Professional Courses
Industry-relevant training in Business, Technology, and Design to help professionals and graduates upskill for real-world careers.
Categories
Interactive Games
Fun, engaging games to boost memory, math fluency, typing speed, and English skills—perfect for learners of all ages.
Typing
Memory
Math
English Adventures
Knowledge
Enroll to start learning
You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Equitable Use
Unlock Audio Lesson
Let's start with the principle of Equitable Use. This means that our designs must be useful to a wide variety of users without creating barriers.
So, does that mean we should avoid designs that might separate people based on their abilities?
Exactly! We want to provide the same means of use for everyone, ensuring privacy and security are accessible to all.
Can you give an example of this in civil engineering?
Sure! Automatic doors allow access for everyone, removing the stigma of needing assistance. It’s all about seamless entry.
What about those digital signals you mentioned?
Great question! Digital pedestrian signals with audio and visual features benefit both visually impaired and hearing-impaired users.
That’s really thoughtful! Makes it easier for everyone!
To summarize, equitable design ensures no user feels segregated and that everyone's needs are met through thoughtful architecture.
Flexibility in Use
Unlock Audio Lesson
Next, let’s focus on Flexibility in Use. This principle is about providing a variety of options to accommodate different individual preferences and abilities.
How do we implement flexibility in practical designs?
Good question! You could design ATM machines with tactile keypads and audio outputs for various users.
What about other examples?
You can also provide adjustable lighting in public spaces for individuals with different levels of visual sensitivity.
So it’s really about making things personal to how each user functions?
Exactly! Flexibility enhances user accuracy and comfort.
Can we repeat the memory aid for this principle?
Certainly! Remember: 'Flexibility Feeds Functionality' – this helps recall the essence of accommodating all ability levels.
Simple and Intuitive Use
Unlock Audio Lesson
Now, let’s discuss Simple and Intuitive Use. It emphasizes that designs should be easy to understand, regardless of the user’s skills.
How do we ensure something is intuitive?
We need to eliminate unnecessary complexity and align with user expectations.
Do pictograms play a role in this?
Absolutely! Pictograms provide universal messages, helping someone with language barriers.
Does it include feedback?
Yes! Providing feedback, like LED cues on pedestrian buttons, makes instructions clear.
Can we summarize this?
Certainly! Remember, 'Keep It Simple' — design should be user-friendly and clear.
Perceptible Information
Unlock Audio Lesson
The next principle is Perceptible Information, where communication of necessary information needs to be effective.
What if someone can’t see or hear? How can we communicate?
Good point! We present information in multiple modes: pictorial, verbal, tactile.
Is contrast important here?
Very! Adequate contrast makes essential information legible and easy to follow.
So, design needs to cater to all senses?
Exactly! Differentiation of elements supports effective communication.
Any MBTI for this one?
Certainly! Think: 'Perception Creates Clarity' — always remember the need for clear communication.
Tolerance for Error
Unlock Audio Lesson
Finally, let’s discuss Tolerance for Error. This principle aims to minimize hazards from unintended actions.
What kind of hazards are we talking about?
We focus on arranging elements to minimize risks, like having railings to prevent falls.
And warnings for hazards?
Exactly! Warning signs and fail-safe features are essential.
Can you give a practical example?
Non-slip surfaces in wet areas increase safety for everyone.
Summarize this principle?
Remember 'Errors Make Wiser' — design to support safety and prevent mistakes.
Introduction & Overview
Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.
Quick Overview
Standard
This section discusses the 7 Principles of Universal Design, which focus on achieving inclusivity in design by ensuring equitable use, flexibility, simplicity, perceptible information, error tolerance, low physical effort, and accommodating diverse body sizes and spaces.
Detailed
Design Goals
Universal Design is founded on principles aimed at creating environments accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. This section elaborates on the 7 Principles of Universal Design developed by Ronald Mace, guiding designers in crafting products and environments beneficial to all users. The principles are:
- Equitable Use: Design should be useful for all users without stigmatization and ensure equal safety and security.
- Flexibility in Use: Accommodating various preferences and abilities improves user experience.
- Simple and Intuitive Use: Designs must be easy to understand, reducing complexity.
- Perceptible Information: Effective communication of necessary information through various formats ensures accessibility.
- Tolerance for Error: Design should minimize hazards and unintended outcomes while promoting safety.
- Low Physical Effort: Efficient designs should require minimal user exertion, maintaining comfort and reducing fatigue.
- Size and Space for Approach and Use: Sufficient space must be provided for interaction, regardless of user characteristics
These principles are significant in civil engineering, enhancing the quality of life and facilitating inclusivity in public and private spaces.
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Equitable Use
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
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.
Detailed Explanation
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.
Examples & Analogies
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.
Flexibility in Use
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
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.
Detailed Explanation
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.
Examples & Analogies
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.
Simple and Intuitive Use
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
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.
Detailed Explanation
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.
Examples & Analogies
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.
Perceptible Information
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
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.
Detailed Explanation
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.
Examples & Analogies
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.
Tolerance for Error
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
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.
Detailed Explanation
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.
Examples & Analogies
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.
Low Physical Effort
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
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.
Detailed Explanation
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.
Examples & Analogies
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.
Size and Space for Approach and Use
Unlock Audio Book
Signup and Enroll to the course for listening the Audio Book
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.
Detailed Explanation
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.
Examples & Analogies
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.
Definitions & Key Concepts
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
-
Equitable Use: Ensures inclusivity by providing equal means for all users.
-
Flexibility in Use: Allows multiple ways to engage and use a design.
-
Simple and Intuitive Use: Aims for designs that are easy to understand and operate.
-
Perceptible Information: Communicates necessary information effectively to any user.
-
Tolerance for Error: Designs must minimize risks from accidental user errors.
-
Low Physical Effort: Efficient designs that minimize user fatigue.
-
Size and Space: Ensures comfortable interaction for all users.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
Examples
-
Automatic doors enabling access for everyone.
-
ATM machines with diverse features for various users.
-
Pictograms on signage that convey universal messages.
-
Emergency evacuation signals with audio and visual cues.
Memory Aids
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
🎵 Rhymes Time
-
For spaces that everyone can embrace, use designs that leave no trace of exclusion in any place.
📖 Fascinating Stories
-
Imagine a park designed for all where children play and the elderly can stroll without barriers in any hall.
🧠 Other Memory Gems
-
Remember the acronym EFSPLS for Equitable, Flexible, Simple, Perceptible, Low effort, and Size considerations.
🎯 Super Acronyms
EFSPLS - Each principle of Universal Design serves all users with equitable focus.
Flash Cards
Review key concepts with flashcards.
Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
-
Term: Universal Design
Definition:
A design framework that creates environments usable by all people without the need for adaptation.
-
Term: Equitable Use
Definition:
Design that is useful and marketed to people with diverse abilities.
-
Term: Flexibility in Use
Definition:
Accommodations that provide multiple methods of use for varying individual preferences.
-
Term: Simple and Intuitive Use
Definition:
Design that is easy to understand, regardless of user experience or skill level.
-
Term: Perceptible Information
Definition:
The design communicates necessary information effectively to users with varying sensory abilities.
-
Term: Tolerance for Error
Definition:
Design that minimizes hazards and negative outcomes from user actions.
-
Term: Low Physical Effort
Definition:
Design requiring minimal exertion for efficient and comfortable use.
-
Term: Size and Space for Approach and Use
Definition:
Providing adequate space for all user types for reaching and using components comfortably.