Universal design takes equally into consideration the needs of all possible users regardless of age or abilities thus includes the needs of young and healthy but at the same time people with different disabilities e.g. deafness, blindness, movement impairments as well as older people, parents with small children, pregnant women and temporarily able-bodied. This is the design that takes into account people's capabilities and imperfection and provides one solution that can accommodate people with disabilities as well as the rest of the population. Moreover, universal design means giving attention to the needs of older people as well as young, women as well as men, left handed persons as well as right handed persons...
Universal design strives to be a broad-spectrum solution that produces buildings, products and environments that are usable and effective for everyone, not just people without disabilities, in the way that no additional redesigning, adaptation or improvement is necessary.
Universal Design principles refer not only to architecture and can also incorporated in industrial design, computer interfaces or e-services and many other areas.
Universal cup for PET bottle. Designed by: Beata Łupińska, Kamila Brzezińska, 2004r.