Ellis,
Those are great examples. Universal Design is all about creating products and systems that are NECESSARY for people with disabilities but useful for everybody else.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
The crash bars used on exit doors in public places. The crosswalk signals with the count down and noise makers help both the disabled and "regular" pedestrians and drivers know if they have time to move through an intersection before the light turns red.
George ,
You are on the right track here. In this case, the universal design elements are not the products/equipment so much as their presentation. Adjusting the height so everyone can use them, automatic sensors that trigger on demand so that it doesn't take physical effort to reach them, etc. An unusual example, to be sure, but a good one! I don't suppose I want to know where you were when you thought of this! GRIN
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I don’t want to sound gross or out of line, but the first example I thought of that is a universal design is the latrine in the men restrooms. There is always one that is put at a height that that anyone can reach. Sinks and towel dispensers are now using sensors that allow anyone to use those regardless of their disabilities. Another example I can think of is the height of counters are now accessible to people who are standing or seating. It is the principal of equal access that is demonstrated in my examples.
Patricia,
That's a great example of how a universally designed product in one context can lead you to make better use of others with the same universal design elements. Good insight!
Dr. Jane Jarrow
For me it is the smart phone. I needed to learn how to use many of the ways to get around the necessary sliding if you will in order to view calls and texts.By experimenting with the use of the phone I can more easily adapt to other computer/phones and not be so intimidated by all that it can do and really appreciate all the short cuts that also help when getting correspondence from my students.
Dr. Jarrow ( et al ),
The link to the tool is below if anyone is ever interested.
The tool is called Zoom It:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb897434.aspx
Adam,
It sounds like the tool is, indeed, very flexible and could be used by lots of individuals in lots of contexts.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
I think that a good example would be an application taht I use when I teach. It allows me to " zoom in " on a section of the computer screen that I am using to show more detail to my students because I can increase the magnification of things such as the text or settings that are being shown for a certain area. This allows me to provide better explanations, but also to keep engagement high amongst my students while teaching. I find that I use this same tool outside of class very often to create documentation for team members, as well as to demonstrate functionality or call attention to specific information for auditors, as well as customers. The principles of ULD that this tool embodies are as follows:
(2) flexibility in use; (3) simple and intuitive use; (4) perceptible information;
Jamie,
That's an interesting choice. Actually, if you think about it, there are a number of things that are standard on vehicles today that make independent driving a possibility for people with various challenges -- from automatic transmissions (for those who couldn't handled shifting) to GPS units that speak the directions out loud (for those who would have difficulty following a map or reading directional signs while enroute.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
The cameras that are starting to become standard on vehicles. This would be a definite help for people that have limited mobility, especially in their neck.
Brett,
Those are all good examples of universally designed products -- and some of them were even designed SPECIFICALLY for people with disabilities and are now used by others (levered door handles and bathroom stalls come to mind). So long as everyone keeps an eye on USABILITY, we are all better off.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
here are some thoughts off the top of my head...
Cabinets with pull-out shelves - easier access for everyone to get to all those hidden items.
OSHA labels - ability to know at a glance if something is dangerous or not (OSHA just now implemented a new Global standard for their pictograms)
Larger restroom stalls and doorways - great for wheelchair users, stroller users and others that just like more room.
Automatic doors - easier access in and out of buildings
Levered door knobs - easier opening of doors (not great for those of us that have toddlers... )
Audio books - useful for the blind or people on the go.
Jenna,
GREAT EXAMPLES! You are right. In our technological age, the tech developers were wise enough to use consistent commands and controls across devices so that everyone could recognize them, and they develop new technology with multiple entry points (ways to control). Everyone wins.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
As years go on, more and more companies are designing products that possess a Universal Design. Computers, software, cell phones, and even gaming consoles are possessing attributes that everyone can use. Just from personal experience, we have the new Xbox One console in the household, and I use the gaming controller and the tv remote minimally! I simply state what I want it to do, and it will - it powers on everything, powers off everything, switches from watching tv, to playing a game, to using the internet, and even allows me to specify what channel (if watching tv) that I want it to turn on. It's magnificent how our world has transformed to provide services to everyone equally!
Betty,
All good examples. I especially like the "slip resistant" because is isn't obvious. It doesn't seem like it is particularly useful for people with disabilities and useful to the rest of us -- but you are absolutely right.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
surfaces that are slip resistant
flat panel light switches
ramp access
closed captioning
door handles instead of knobs
Kristopher ,
How is it that you see "standard telephones" as models of Universal Design? I am missing something there.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
Standard telephones, beverage fountains, bathroom facilities, ATMs
Denise,
Those traffic signals also have beeping noises that give audible cues as to when it is and is not safe to cross -- another form of universal design. And you are right -- those deer crossing signs, like the symbols for elevators, and the men/women signs used in airports and such are examples of universal design of communications.
Dr. Jane Jarrow
