Universal Design: Integrating Innovative Products and Spatial Design

By combining the benefits of aluminum, vinyl, and wood windows, fiberglass composites provide aesthetics and longevity for any environmental condition.

Mark R. Johnson, FAIA

Two decades ago, architect Ronald Mace, FAIA, coined the term "universal design" calling for the design of products and the built environment to be usable by all people, in the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. At that time, Mace was particularly responding to the lack of adequate barrier-free architecture to meet the needs of the physically handicapped. Yet, even then, Mace had a much broader application in mind-that all spaces, features, and aspects of all things should be designed to be usable by and marketable to people of all ages and abilities.

Today, universal design is making its way into the collective consciousness, spurred on by the needs of an aging population. Often referred to as "lifespan" design, the new focus is to provide a product-be it a home or an appliance-that recognizes, respects, values and attempts to accommodate the broadest possible spectrum of human ability.

Builders have responded to this trend by incorporating wide doorways and stacked closets into new homes that can be converted into an elevator, as well as locating the master bedroom suite on the main floor. Appliance manufacturers are also addressing the universal needs of product users. Usability and functionality rank high on consumers' wish lists. As sophisticated technology infuses product design, manufacturers find they must be even more aware of the human interchange with the product, and strive to make the operation comfortable both ergonomically and cognitively.

The front controls of the pictured cooktop paired with an accessible installation create a great solution in universal design.

The emerging trend of "aging in place" will continue to have a huge impact on life-style considerations. A survey by the American Association for Retired Persons in 2000 suggested that 72 percent of the population aged 45 and over want to remain in their own home as they grow older. More and more attention is being paid to a person's physical and psychological changes and how that interfaces with one's environment. It's easy to see why universal design is catching on. Mace was adamant in emphasizing the need to simplify. He wrote, "The design of products and the environment should be usable by all people in the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design." The idea is to integrate accessibility into product design, to make it invisible, to strive for quality aesthetics.

From Accessibility to Universal Design

It's estimated that nearly 50 million people in the United States have at least one disability that affects their everyday life. Is there a civil right for a barrier-free environment in this country? Yes, Congress thinks so, and in 1990 adopted the American Disabilities Act, which is the first truly anti-discrimination act against persons with disabilities in this country. However, Barrier-free activists had made great inroads three decades earlier with the publication by the American National Standards Institute of the first codes and standards: A117.1-Making Buildings and Facilities Accessible to and Usable by People with Disabilities. It stated that for a building to comply and be usable, it had to have "a reasonable number but always at least one" of the features it described, i.e., one accessible door, one accessible toilet room, etc. A117.1 provided some relief for handicapped persons however, it was just a minimal beginning effort in that most of the regulations and codes that adopted the standard have never mandated truly accessible or barrier-free building and facilities, but rather only parts and pieces of buildings were required to be accessible.

Under A117.1 only certain building types are required to comply-just government owned buildings or federally funded projects. Subsequent standards included minimum specifications for accessible features in houses such as kitchen sinks, bathtubs, toilets, etc. However, these specifications were adopted and mandated in most localities only for applications in multifamily housing programs, such as publicly or managed apartment buildings.

Easy to actuate forward facing glass-touch controls with placement of function that is similar from appliance to appliance in the kitchen address ergonomics, readibility, and congitive usability in the kitchen space.

Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 mandated that 5 percent of the apartments must be wheelchair accessible in programs receiving federal financial assistance. An additional 2 percent had to be equipped for visually impaired and blind residents and another 2 percent for hard-of-hearing and deaf tenants. Therefore, the 1973 legislation only affected selected features in a small number of rental apartment in publicly assisted housing projects.

The Fair Housing Amendments Act (THAA) of 1988 established a special and different accessibility standard for rental multifamily housing, which mandates a lower level of accessibility but covers a great number of apartments, including all units on ground floors and all units on floors served by elevators. The minimum level of accessibility provided is an improvement over many conventional and inaccessible apartments, but it is not sufficient for many people with disabilities and is far from being barrier-free or accessible.

At a better, more viewable height, bright displays and glass-touch controls address issues of ergonomics, readability, and cognitive usability in the laundry environment.

In 1990 Congress passed the American Disabilities Act that guaranteed for people with disabilities equal opportunity in accommodations, commercial facilities, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. ADA Guidelines set rules for public buildings, but only pertain to government-funded housing.

Throughout this time, accessible design came to be identified with the use of physical devices-expensive assistive technology devices, durable medical equipment, stainless steel and chrome and awkward features such as ramps that gave houses a clinical look. Builders, owners, and the public resisted the inclusion of "barrier-free" or accessibility features as the aesthetics were usually undesirable and seemed to decrease marketability. Accessibility was more of a burden than a challenge.

Ronald Mace and his Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University worked hard to dispel this notion. He and other proponents of universal design advocated good aesthetics-finding solutions that are "invisible." The solution: use color, scale, texture, line, and light to create spaces that have harmony, balance, and proportion. The theory was that universal design is not a new science, style, or unique in any way. It requires only an awareness of need and market and a common sense approach to making everything that is designed and produced usable by everyone to the greatest extent possible. This might involve only slight changes in simple things-the shape of an element, its placement or size, the force necessary to operate it, or the way in which the user must interact with the item.

Provide Options for All People

The idea for universal design in housing grew out of the recognition that, because most of the features needed by people with disability are useful to others, there is justification to make their inclusion common practice. Examples include: raising electrical receptacles to 15 inches or 18 inches above the floor eliminates the need to bend over as far and makes it easier for everyone. Mobility is much easier in houses with stepless entrances and wider door and hallways.

Some universal design features create experiences many people have not had before. For example, when well-designed bathrooms with extra floor space to accommodate users of mobility aids are perceived as luxurious, and people revel in their now-found ability to have furniture in the bathroom. A chair, bookcase, towel rack, or étagère can give bathrooms a marketable elegance and utility and can be removed if the space is ever needed to accommodate a disabled family member of friend.

Drawer dishwashers are a good option for universal design by mounting the unit higher in a pull-out configuration.

In housing, homeowners and builders began to recognize the universal design features that would support them into the future without taking away from the home's appearance, some of which we mentioned above:

• Wide doors
• Stacked closets that can be converted into an elevator
• Kitchen with many easy-to-reach amenities, such as undercounter dishwashers and refrigerator drawers
• Main floor bedroom suite

Incorporating universal design into the kitchen includes not only the location of appliances but their ease of operation as well. A simple change in the design of an appliance can make a big different in accessibility. For example, a wall oven that opens on the side instead of the top makes it easier for a person in a wheelchair to reach inside the oven. Appliance manufacturers are rethinking everything from the size of knobs to the shape of a door handle in order to make appliances more user-friendly. Appliance manufacturers are combining a sense research-based ergonomics with ease-of-use features, to create products that are convenient for everyone.

For increased visibility, some of the new features include:

• Larger-print labels on appliances
• Large-print owner's manuals
• Light-colored ranges with contrasting dark cast-iron elements to help those with limited vision
• Dryers with audible lint chime when it's time to clean the filter
• Side-swing doors on wall ovens and microwaves that provide easier and safer access
• Refrigerators that allow people in wheelchairs or individuals under five feet easier access to both frozen and refrigerated food
• Adjustable slide-out refrigerator shelving that can be set at more convenient heights

It's important to note that advocates maintain that universal design is a set of principles, not a standard or code, and that it goes far beyond the minimum specifications and limitations of legislated mandates for accessible and barrier-free facilities. Think of it this way. Codes and standards tell you what you must you. Universal design concepts open up the world of opportunity to what you can do.

The Seven Principles of Universal Design

Led by the Center for Universal Design, a group of architects, designers, engineers, and design researchers established these seven principles. These principles they suggest, are applicable to a wide range of design disciplines, including architecture, interior design, and industrial design. They can be used to evaluate existing products, guide the design process, or educate designers and consumers about the need for universal design.

Some undercounter beverage centers not only allow accessibility with storage below the counter surface, but also have a glass front to enable the user to see the contents before having to open the unit.

A full explanation of the seven principles listed below is found in the article of this title on Architectural Record Continuing Education web site. You will also find a method in which to use these seven principles to evaluate the universality of a design.

The seven principles of universal design are:

1. Equitable Use:The design does not disadvantage or stigmatize any group of users.
2. Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
3. Simple, Intuitive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
4. Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or user's sensory abilities.
5. Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
6. Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably, and with a minimum of fatigue.
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility.

These goals should be reached to the greatest extent possible by simplifying design at minimal extra cost. Universal features are generally standard building products or features that have been placed differently, selected carefully, or omitted. Consider the following:

• Accessible route from vehicle drop off or parking
• Covered entryway
• Package shelf or bench to hold parcels, groceries, etc.
• Lever door handles
• Electrical receptacles at 18-inch maximum height

(For a more complete list see the corresponding article on the Architectural Continuing Education web site.)

Modular work surfaces and storage pedestals can elevate a front-loading washer and dryer, eliminating uncomfortable bending as well as creating a sorting/folding area.

Universal design is closely associated with human-factors design, although the latter is considered a more rigorous design process. The focus here is on human behavior and human interaction with space, with regard to aesthetics (including color and texture), form, scale, proportion, function, daylight, equipment, and furnishings. Also of importance in human-factors design is establishing a sense of ownership, community, presence, comfort, security, performance, and privacy. In the end, the product is designed "for the user" rather than "forcing" the user to accommodate the design. It's interesting to note that human-factors design is modeled after the process used by the U.S. military in designing its products and facilities. It is a rigorous step-by-step formula.

Perhaps more closely aligned with universal design, particularly in regards to product design, is ergonomics. Generally, ergonomics has come to mean "making something easier and less stressful to use." It is, however much more than that-a well-defined scientific discipline with broad applications and implications in the work environment, product design, and architecture. The uniting element is the assessment of the physical, psychological, and social needs of human beings in all design projects.

It's not hard to see the relationship with universal design. Industrial designers, in particular, see ergonomics as a major part of universal design. Again, product design, like architecture, has no legal requirements for accessibility, but industrial designers do recognize the market need and opportunity to focus on the preferences of users. And the changing demographics of the aging population have established a clear call for universal design.

As one industry spokesman suggested there are three primary drivers of universal design in the manufacturing of appliances: ergonomics, visual acuity, and cognitive recognition.

Some laundry pedestals will incorporate a shelf to hold laundry baskets, allowing the user to move clothing articles more easily from washer to dryer while reducing bending.

Ergonomics, as stated above, examines the relationship between man and machine, making changes where possible for healthier and more satisfying work conditions. For instance, the ergonomic chair that improves our posture and reduces stress comes to mind, but ergonomics can be an important consideration when designing door handles and levers or the placement of an oven door or the height of a dishwasher.

Visual acuity, the second factor, addresses the needs of those vision ranges from slight impairment brought on by aging to individuals with severe difficult seeing. Design changes to accommodate them can also be welcomed by those without disabilities. Placement and size of lettering is important as is assess. For example, a dishwasher is available for which the position of the door is perfectly balanced and can be opened to any angle to bring the controls to an optimal viewing position.

A balanced dishwasher door with top-mounted controls can be positioned at any angle for ease of use.

Cognitive recognition can be described as our ability to adapt to new technology. We like the old ways of doing things, and often need help to make a technological leap. For example, a home cooking enthusiast may aspire to be more like a professional chef, which would mean expanding cooking options as much as possible at home. Yet, the instructions for the new convection oven may seem confusing or complicated. In this case, the appliance features an easy convection button that makes the cognitive leap for the consumers so they can bake as they have always done so in the past; a microchip makes the adjustment to convention technology.

The Seven Principles and Appliance Design

Industrial designers are enthusiastic adopters of the concepts of universal design. Why? The field has no standards for accessible design yet industrial designers see the value of focusing on the needs and preferences of users. Designing a user-friendly product is a high priority in home appliances to achieve success as a manufacturer.

Ask yourself if these features promote the Center of Universal Design's seven principles listed above. (For more information see the corresponding article on Architecture Record's Continuing Education web site.) The goal is to address the accessibility of cabinets, countertops, and controls in the kitchen by all people and to the greatest extent possible. This doesn't have to result in increasing costs or unattractive aesthetics but it does require an understanding and consideration of the broad range of human abilities throughout a person's lifespan.

Consider control of the appliance. Issues include:

• Instructions close to user for easy viewing
• Knob shape and size for ease of manipulation
• Electronic interface-intuitive function
• Hardware that is easy-to-use, offering flexibility with little or no strength
• Loop handles pulls on drawers and cabinet doors in lieu of knobs
• Larger, easier-to-read graphics on knobs and elsewhere on appliances
• Advanced preprogramming options for ease of cooking
• Reheating and browning functions using "sensing technology"

Appliance height is also of great significance. Consider:

• A cook top with knee space below, allows someone to use the appliance from a seated position
• A cook top or range with staggered burners and front- or side-mounted controls to eliminate dangerous reaching over hot burners.
• A Dishwasher raised on a pedestal or drawer unit so that the top rack is level with the adjacent counter top
• Front loading washers and dryers positioned side by side for staging laundry

21st Century Appliance Design

Universal design principles have already shaped appliances. Consumers may not be aware of this trend for such improvements may have be considered advances in usability and justified as meeting consumer demands though not explicitly promoted.

When specifying appliances, consider the following-you will be familiar with some features; others will be on the market soon.

The Kitchen

Ovens

• Side-opening ovens for easy access
• Easy-to-read and to use time and temperature displays
• Increased glass viewing area and lighting for with better visibility
• Racks that easily pull out on ball-bearing extensions
• Oven racks with edges ergonomically designed to fit an oven mitt

Cook tops

• Stagger burners, cool, or automatic shut-off burners
• Smooth electric cook tops
• Front or side-mounted controls
• Cook tops of a variable surface height
• Open knee space below cook tops or sinks to increase accessibility

Dishwasher

• Front-mounted controls
• Raised control buttons
• Dishwasher installed on raised platform
• Under-the-counter or drawer dishwasher
• Full-extension racks
• Smaller-capacity, top-loading dishwasher installed into the counter surface
• Door with flexible positioning
• Height adjustable components

Microwaves

• Controls that require minimal programming
• Controls detectable by touch and require minimal finger use
• New appliances that combine multiple technologies, like microwave and convection, to streamline and simplify the cooking process.

Refrigerators

• Under-the-counter or drawer-type refrigerators help place food items within easy reach
• Clear, pull-out shelves, drawers, and tilt-out door bins allow easy viewing of content and bring hard-to-reach items closer to the user
• Full-height handles on refrigerator doors

Laundry Care

Washers and Dryers

• Front loading
• Pedestals-10-inch, 13-inch, and 15-inch tall
• New 15-inch tall can store large bottle or boxed detergent
• 10-inch-good for wheelchair access or short individual

The Future and Consumer Preferences

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, 38 percent of consumers are consideration universal design elements for their homes. We're looking at an aging population and with it even more demands for a user-free environment. No doubt universal design solutions in housing and appliances will continue to grow-and because they are meant to be "invisible"-we may not even know it is happening.

Interest in universal design will grow in the future. Look first at the statistics: In 2004, 63 million Americans were 55 years or older. Between now and 2012, another 3.4 million will reach that age bracket each year. These consumers are already expressing an interest in "aging in place." The National Kitchen and Bath Association reports that 30 percent of consumers are considering universal design elements for their home. And log onto the Internet and you'll find an array of organizations promoting the housing, and health, benefits of aging in place. There are universal design demonstration homes. The National Association of Home Buildings teaches the technical, management, and customer service skills required in universal design applications.

A new slide-out shelf allows ease-of-use for unloading the top-mounted dryer.

As mentioned in this article universal design is not a science. It requires only an awareness of need and market and a common sense approach to making everything that is designed and produced usable by everyone to the greatest extent possible. As such, there are no "rules" per se, for universal design, just principles and tips that can guide you in your pursuit. Therefore, the following are meant as just that: guidelines for exploration, discussions, and revision.

First, though, consider universal design in relationship to current kitchen design trends and you will discover that some of the new "advances" are, maybe unwittingly, incorporating universal design principles. Once a strictly utilitarian space meant for preparing meals, the kitchen is now the hub of the home, where the family gathers in the evenings to share meals, do homework, and entertain friends. There has been a shift in emphasis from the classic triangle to work zones, and the room's overall size has expanded significantly. Kitchens are seen as more unique, personal spaces, and not necessarily cookie-cutter versions. There is often the need to make the kitchen accessible and multigenerational.

And this is being accomplished in accordance with the golden rule of universal design- to find solutions that are "invisible." The solutions use color, scale, texture, line and light to create spaces that have harmony, balance and proportion.

Consider the following, the flexibility of kitchen zones designed for a variety of activities allows the incorporation of different design elements-counter tops of varying heights, the use of different sized appliances, concentrated lighting. Think of a prep area with a small sink, cutting board, and microwave oven. This zone can and may be easily accessible to someone in a wheelchair, or someone with another disability. Wall cabinets are being sacrificed for open space, which leads to more horizontal cabinets that may come with doors that lift up awning-style. And those counter tops of varying heights can double as desktops or a lower counter surface on which to knead bread.

Appliance manufacturers, too, are keen to the aging population. The manufacturers aim to meet consumers needs, making their products easier to use and more efficient. Industrial designers, in particular, see ergonomics as a more part of universal design. What is a less stressful way to pull out an oven rack? Does a warming drawer actually provide more functionality to a kitchen? How tall should a washing machine's pedestals be?

An in-depth examination of the following principles of universal design, design tips, appliance usability features, and design features in housing can lead to a greater understanding and application of these ideas.

Seven Principles of Universal Design

Developed by Ronald Mace and the Center for Universal Design, North Carolina State University

1.Equitable Use: In order to achieve equitable use, the design should be useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. The design should provide the same means of use for all individuals (identical whenever possible, equivalent when not), without segregating or stigmatizing any users. The design should also be appealing to all, with the same provisions for privacy, security, and safety equally available to everyone.

2. Flexibility in Use: To achieve flexibility in use, the design should accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. Users should be provided with choice in method of use and design should accommodate right- or left-handed access and usability (e.g. right- versus left-handed scissors). In addition, the design should facilitate the user's accuracy and precision, and provide adaptability to the user's ability and pace.

3.Simple, Intuitive Use: Designs that offer simple and intuitive use should be easy to understand, regardless of the individual's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current level of concentration. The use of the design should be consistent with the user's expectations and intuition, and information should be arranged in a manner consistent with its importance. Unnecessary complexity should be eliminated wherever possible.

4.Perceptible Information: Designs should effectively communicate the necessary information to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities. It is important to incorporate different modes of communication (pictorial, verbal, tactile) to provide redundant presentation of essential information. The legibility of essential information should be maximized by providing adequate contrast between the information and its surroundings.

Laundry-pair pedestals with incorporated shelving units reduce bending and stooping when transferring laundry from washer to dryer and ultimately to the basket for removal from the laundry area.

5.Tolerance for Error: To provide tolerance for error, designs should minimize the hazards and adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. Elements should be arranged to minimize hazards and errors. The most used elements should be the most accessible, while potentially hazardous elements should be shielded, isolated, or eliminated. Designs should provide warnings of hazards and errors, as well as fail safe features.

6.Low Physical Effort: Designs that require low physical effort must be able to be used efficiently and comfortably by all users, with a minimum of fatigue. It is important for the design to allow the individuals to maintain a neutral body position and that the design should be able to function with reasonable operating forces. The need for the user to undertake repetitive actions or exert a sustained physical effort should be minimized.

7.Size and Space for Approach and Use: Designs should provide appropriate size and space for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the individual's body size, posture, or mobility. Both seated and standing users should be able to comfortably reach all components of the design, with a clear line of sight to any important elements. The design should accommodate variations in hand and grip size and provide adequate space for the use of assistive devices, such as wheelchairs and walkers, or personal assistance.

Fourteen Universal Design Tips

Following are some basic ways to include universal design in a project. What others can you add to the list?

Install wide doorways and hallways.
Use pocket doors when possible.
Use lever−style door and faucet handles in place of round knobs.
Install good task lighting
Include differing levels of countertops.
Use contrasting colors to define the edge of a countertop.
Choose flooring and countertops in contrasting colors.
Specify appliances with contrasting labels/knobs.
Make sure knee clearances have a minimum width of 30 inches, but 36 inches is ideal Clearance should also be 27 inches high and 19 inches deep.
Toe kick clearance should be 9 inches high and 6 inches deep.
Include a rolling cart in the kitchen.
Choose cabinets with pullout shelves.
Provide seating so cooks can sit while preparing meals.

The hanging rack on the vertical pedestal system increases usability by adding temporary hanging space at a convenient height.

Appliance Usability Universal Design Features

Universal design features currently found in appliances.

Dishwasher

• Front-mounted controls facilitate easy reach
• Raised control buttons are detectable by touch
• Controls require low push force and minimum sustained effort
• Controls with high contrast graphics
• Minimal programming required (one button start)
• Controls accommodate right- or left-handed access and use
• Control functions arranged according to importance
• Dishwasher can be installed on a raised platform
• Full-extension upper rack for easy access
• Height adjustable upper rack
• Easy access to in-the-door silverware basket

Oven

• Glass tap-touch over controls for improved cleanability
• High contrast graphics on console for improved visibility and legibility
• Multiple lights in oven and larger glass area in oven door for added visibility

Cook tops

• Ceran graphic layout minimizes staining potential of cook top for ease of maintenance
• Gas cook top grate design maximizes pan stability for small cookware

Microwave

• Glass tap-touch controls are seamless integrated with oven window to maximize cleanability
• Intuitive menu system
• Clearly grouped controls-vent fan and light buttons for the cook top are separated from the microwave control
• Basic and advanced programming modes to fit both novice and expert users

Side-by-side Refrigerator

• Advanced water/ice dispenser
• Controls grouped according to their functionality (water, ice)
• Icons provided as redundant to text
• Tactile, visual and auditory feedback for button press
• Basic and advanced features separated on the dispenser graphics
• The push force for paddle activation accommodates children and elderly users
• Dispenser height accessible for children, elderly users and for wheelchair users

Universal Design Features in Housing
The Center for Universal Design
North Carolina State University
College of Design
Raleigh, N.C.

General Interior
5 lb. maximum force to open doors
32-inch minimum clear door opening width
18-inch minimum space at latch side of door
Flush threshold (maximum of 1/2−inch rise)
Lever door handles
Adjustable height closet rods and shelves
Accessible route (42-inch minimum) throughout
Light switches at 44/48-inch maximum height
Electrical receptacles at 18-inch maximum height
View windows at 36-inch maximum sill height
Crank operated (casement) windows
Loop handle pulls on drawers and cabinets
High contrast, glare free floor surfaces and trim
5 x 5 foot maneuvering space in all rooms

Kitchens
Knee space under sink and near cook top
Lever type faucets
Variable height work surfaces 28 inch− 45 inch
Contrasting border treatment on countertops
Stretches of continuous counter for sliding heavy objects
Full-extension pull-out drawers
Pull-out shelves in base cabinets
Adjustable height shelves in wall cabinets
Full height pantry cabinets for up and down storage
30 X 48 inch area of approach in all appliances
Front-mounted controls on appliances
Cook tops with staggered burners to eliminate dangerous reaching
Glare-free task lighting

 

 

Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $19 billion, more than 80,000 employees, and more than 60 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. The company markets Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Brastemp, Bauknecht and other major brand names to consumers in nearly every country around the world. Additional product information and services for architects can be found atwww.insideadvantage.com.