How can you use universal design principles to create inclusive workspaces?

1 Principle 1: Equitable Use

The first principle of universal design is to provide the same means of use for all users, avoiding any segregation, stigmatization, or discrimination. This means that your workspace should offer multiple options and modes of interaction, such as adjustable desks, chairs, and monitors, accessible entrances and exits, clear signage and labels, and assistive technologies. You should also avoid any unnecessary complexity or difficulty in using the workspace features, such as too many steps, buttons, or instructions.

2 Principle 2: Flexibility in Use

The second principle of universal design is to accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and abilities, allowing users to customize and adapt the workspace to their needs and preferences. This means that your workspace should offer choices and alternatives, such as different lighting, temperature, and noise levels, different layouts and configurations, and different tools and equipment. You should also provide feedback and guidance, such as prompts, reminders, and indicators, to help users adjust and optimize the workspace settings.

3 Principle 3: Simple and Intuitive Use

The third principle of universal design is to make the use of the workspace easy to understand and operate, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language, or concentration level. This means that your workspace should eliminate any ambiguity and confusion, such as inconsistent or unclear symbols, terms, or commands, and use familiar and logical patterns, sequences, and conventions. You should also reduce the cognitive and physical effort required to use the workspace features, such as simplifying the steps, actions, and inputs.

4 Principle 4: Perceptible Information

The fourth principle of universal design is to communicate the necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of the ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities. This means that your workspace should use multiple modes and channels of communication, such as visual, auditory, tactile, and olfactory, and ensure that they are compatible and complementary. You should also enhance the visibility and audibility of the information, such as using contrast, color, size, shape, sound, and texture, and avoid any distractions or interference.

5 Principle 5: Tolerance for Error

The fifth principle of universal design is to minimize the hazards and adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions, ensuring the safety and security of the user. This means that your workspace should prevent any errors or mistakes, such as incorrect or incomplete inputs, outputs, or feedback, and provide warnings and alerts, such as alarms, signals, and messages. You should also correct any errors or mistakes, such as undoing, redoing, or canceling actions, and provide recovery and backup options.

6 Principle 6: Low Physical Effort

The sixth principle of universal design is to reduce the physical effort and fatigue required to use the workspace, allowing the user to maintain a comfortable and efficient posture and position. This means that your workspace should optimize the ergonomics and biomechanics of the user, such as the height, width, depth, angle, distance, and force of the workspace features, and avoid any strain, stress, or injury. You should also balance the distribution and frequency of the physical tasks, such as alternating, resting, and switching activities.

7 Principle 7: Size and Space for Approach and Use

The seventh and final principle of universal design is to provide adequate size and space for the user to approach, reach, manipulate, and use the workspace, regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility. This means that your workspace should accommodate the variations and ranges of the user's dimensions, movements, and actions, such as the height, weight, width, length, and reach of the user, and avoid any obstacles, barriers, or constraints. You should also ensure that the workspace is accessible and navigable, such as providing ramps, elevators, doors, and pathways.

8 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?