1.4.2. 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.

This design goal emphasizes the importance of creating environments that are welcoming and usable for everyone, irrespective of their abilities or disabilities. It seeks to eliminate discrimination by providing equal means of access and usage for all individuals. To achieve this, designs should avoid any features that might segregate users or give the impression of inferior access to anyone. For instance, multi-height counters ensure that both seated (for wheelchair users) and standing individuals can comfortably access services.

Consider a restaurant that has a single entrance for customers, which is equipped with automatic sliding doors. This setup allows everyone, whether they are able-bodied or have mobility impairments, to enter without needing assistance. This can be compared to a sport where players are given the same opportunity to score regardless of their skill level, promoting fair play and inclusion.

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.

This goal focuses on creating designs that can cater to individual preferences and abilities, recognizing that people have different needs. A flexible design gives users various ways to interact with the environment, allowing for personal choice based on comfort and ability. For instance, providing ATM machines that have audio outputs and tactile keypads can help those who may have visual impairments or prefer audio instructions.

Imagine a kitchen with different tools that cater to various cooking styles, such as knives that fit different grips, adjustable cutting boards, and voice-assisted ovens. Just like these tools make cooking accessible for everyone, flexible designs in public spaces ensure that everyone finds a comfortable way to use them.

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.

This goal is about creating an environment where any user can easily understand how to use or navigate through it without confusion. By simplifying processes and using intuitive designs, we help reduce the cognitive load on users, meaning they don’t have to think hard to figure out how to interact with their surroundings. Using universal pictograms on signs is one technique that helps ensure clarity for everyone, no matter their language proficiency.

Think of using a smartphone: features like touch screens and icons make it easy for anyone to understand how to use it, regardless of their technical background. Similarly, a public transit system that provides visual aids and easy-to-understand signs helps even those who are unfamiliar with the area navigate easily.

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 focuses on ensuring that all necessary information is conveyed in an accessible way, no matter the user’s sensory limitations. This includes using a combination of visual, auditory, and tactile methods to ensure that everyone can receive critical information effectively. This approach is particularly important in emergency situations, where clear communication can have life-or-death implications.

Like a restaurant staff using both written menus and verbally describing special dishes to diners, perceptible information ensures that crucial messages are communicated through multiple channels. For those at a crosswalk, the combination of sound and visual signals ensures that everyone knows when it’s safe to cross.

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.

This goal is about mitigating risk in environments that could lead to accidents or injuries. By incorporating design features that make environments safer, we allow users to make mistakes without severe consequences. This includes adding features such as non-slip flooring in bathrooms and proper railings on walkways, which can prevent someone from falling or getting injured.

Imagine walking in a park where the paths are made of materials that prevent slipping. Just like this, environments designed with safety in mind help ensure users can move about freely, even if they lose their balance or are distracted.

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.

Designs that require less physical effort make it easier for everyone to use facilities without straining themselves. This includes making products and environments that prevent fatigue by reducing the force needed or minimizing repetitive movements. Facilities like push-button elevators and motion sensor faucets exemplify this goal very well.

Think of using a door with a lever handle versus a traditional round knob. The lever is easy to operate with a simple push, much like how a microwave can be used without constantly pressing buttons. This ease of use allows more people to access and navigate spaces comfortably.

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.

This design goal emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all users can comfortably interact with elements in the environment, regardless of their physical size or abilities. Providing adequate space ensures that those who use mobility aids or require assistance can navigate through these environments with ease. The goal is to make sure clear sightlines and accessibility are maintained for everyone, from standing individuals to those in wheelchairs.

Imagine shopping in a store where the aisles are wide enough for two carts to pass side by side. This design consideration allows everyone, including people with disabilities or those pushing strollers, to move around easily—just like a well-designed busy street can accommodate all types of pedestrians and vehicles.

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