Universal Design

Today many developer have take universal design scheme as their scope in the development of any kind of project..

Why they do?? its it just for money?? or it is an act?? or they develop in this way to gain any achievement??

There are many questions in my mind when my this title appears in my mind. However I will try my best to answer in this entry as to share my knowledge to all of you as the readers. Knowledge is for everyone...

I would like to start by definition of the universal design.

What is the universal design??  It that same as the Universal Studio Singapore??? The answer is absolutely not.. but is the Universal Studio development take in consider the universal design???

source: http://worldstotrek.wordpress.com, (2011)

Universal Design is defined as the concept designing products and the built environment to be aesthetic and usable by all people, to be greatest extent possible, regardless of their age, ability or status in life without the need for adaption or specialized design (Ron Mace, FAIA)

In the simple word, universal design is the design that can be used by all type of human being. 

To make is more clear... i will explain using this picture...

  

Picture 1
Source: www.google.com

Picture 2
Source: www.google.com

Picture 1 is not a have universal design.. Picture 2 have built with the concept of universal design.. This is because picture 1 can only be used by the people walk by their legs but picture 2 allow people walk and use the other alternatives of move like using the wheel chair. This criteria is one of the universal design criteria.

There are 7 principles in universal design.

1) Equitable in use

    - Design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.

2) Flexible in use

    - Design make has choice

3) Simple and Intuitive use

    - Use of the design is easy to understand 

4) Perceptible information

    - Design communicates necessary information effectively

5) Tolerance of Error

    - Design minimize hazards and adverse consequences of accidents

6) Low Physical Effort

    - Design can be use efficiently and comfortable

7) Size and Shape for Approach and Use 

    - Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation and use.

There is an act for the universal design that have been implemented in Malaysia.

-By-Law- 34A: Uniform Building by laws (UBBL) ms1183,ms1184.

Therefore, this will answer why developer design their project with taking in consider the universal design concept. Besides that, people are now more educated days by day. they will choose the best choice in their life. the best choice is the choice for the future. Therefore as a designer, they have to ensure that their design must implement the universal design concept to ensure the harmony of the design and to give benefit to all human being.