Title: Describe features of universal design.
Course: Interior Design I (19263-I) > Section: Investigating Influences on Interior Design

Description includes

- definition of universal design
- examination of how the concept of universal design differs from ADA regulations
- explanation of how universal design principles apply to structural and nonstructural interior features (e.g., activity zones, traffic patterns, bubble and block diagrams, furniture arrangement, optimizing space, public and private zones)
- compilation of popular structural and nonstructural universal-design features (e.g., no-step entrances, wider doorways, nonslip floors, pull-out shelves, easy-to-grasp handles, special lighting) that make interior spaces easier for everyone to use while particularly benefiting those with special needs
- an explanation of the contribution of universal design to the aging-in-place concept.

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What universal design features are commonly incorporated into interiors today?
- How do universal design features lead to increased safety and convenience for people with special needs? For people without special needs?
- What universal design features are particularly important to the aging-in-place concept?

Communication

- What criteria should be used to determine client expectations regarding universal design features in a project?
- How can one educate clients about the benefits of incorporating universal design features?

Leadership

- How does an interior design professional go about incorporating universal design features into an interior design?
- How can interior design professionals encourage the use of universal design features in the community?

Management

- What resources are available for determining the desirability of incorporating universal design features in a particular project?
- What strategies will help determine which universal design features to incorporate into a project?