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