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As defined by the Adaptive Environments Center, Inc. Boston, Massachusetts
Universal design is a worldwide movement based on the concept that all products, environments and communications should be designed to consider the needs of the widest possible array of users. It is also known around the world as design for all, inclusive design, lifespan design. Universal design is a way of thinking about design that is based on the following premises:
- Varying ability is not a special condition of the few but a common characteristic of being human and we change physically and intellectually throughout our lives;
- If a design works well for people with disabilities, it works better for everyone;
- At any point in our lives, personal self-esteem, identity, and well-being are deeply affected by our ability to function in our physical surroundings with a sense of comfort, independence and control. (Leslie Kanes Weisman, April 1999)
- Usability and aesthetics are mutually compatible.
Universal design asks from the outset how to make the design work beautifully and seamlessly for as many people as possible. It seeks to consider the breadth of human diversity across the life span to create design solutions that work for all users.
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