U N I V E R S A L design

ENTRY 6

UNIVERSALdesign

universal design (UD) is 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 goal of UDI is to maximise the learning of students with a wide range of characteristics by applying UD principles to all aspects of instruction (e.g., delivery methods, physical spaces, information resources, technology, personal interactions, assessments).

UD is a design approach for all people not limited to disable people only. most of people think that UD is for disable people. that kind of thought must be erase and better understanding about what UD is for must be correct by the expert..

where do we see this design been apply?? of course hospital will be the first thing in mind right??..well actually UD design can be apply in all building actually.. why?? back to the definition of UD that it is a product and environments that for all people. so it means this design is practical to be use by all people without any regard on their age, gender and who they are..it is the best practice to apply design principle of UD in all building that been build. what is UD principles?..

UD Principles

Center for Universal Design (CUD) at North Carolina State University, a group of architects, product designers, engineers, and environmental design researchers established seven principles of UD to provide guidance in the design of products and environments (Connell, et al., 1997). The CUD's principles of UD are listed below:

1. Equitable use. The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. Example:designing staircase and ramp next to each other to allow people to use both.
2. Flexibility in use. The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities and give choice in method of use. Example: A visit to heritage building and the explanation about the place is provided in description and audio for the visitors.
3. Simple and intuitive use. Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level. Example: florescent sticker to place at the staircase to differentiate the level of step. 
4. Perceptible information. The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities. Example: A caption in video presentation 
5. Tolerance for error. The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. Example: Educational software provides guidance and background information when the student makes an inappropriate response.
6. Low physical effort. The design can be used efficiently, comfortably, and with a minimum of fatigue. Example: automatic doors is install to enter the lecture hall for people with a wide variety of physical characteristics.
7. Size and space for approach and use. Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility. Example: A flexible science lab work area has adequate work space for students who are left- or right-handed and for those who need to work from a standing or seated position.

based on the principle a good UD design can be applied in the building and give benefits to all. However the implementation of UD in the building sometimes not according to the standard. this give a difficulties to the user and one of the major constraints to apply the UD is because of the high cost.. why this is happen?? if we look into the UD requirement of design, the space that been design must be wide enough and this give a lost to the developer or client in cost expenditure. more than that, materials that to be used for UD also required a good quality and need to maintain regularly..

in Malaysia, the implementation of UD in building requirement is improve from time to time.. and this effort should be continue to apply in all related professional skill and knowledge to consider this concept in all design work. 

Malaysian Standard Codes of Practice and related Act / Guidelines that contain UD

• Town and country planning act 1976 (Act 172) include amended act 1995 (Act A 933) 
• Federal Territory (Planning) Act 1982 (Act 267) 
• Street, drainage and building act,1974 (Akta133) 
• Uniform building by- law, 1984 34A
• Guideline of “Building Requirement for Disable” by Local Government Department, 1999.
• Building Requirement for Disable by JPBD, 2000.
• Malaysia standard, MS 1183:1991; Code of Practice for mean of escape for disabled persons to Public Building
• Malaysia standard, MS 1184:2002; Code of Practice for the disabled persons to inside Public Building
• Malaysia standard, MS 1331:2003; Code of Practice for the disabled persons to outside Public Building
• Designing a barrier free city, Interim report of Kuala Lumpur Local Plan
• PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2008

what can be conclude, UD is the standard of design that cater for all people and implementation of this design is very important to give good accessibility for the people in what ever place.. it is a long term planning and it is a good practice in planning for people...