Public water fountains are universal, everyone drinks water or get a cup of water from sprout when thirsty.
You are right on target here, Cambria. QWERTY keyboards were designed as they are because someone figured out the most efficient to have the letters that are used most often in the place where they can be reached more easily. Nowadays we never even think about the fact that when someone talks about "the keyboard" we all immediately know what they are referring to and what order the letters will be in, so that we can sit down at ANY keyboard, even if you've never seen the computer, and type. Let's take it one step further. What about common FUNCTIONS across hardware and software. When you look at a keyboard that has keys marked "delete" or "shift" or a set of four arrows facing in four directions, even though they may be configured differently, you know what those keys will do without having to press them to find out. THAT is Universal Design at its best!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Good examples, Gary! And you are right -- many of the things that we could provide as accommodations for individuals with disabilities are really useful to the broader population, disabled or not. THAT is what Universal Design is all about.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I agree wholeheartedly with the improvements to universal design mentioned about. An additional suggestion for a Universal Design product would be QWERYT keyboards, calculators and phone dial pads that have numbers in particular order and spots. It seems that this simple standardization makes it more accomidating to all when moving about from different electronics throughout the day.
1. Replacing the rotating knob on the washing machine with push buttons. This would allow
easier operation removing the need for rotation of the hand, for someone with restricted hand motion. And, might make washer operation easier when hands are full.
2. Larger buttons on all cell phones. This would allow for easier hand usage for eye sight concerns due to a disability and as eye sight changes with age progression.
WOW, Michele. Those are GREAT examples! I especially like the wireless mouse one, as it is something that most folks would use without thinking of its design at all. Obviously, you "get it!"
Dr. Jane Jarrow
1. The wireless mouse I use with my desktop computer. This allows me to use the mouse on the left of the computer keyboard or on the right. It makes no difference if I am left or right handed.
The universal design principles are flexibility in use, simple and intuitive use.
2. Riding the city bus. When the bus comes to a stop the front end lowers to have the last step meet the curb so there is no gap, which allows for more secure footing. The universal design principles are equitable use, low physical effort.
3. Condo complex with wider doors and hallways.
The universal design concepts are equitable use, low physical effort.
Helmi,
Those are great examples. How about things like the remote on your DVD player that has common signs for fast forward, stop, reverse, etc. (those "generic" labels are a form of universal design!). Or the audible alert signal when your microwave cooking cycle ends? Or the way your cell phone vibrates when it is set to "silent" mode, so that you still know you have a message or call coming in? All of those are examples of universal design -- things that make it possible for someone with a disability to use the product independently, but are useful to the rest of us as well!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
