The Concept of Universal Design

Summary: Universal design is the "design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design" (Connell, et al, 1997). The aging population, permanently or temporarily disabled, larger and smaller people, expectant mothers, and children and teenagers all have their own unique demands that need to be considered when designing products or environments. So how can we be inclusive of all people, including those outside the confines of a normal, healthy adult, in our ergonomic approach? The answer is universal design.

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