ACCESSIBLE HOUSING BY DESIGN—APPLIANCES

Universal Design

People who inhabit and visit the houses and homes we live in come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from infants to
seniors, with a variety of ever-changing abilities and skills. As we grow-up, grow old and welcome new people to our homes, our housing needs change.

A house or dwelling that is designed and constructed to reflect the principles of Universal Design will be safer and more accommodating to the diverse range of ages and abilities of people, who live and visit in these homes.

Universal Design is defined as:
“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.” The concept is an evolving design philosophy.

The first principle focuses on providing equitable access for everyone in an integrated and dignified manner. It means that the design is appealing to everyone and provides an equal level of
safety for all users.

Principles of Universal Design:
Principle 1 - Equitable Use
Principle 2 - Flexibility in Use
Principle 3 - Simple and Intuitive
Principle 4 - Perceptible Information
Principle 5 - Tolerance of Error
Principle 6 - Low physical effort
Principle 7 - Size and space for approach and use

Principle 2, flexibility, means that the design of the house or home has been developed considering the wide range of individual preferences and abilities throughout the life cycle of the occupants.

The layout and design of the home should be easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience or cognitive
ability.

Principle 3 requires that design elements be simple and work
intuitively. The provision of information using a combination of different modes, whether using visual, audible or tactile
methods will ensure that everyone is able to safely and effectively use the elements of the home.

Principle 4 encourages the provision of information appealing to all of our senses when interacting with our home environment, using our sight, hearing and touch.

Principle 5 incorporates a tolerance of error, minimizing the potential for unintended results. This involves design considerations that include fail-safe features and give thought to how all users may safely use the space or product.

Principle 6 deals with limiting the amount of strength, stamina and dexterity required to access spaces or use controls and products.

The final principle, Principle 7, focuses on the amount of room needed to access spaces, equipment and controls. This includes designing for the appropriate size and space for all family members and visitors to safely reach, see, and operate all elements of the home.

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