What do I need to know about universal design for the NCIDQ Exam?

Universal Design is designing spaces and products so everyone can use them. It satisfies the needs of the disabled, able-bodied, young, and old while avoiding segregating any particular group.

Understanding how to design safe and accessible spaces is a large part of the NCIDQ Exam. Here's what you need to know.

Universal Design vs. Accessible Design

Universal Design evolved from accessible design, which focuses on the needs of people with disabilities. However, Universal Design goes one step further to include a broad spectrum of abilities.

There are seven principles that the Center for Excellence in Universal Design has suggested. While each principle has detailed tenets, here's a summary:

Equitable use – the design is useful and sellable to people with diverse abilities.
Flexibility in use – the design benefits a wide range of preferences and abilities.
Simple and intuitive use – the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or concentration level.
Perceptible information – the design is easily communicated to the user
Tolerance for error – the design reduces hazards and the consequences if an accident occurs
Low physical effort – the design can be used efficiently and comfortably with minimum fatigue
Appropriate size and space – there is enough size/space provided for approach, reach, and function, regardless of age, body size, posture, or mobility

There is an overlap between universal and accessible design, referencing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) legislation. ADA is a standard that includes the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, which outlines the minimum requirement to prevent discrimination toward people with disabilities.

However, universal design still seeks inclusivity using best practices in design, which is ever-evolving and improving.

Building Codes

Study the 2009 ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. For IDFX, you'll need to understand the basics of accessibility codes. For PRAC, you'll need to be able to apply these codes in practice.

Aging in Place

Aging in place is a term used to describe a person living in the residence of their choice for as long as they can as they age. It focuses on maintaining and improving the quality of life with independence. Some aging-in-place design considerations include:

Level entry into the home
Single-floor plan home
Open plan design
Easy-to-clean finishes
Bathroom designs with threshold-free showers and lavatories with knee spaces
Kitchen designs with easy-to-reach storage instead of wall cabinetry
Placing appliances at a comfortable height
Appropriate lighting types and levels
Flooring with single or subtle color and patterning; avoid complex patterns
Seating, upholstery, and toilet finishes that contrast with flooring for better visual perception
Sink to have visual contrast with countertop and vanity
Color scheme(s) to complement elderly vision. Older people can't always distinguish between specific colors as when they were younger. Also, as we age, the lens of our eyes tends to be yellow. Older people may view colors with a yellow tint.

Signage and Wayfinding

Easily identifiable signage, otherwise known as wayfinding, should be understandable by anyone, regardless of age or language.

Signage for the visually impaired must be present in general circulation information, emergency directions, and inside elevators.

Signs with the international symbol for accessibility (a.k.a. the wheelchair symbol) are required on signs for parking spaces, passenger loading zones, accessible entrances, and restroom facilities (if they aren't accessible). Understand these basics of signage, and be particularly aware of how signage is installed or located within a space to comply with A117.1.