8.2.1 - Equitable Use
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Concept of Equitable Use
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Today, class, we're diving into the concept of Equitable Use. Can anyone tell me what they think it means?
I think it means designing things that everyone can use equally?
Exactly! Equitable Use is about creating environments and products that are usable by everyone, no matter their abilities. It ensures that we avoid any design that would segregate or stigmatize any user group.
Can you give an example of that?
Sure! Think about an automatic sliding door. It serves everyone without a designated wheelchair entrance. That's a great illustration of Equitable Use!
Why is that important?
It’s crucial because it reflects fairness and helps everyone feel included regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. We want every user to have a dignified experience.
So, remember: equitable use means equal opportunities for all users!
Key Features of Equitable Use
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Now let's explore the key features of Equitable Use. Can anyone list them?
Same means of use for all users?
Right! One key feature is that we provide the same means of use for everyone. What’s another?
Avoiding segregation?
Exactly! It’s important not to segregate or stigmatize any users. Last one?
Equitable provisions for privacy and safety?
Spot on! Everyone should have equal access to privacy, security, and safety features. Let's remember the acronym E-A-S for Equitable Use: Everyone Accessible, Same experience. Any questions on features?
Importance of Equitable Use
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Why do you think Equitable Use is essential in our designs today?
Maybe because it helps everyone feel included?
Absolutely! Inclusion is one major reason. What else?
It likely also prevents discrimination against users with disabilities.
Exactly! By ensuring everyone has access, we promote fairness in society and good design practices.
How does this relate to the larger idea of Universal Design?
Great question! Equitable Use is one of the foundational principles of Universal Design. Each principle interconnects to create a comprehensive design strategy that values equity and inclusivity.
Remember the importance of Equitable Use: it not only enhances usability but also promotes dignity and respect for all users.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
This section highlights Equitable Use as one of the key principles of Universal Design, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity by providing the same means of use for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. It discusses key features, such as ensuring privacy, security, and safety provisions are equally available and illustrates these points with practical examples.
Detailed
Equitable Use
Equitable Use is a fundamental principle of Universal Design (UD), which seeks to ensure that design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. This principle emphasizes inclusivity by advocating for environments that accommodate individuals regardless of ability, ensuring that no group is segregated or stigmatized.
Key features of Equitable Use include:
- Same Means of Use: All users should have access to the same means of use without barriers.
- Non-stigmatizing Approaches: Facilities should avoid segregating users or creating stigmas associated with certain designs.
- Equitable Provisions: Essential elements like privacy, security, and safety must be equally accessible to everyone.
An example illustrating Equitable Use is an automatic sliding door at a building entrance, which allows all individuals, including those in wheelchairs, to enter without the need for a designated door for wheelchair users. This principle not only enhances usability but also enforces the core UD philosophy of equity and inclusiveness in design.
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Definition of Equitable Use
Chapter 1 of 3
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Chapter Content
The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
Detailed Explanation
Equitable use means that a design should be beneficial and accessible for everyone, regardless of their abilities. This focuses on usability by a wide range of people, ensuring no specific group is put at a disadvantage by the design. For instance, designing a public transport system should consider people who can walk, those who use wheelchairs, and even those with visual impairments.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a well-designed public transportation system like a shopping mall where everyone can enter without feeling excluded. The automatic doors or ramps are like elevators in a mall, allowing everyone to freely access shops and services. Just as a mall wants all shoppers to feel welcome, equitable use in design ensures that every person, regardless of ability, can benefit from the environment.
Key Features of Equitable Use
Chapter 2 of 3
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Chapter Content
• Provides the same means of use for all users.
• Avoids segregating or stigmatizing any users.
• Provisions for privacy, security, and safety are equally available to all.
Detailed Explanation
The key features of equitable use encompass several aspects. First, the design must provide the same usability to everyone so that no one feels left out. Second, it avoids creating separate facilities for different users that can lead to stigma or segregation. Lastly, it ensures that all users have equal access to critical aspects like privacy, security, and safety, which should be designed uniformly for everyone.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a public restroom design where there is a single set of accessible stalls that looks the same as the other stalls, rather than having a separate 'handicapped' stall that feels different or stigmatizing. This is like a well-designed park where all play equipment can be enjoyed by any child, whether they use a wheelchair or not, promoting a sense of equality and inclusivity.
Example of Equitable Use
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Chapter Content
Example: A building entrance with an automatic sliding door that serves everyone equally, without a separate door for wheelchair users.
Detailed Explanation
This example emphasizes the importance of universal design principles by illustrating how a singular automatic sliding door can provide access to everyone, including those using wheelchairs, parents with strollers, and individuals who may have difficulty pushing or pulling standard doors. By avoiding a separate entrance for those with wheelchair access, the design promotes dignity and ease of use for all users.
Examples & Analogies
Think of an automatic sliding door at a grocery store that opens up when someone approaches. Just as this door enables anyone — whether holding groceries, pushing a stroller, or using a wheelchair — to enter seamlessly without additional help, equitable design encourages independence and accessibility for various abilities, making chores and outings easier for everyone.
Key Concepts
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Equitable Use: Design should be usable by everyone without segregation.
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Inclusivity: Environments must be welcoming to all, regardless of abilities.
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Privacy and Safety: Provisions for privacy and security must be equitable.
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Dignified Access: All users should experience dignity in the design.
Examples & Applications
An automatic sliding door at entrances that serves all individuals equally.
Public restrooms designed to ensure equal accessibility for people with disabilities and non-disabled individuals.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Use together, not apart, / Design with an inclusive heart.
Stories
Imagine a town where all doors open wide for everyone, where no one feels left out because every path is open and free.
Memory Tools
E-A-S: Equitable access for All Users.
Acronyms
EQUITY
Everyone’s Quality Use In Today’s Yonder.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Equitable Use
The principle that design should be useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities, ensuring the same means of use for all users without segregating any.
- Universal Design (UD)
An approach to design that aims to make environments, products, and systems usable to everyone, regardless of age, disability, or other factors.
- Segregation
The act of separating individuals or groups from a larger group, which can lead to stigmatization and exclusion.
- Inclusion
The practice of ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have equal access to spaces, services, and opportunities.
- Dignified Experience
The experience provided to individuals that respects their dignity and rights, allowing them to participate fully without barriers.
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