At the end of the 20th century, the world is very different than 100 years ago. People are living longer and surviving better. “Potential consumers of design” who may be functionally limited by age or disability(身体障害) are increasing at a dramatic rate. These populations are no longer an insignificant or silent minority.
The current generation of children, baby boomers entering middle age, older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals inconvenienced by circumstance, constitute a market majority. All of these constituencies, and indeed, all consumers, deserve to be recognized and respected. Facilities, devices, services, and programs must be designed to serve an increasingly diverse clientele.
The demographic, legislative, economic, and social changes that brought us to this point are increasing the momentum that will propel us into a 21st century that will need to be more accommodating of individual differences. [1]
Universal design is a relatively new paradigm(方法論) that emerged from "barrier-free" or "accessible design" and "assistive technology."(情報処理支援技術) Barrier free design and assistive technology provide a level of accessibility for people with disabilities but they also often result in separate and stigmatizing solutions. Universal design strives to be a broad-spectrum solution that helps everyone, not just people with disabilities. [2{
“Universal design 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.”–Ron Mace , NC State University, suggested seven principles as THE PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN.[1]
1: Equitable Use
The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
2: Flexibility in Use
The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
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.
4: Perceptible Information
The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
5: Tolerance for Error
The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
6: Low Physical Effort
The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.
7: Size and Space for Approach and Use
Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility.
Universal design provides a blueprint for maximum inclusion of all people. According to Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry(経済産業省), the market scale of universal design is over 2trillon yen and it will reach about 16trillon yen in 2025.[3]
References
[1] Center for Universal Design, College of Design, North Carolina State University
[2]Wikipedia
[3] Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Japan 2002