Universal design is the creation of spaces, products, and environments that are accessible and usable by everyone, regardless of age, ability, or other factors. From a built environment perspective, this means designing spaces, buildings, and infrastructure that are intuitive, safe, and barrier-free.
Universal design strives for one solution that works for all users, minimising adaptations or specialised solutions. Including users from initial conception through final implementation is core to the design process.
By emphasising common human needs, such as clear information or comfortable use, universal design benefits all users. Its seven core principles stress guide designers toward creating inherently accessible environments and products, thereby avoiding the need for after-the-fact modifications.
Universal design applies broadly—from built environments and education to products and technology—facilitating meaningful participation among diverse populations and benefiting all users.
Through universal design, users can participate confidently without requiring special accommodations. Baking accessibility into design reduces reliance on assistive add-ons or alternative product versions. Incorporating universal design principles from the outset is more cost-effective than after-the-fact adjustments, which are expensive, disruptive, and do not meet the standard achieved by considering accessibility during the design phase.
Furthermore, buildings designed with universal design principles will accommodate diverse needs throughout their lifespan, making premature obsolescence less likely. Repurposing existing buildings generates a smaller carbon footprint than new construction, and it is much easier and more affordable to repurpose a building when universal design was considered from the outset.
During the 20th century, several factors increased public awareness of the need for accessibility. Scientific advances extended life expectancy, resulting in more older adults experiencing mobility, vision, and hearing impairments. Medical advancements also increased survival rates from injuries and illnesses, leading to more people living with disabilities.
The Second World War brought these issues to the forefront, as many soldiers returned to the US and UK with disabilities. The 1960s also saw the rise of civil rights movements around the world, which prompted many governments worldwide to introduce equal rights and anti-discrimination laws.
In the 1960s, these factors led to the barrier-free movement in the US, which involved modifying buildings and facilities for physical accessibility. Universal design evolved in the 1970s, born out of the barrier-free design and accessibility movements.
Ron Mace and Universal Design
Ron Mace, an American architect who became a wheelchair user after contracting polio as a child, first coined the term universal design. When studying architecture at North Carolina State University, he could not use all the campus facilities because they were not wheelchair accessible.
After graduation, Mace practiced architecture and advocated for accessible design, championing building standards and codes throughout the US. He began promoting universal design as an inclusive philosophy enabling all people to easily access and use environments without the need for modifications.
Mace later founded the Center for Universal Design at his alma mater, now a leading international resource for research and information on universal design.
Selwyn Goldsmith and Designing for All
Around the same period, Selwyn Goldsmith, an English architect who was partially paralysed after contracting polio at the age of 24, began working with the Royal Institute of British Architects to produce Designing for the Disabled, a manual for creating buildings accessible to people with physical disabilities.
Goldsmith initially focused on barrier-free accessibility for built environments. His most notable contribution was installation of curb cuts/dropped kerbs throughout Norwich. Goldsmith noticed that his design had a positive effect on many users, such as mothers with buggies. This observation led to his interest in universal design.
In his 2007 book Universal Design, he argued that urban designers, architects, and digital designers should see diverse user needs as normal rather than exceptional. He advocated for taking a bottom-up approach to design, prioritising inclusive solutions from the outset as opposed to a top-down approach that retrofitted accessibility features onto a finished design.
The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University developed guidelines for universal design, establishing seven principles.
These intentionally broad principles provide guidance on making a single design universally usable. Each principle also has additional guidelines to help designers apply them effectively across in both physical and digital environments.
With ageing populations and increasingly diverse societies, accessibility has become a mainstream issue.
Because universal design overlaps with general usability best practices, such as simplicity, clear information, intuitive use, etc, it often results in solutions that exemplify good user-friendly design practices and provide universally beneficial outcomes. Designs guided by universal design principles significantly improve experiences for all.
The curb cut effect
Selwyn Goldsmith’s curb cut (dropped kerb) has become an exemplar of universal design. Originally designed for wheelchair users, its features are used and appreciated by larger society. They make pedestrian access safer and more convenient for everyone, including people with buggies, luggage, bikes, and more. Cut curbs are now common in countries around the world.
Every day, people benefit unknowingly from solutions designed with accessibility in mind. Common examples of everyday universal design solutions include:
Ultimately, universal design creates environments and products that benefit everyone, underscoring that accessibility isn’t merely about compliance—it’s about thoughtful, inclusive design for all.