Universal Design: Universal Mistake

Universal design is often confused with handicap access. This mistake isn’t limited to the average person just learning about universal design, it is one also made by the pros. I recently saw two designs that were supposed to be universal and missed the target.

The first was an expensive wayfinding device designed to assist a person find their way in at a downtown tourist attraction. It was a solid object placed on a sidewalk. It had many features that would meet universal design objectives. It was placed at a height accessible to all. It had large, easy to read lettering and included Braille. But it wasn’t really universal. It served people who spoke the local language, it served people of varying heights and it served sight limited individuals – that’s it. That means it served only a few populations; many users would have to use other means to find their way. Finally, as a large bulky item, it impeded pedestrian flow and caused sidewalk congestion.

Two solutions would work better. One is the old fashioned map (no reinventing needed). The other is a modern gadget, the GPS (now included on smart phones). The map is inexpensive, portable and comes in many languages. It also covers a much larger area than the limited location represented by the physical object. The GPS takes wayfinding to a whole new level! It already has most of the world’s languages preloaded – choose yours. It pinpoints your location. It talks to you. And, some models work for those with sight limitations.

The other device I saw was an overly designed public pay phone. Do you remember trying to use a pay phone in a foreign country? This was that phone times ten! To make it fully universal, the designers included every bell-n-whistle they could think of. It had special ways to load coins and collect them, a qwerty keypad, a video function, credit card slots, prepay card slots and plenty of text and Braille all over the place. It raised and lowered and spun 360 degrees. As an ordinary user, you would need tech support to make a local call. The designers overshot.

For most, communication on-the-go is a cell phone. In fact, I am hearing of many people who are disconnecting their home land-lines. Those without cell phones are few. For telephone companies facing this reality, they are desperately trying to eliminate their pay phones – they cost more than they earn and are prone to vandalism. The New York pay phone would be an icon to perfection. It is nearly indestructible. It has nearly no features (handset, coin slot and return, keypad and an earpiece volume control). To make a call, pick up the handset and dial your number. The automated response navigates you through your options in a few different languages. Done.

When designing universally, it is important to remember that you are still designing for a great user experience for the greatest variety of users. To solve obsolete problems or over engineer a solution is to miss the target.


Konrad Kaletsch, CAPS
July 28, 2009
Universal Design Resource
Join Universal Design Network at LinkedIn

Universal Design: Improves Sex?

Can universal design improve your sex life?

Somehow this question seems to permeate every aspect of our lives (you know somewhere someone is contemplating whether Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination could improve your sex life). The impact on sex is never a bad question, just an overused one. At the risk of overusing it once more, could universal design provide a positive effect on your sex life?

Yes, just not in the ways you might think. Sure, there are the practical aspects that universal design would have in the bedroom and the ease with which you can go about your activities. The real impact will be in the emotional realm. Sex is always affected by emotions. This is especially true for long-term relationships. When life is flowing effortlessly, it is easier to be and feel amorous. Attention turns to delight and the finer aspects of living when unburdened from the necessities of basic survival. It is easier for trust and confidence to be present. It is easier to relax. It is comforting to know that the environment has no nasty surprises and instead nurtures you. These are much needed ingredients for intimacy.

When fear, worry, doubt or anxiety are present, sex and many other human interactions suffer. If you are looking for an edge in the bedroom, sure, throw in a little universal design. But expect not only bedroom relations to improve but also other areas of relating. Expect greater ease and less stress. Enjoy the taste of food. Enjoy interesting conversations. Relish the independence of your life at home. Enjoy new freedoms of personal expression. Discover yourself and your partner anew. Yes, universal design does improve sex life.


Konrad Kaletsch, CAPS
July 15, 2009
Universal Design Resource
Join Universal Design Network at LinkedIn

Universal Design: Your Kitchen

Please go to your kitchen, stand in the center, and ask yourself a question:

What simple changes would make this area more enjoyable for myself and others?

Keep your response simple, meaning that the changes you identify are nothing as expensive or labor-intensive as new counters, flooring, paint, or appliances. Open the cabinets. Look into drawers. Evaluate your workstations. Improvements will quickly come to mind, such as: Clean the drawer. Organize the cabinet. Put away, replace or toss such-and-such. Form your to-do list, but set aside any urge to act on it (you have enough to do).

As you do the task above, think about universal design in your kitchen. How accessible are the things you use most? What is difficult to do that might be made easier? Are there any accidents waiting to happen? How might lighting be better? Is there anyone who can't use parts of the kitchen? You’ll probably have an insight or an “aha;” perhaps something that has been on your mind was confirmed or maybe you considered a new viewpoint. Next, pause and ponder one possible change that you feel inspired to make. Can you do it today? If not, pull out a calendar and schedule it. If something needs to be bought, jot it down on your shopping list. If something needs to be discussed with your spouse or a professional, start a kitchen journal where you keep track of the topics of conversation. Refer to the elements of a universal design kitchen not just for this one action but for any changes you intend to make in your kitchen, big or small.

As your kitchen takes its steps toward being a better work environment, share your success with others. Go through other rooms in your home. Just look for the simple improvements, just pick one change, just do it ... and then enjoy it!


Konrad Kaletsch, CAPS
July 5, 2009
Universal Design Resource
Join Universal Design Network at LinkedIn