who can see, all pedestrians are informed when it’s safe to cross. This kind of thoughtful design makes public spaces safer and more accessible.

Definition: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

Design Goals: • Arrange elements to minimize hazards and errors. • Provide warnings of hazards and errors. • Provide fail-safe features. • Discourage unconscious action in tasks that require vigilance.

Examples in Civil Engineering: • Railings and barriers on elevated walkways or balconies to prevent falls. • Non-slip surfaces in wet areas such as bathrooms and swimming pool zones. • Gradual curbs and ramps with tactile warning strips near vehicular roads.

Tolerance for error is about designing spaces that help prevent accidents or reduce the severity of mistakes. It can involve adding safety features or clear warnings. The goal is to create environments where users can interact safely, even if they accidentally make a mistake.

Consider wearing a seatbelt in a car. It won't prevent an accident, but it significantly reduces the risk of serious injury if something goes wrong. Similarly, adding railings along cliffs or pool edges helps keep people safe in case they slip.

Definition: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably, with a minimum of fatigue.

Design Goals: • Allow user to maintain a neutral body position. • Use reasonable operating forces. • Minimize repetitive actions. • Minimize sustained physical effort.

Examples in Civil Engineering: • Lever-style door handles instead of round knobs, which require less grip strength. • Push-button elevators placed at accessible heights. • Public washbasins with motion sensor faucets.

Low physical effort emphasizes creating designs that are easy to use without straining the user. This includes making sure handles are easy to grip and machines are within reach for everyone. The goal is to minimize physical strain and make tasks easier for all users.

Imagine using a door. A lever handle that you can push down with your elbow is far easier to use than a round knob that requires a strong grip. This simple change means anyone can open the door with less effort, making it accessible for more people.

Definition: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user’s body size, posture, or mobility.

Design Goals: • Provide a clear line of sight to important elements for any seated or standing user. • Make reach to all components comfortable for all users. • Accommodate variations in hand and grip size. • Provide adequate space for assistive devices or personal assistance.

Examples in Civil Engineering: • Wide doorways and corridors to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids. • Accessible parking spaces with adjacent access aisles. • Restrooms with turning space for wheelchairs and grab bars for assistance.

Size and space for approach and use means that all designs should consider the diverse needs of users regarding how they access and use spaces or objects. Proper dimensions should be provided so that people of all body sizes and abilities can use and move through them easily.

Picture a wide doorway that allows a person in a wheelchair and a person carrying a large box to go through at the same time. If the door is too narrow, it creates a barrier for both people. Designing wider entries means everyone can access the space comfortably.

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