Universal Design Principles and how they apply to home design

September 3, 2025
Application of universal design principles to home design helps to create living spaces that are accessible, usable, and adaptable for people of all ages, abilities, and sizes. It is about making homes function well for everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive limitations. It allows for changing and future needs.

The 7 Universal Design Principles

1. Equitable Use

The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.

Diagram of a gate with a face of stop and a face of doorAI-generated content may be incorrect.

Use of wider doors throughout the home not only makes buildings more accessible for people of various size and abilities, it makes moving furniture easier too.

2. Flexibility in Use

The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

A hand on a counterAI-generated content may be incorrect.

An adjustable height counter or desk makes it usable by various people.

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.

A rectangular light switch with a black lineAI-generated content may be incorrect.

A simple paddle type switch is simple and intuitive to use without special knowledge.

4. Perceptible Information

The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user’s sensory abilities.

A staircase with glass railingsAI-generated content may be incorrect.

This high-contrast stair provides easy use by people with various sensory abilities and in low light levels.

5. Tolerance for Error

The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

This no-step front entry limits risk of injury due to tripping and falling and makes moving easy.

6. Low Physical Effort

The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with minimum fatigue.

A black and white drawing of a lever handleAI-generated content may be incorrect.

Use of level type door handles throughout makes doors easy to manage even when carrying something.

7. Size and Space for Approach and Use

Appropriate size and space are provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of the user’s body size, posture, or mobility.

A diagram of a hand holding a stethoscopeAI-generated content may be incorrect.

Making handrails graspable and with proper clearances reduces risk of injury due to falling.

Summary

By applying universal design principles to the design of dwelling units can make for a safer and more useable and adaptable living space for all occupants both now and in the future. AVE Consulting can help you design a fully barrier free dwelling unit or accessory apartment for your elderly parents or a family member with special needs. Alternatively, barrier free principles can be applied in whole or in part to make your new space more user friendly and adaptable for future needs such as ageing-in-place.