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: Are Home Improvements UD?

An blog was written, The Best Return on Home Improvements. “Oooo!” I emphatically exclaimed, anxious to read about maximizing the value of my home. If you notice, I was hooked by an opportune distraction from my work. As I read the top 10 tips, I felt as if I was reading about universal design. Clean it up. Get rid of the clutter and the old and worn. Increase light. Fix broken things. Patch floors and walls. In brief, have it work and have it look nice. That’s a great starting point. Your home will become a pleasure, not an inconvenience. Your life will improve.

Eager for another top 10, I found, 2008 Cost vs. Value Report: Still Many Happy Returns for Home Rehabs. I saw improvements that favored low-maintenance, natural light and updated functionality.

Finally, I looks at shelter mags and what do I see? All the contemporary styling is open, wide, spacious and filled with light. Humm. Maybe we’re more universal design than we realize.

PS: A video clip about planning your own 70's:
"Living Large In The 70's"



Konrad Kaletsch, CAPS
June 12, 2009
Universal Design Resource
Join Universal Design Network at LinkedIn

Universal Design: Website Under Construction

The Universal Design Resource website is undergoing revision! When created, my intention was to raise awareness and provide information. For the revision, I have structured a tiered approach: First is a facelift using today’s technology making it easier for you to participate by either finding what you are looking for or by submitting your own material. Universal design is not so much a destination but rather a dialogue; the new UDR website will support that. Second will be networking opportunities similar to Facebook and Linkedin. The final tier will be a wiki-style knowledge base. In all levels of development, I will strive to meet the needs you expressed in the survey (which you can still respond to).

Here’s a quick glimpse of UDR Version 2.0:
--- More and better organized material for those who are researching universal design for their projects including internal search engine.
--- Focus on meeting the needs of professionals.
--- Courses, links, photos, hot topics & news and problem/solution forums.
--- Professional networking opportunities; marketing, codes, database.
--- Reading lists and resources.
--- Clean, intuitive look.

UDR website has an expected launch in late July. Until then, keep the feedback coming through comments at this blog, the survey and UDR email.




Konrad Kaletsch, CAPS
May 7, 2009
Universal Design Resource
Universal Design Network at Facebook and LinkedIn

Universal Design: The Three Little Boomers

Once upon a time there were three little boomers and the time came for them to leave home and seek their fortunes. Before they left, their mother told them, "Whatever you do, do it the best that you can because that's the way to get along in the world."

The first little boomer built his house out of straw because it was the easiest and cheapest thing to do.

The second little boomer built his house out of sticks. This was a more expensive and beautiful house but lacked any amenities for later in life.

The third little boomer built his house out of bricks. This was a house for all the years of one’s life; it would never fail to keep its inhabitants happy and secure.

One night, big bad father time, who dearly loved to eat boomers, came along and saw the first little boomer in his house of straw. He said "Let me in, Let me in, little boomer or I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in!"

"Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin," said the little boomer.

But of course big bad father time did blow the house in and so burdened the little boomer with no place to live.

Then big bad father time came to the beautiful house of sticks.

"Let me in, let me in little boomer or I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in!"

"Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin," said the little boomer. But big bad father time blew that house in too, and meanly forced little boomer into assisted living in a far away city where costs were lower.

Big bad father time then came to the house of bricks.

"Let me in, let me in," cried the big bad father time. "Or I'll huff and I'll puff till I blow your house in!"

"Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin," said the oldest boomer. Well, big bad father time huffed and puffed but he could not blow down that brick house. But big bad father time was a sly old man and he climbed up on the roof to look for another way to get at the older boomer.

The older boomer saw big bad father time climb up on the roof and prepared; he lit a roaring fire in the fireplace and on it placed a large kettle of water.

Big bad father time found the chimney and crawled down. KER-SPLASH! Into the kettle of boiling water he fell! That was the end of big bad father time.

The next day the older boomer invited his mother over. She said "You see it is just as I told you. The way to get along in the world is to do things as well as you can." Fortunately for that older boomer, he had learned that lesson. And he just lived happily ever after!


Konrad Kaletsch
February 18, 2009
Universal Design Resource
Universal Design Network at Facebook and LinkedIn
Take the 10-question survey!

Universal Design: The Wooden Plate

Long ago there lived a happy family in the foothills of the Pyrenees. They raised livestock in the hills, mostly sheep and pig, and went into town once a week to trade their meats for supplies. The grandfather, too old for work, stayed in the home and helped care for his little grandson. The father toiled long days in the fields while the mother maintained order in the home. As the years passed the grandfather became increasingly difficult; at dinner he often pushed his plate off the table and grumbled about circumstances.

Grandfather’s behavior became increasingly disruptive at mealtime, causing frequent messes and much broken crockery. The father, tired after his long days sought easy ways to improve the situation and restore peace to the evening meal. The solution was to move grandfather to a different table far away from the family and to serve him dinner on a wooden plate. In a way, peace was restored. The young boy, observing the new family order, spent the next days with carving knife and a piece of wood. The father took notice of the boy’s project and watched with pride seeing his son so focused and determined. The father asked the son what it was that he was making. The son said, “This will be a wooden plate for you Papa when you are old.”

The father understood and brought grandfather back to the family table. Although mealtime wasn’t always smooth, it was understood that caring for Grandfather was more than pushing him away when he became inconvenient.


Konrad Kaletsch
February 13, 2009
Universal Design Resource
Universal Design Network at Facebook and LinkedIn
Take the 10-question survey!

Universal Design: Emily Post for Buildings

Laura Claridge has just published a biography on Emily Post. To the delight of fans, Emily Post was quite the woman living in quite the time. To her detractors, Emily Post is still no more than an arbiter of manners including the extended pinky finger while quietly sipping tea.

It was in 1922 that Emily Post wrote her famous guide to social etiquette. Some people now perceive it as an obsolete set of behavioral rules for people in high society. However, this interpretation misses its theme: the promotion of core values like consideration, thoughtfulness, and kindness. It is also misses the personal benefits of good manners, which include confidence, self-respect, and an instinctual feeling that one is doing the right thing. Following an outward set of behavioral rules enables us to fulfill our inward human need of belonging and being a member of a society. What has changed since Post first published her guidebook is the prescribed behavior. What hasn’t changed are the fundamental core values behind the manners.

Whereas etiquette provides guidelines for person-to-person, universal design provides guidelines for the environments we occupy and the tools we use; it is environment-to-person (or to product). No longer will building just be about shelter, function or good looks. Universal design brings etiquette to how your home is crafted. A home or community that applies these guidelines is one that is inviting and welcoming to all; it is a well-mannered house. It is a house that fulfills that need of human belonging. No longer is one shut out because an “ignorant” building unfairly impedes entry due to a limitation in physical ability.

Konrad Kaletsch
January 22, 2009
http://www.universaldesignresource.com/

Universal Design: Malia & Sasha Obama

Malia and Sasha Obama are in the White House (almost) and one of the places they will be making friends is in the kitchen. There will be no shortage of staff ready to serve up a hot coco and a fresh baked cookie. And, much to their delight, there won’t be any shopping, prepping, cooking or cleaning. That certainly would be a dream for me!

Kids in the kitchen benefit from universal design as much as those managing physical limitations due to age and disability. Attention turns to what is necessary so that they can function in the kitchen as successfully as adults. These days kids are more autonomous and many not only satisfy their hunger in the kitchen, they fulfill a share of the family chores.

One first considers safety. For an older adult, diminishing strength alters the landscape of what is possible; for a child it is the increase in strength, height and ambition. Cooking as novices brings risks of burns. Controls on the front of a stove reduce reaching over or around hot pots. Visual indicators tell a child if a burner is on or still hot.

Another consideration is the flow of traffic - both theirs and yours. They need a snack while you are cooking; if snacks are near the stove, a collision is inevitable. Put things in easy to reach locations according to task or need. In this case, keep kids away from busy work-stations especially the stove and oven. If you have a breakfast nook, make that the kid’s area. Not only is the table height better suited to their stature, they will have a nice place in the kitchen to do their thing and be out of your way. This might include helping you with food prep, snacking, homework, or messy arts and crafts.

Finally, consider having a footstool. Clever designs are on wheels allowing easy maneuverability with the push of a toe but which become a stationary once stood on. These give the kids the extra height to work safely, help you reach higher storage areas, and provide a footrest while working in a standing position.

For more kitchen tips, go to Universal Design Resource. While there, please take a few minutes to complete the survey.

Konrad Kaletsch
January 16, 2009
http://www.universaldesignresource.com/

Universal Design: The Future

Survey: Making UDR Better

Read 100 books on future trends and two themes emerge: China once again becomes the dominant power (weren’t they always except for the last few centuries); and, Web 2.0 will change everything. So, wouldn’t you buy stock in a social networking company based in China?

Our bias in life favors the rear view mirror and makes it much larger than the windshield we use to peer at the road ahead. Looking back, with all its nostalgic overtones, certainly feels more predictable and assuring. But the reality is that the windshield is much bigger than the mirror, as it should be, if we are to make strategic and successful choices for our future. Universal Design Resource, seated in the driver’s seat, peers eagerly at the road ahead. On the passenger seat lies an open map. On it, a red line indicates the planned route. But, a few mysteries along the way mean stopping and asking strangers for help (I hope you appreciate the old-school travel metaphor).

As Universal Design Resource embarks on a major revision, some things are mapped and others are stops where we ask for directions. Presently, we have a survey posted and are asking you to help a stranger. Your few minutes will be a great contribution to Universal Design Resource reaching a destination that serves you better in the near future. Please follow this link to an anonymous 10 question survey (as a bonus, you’ll discover a great company, SurveyMonkey).

Survey: Making UDR Better

Thanks in advance for your generosity and neighborlyness.


Konrad Kaletsch
January 8, 2009
http://www.universaldesignresource.com/

Universal Design: The Missing Keyword

There are times in life when we need certain answers. We have many methods for getting those answers suited to who we are as individuals. We contact friends, we search the internet, we go to bookstores, etc. What will thwart our searching, no matter how thorough our technique, is when the answer we seek is hidden. I’m not talking about an answer that hasn’t been invented; I’m talking about answers that are there and would help you move forward. They are the answers to problems that others struggled over and mastered. They are answers that have been tested and refined. It is accumulated knowledge, but you can’t even stumble upon it! And so, with some frustration, you “reinvent the wheel” clumsily moving forward and making all the same mistakes each person made before you.

In many cases, the missing answer is contained in a keyword that, like the key to a castle, unlocks and reveals the kingdom: no keyword, no access, no info … nothing. Universal design is an excellent example a missing keyword. As an advocate of universal design, there is hardly a conversation where the person I am speaking with knows the term or the knowledge it represents. Without much explanation, they quickly understand it, and for the rest of their lives have at their disposal the key to that kingdom.

As an advocate for universal design, I do not demand that you adopt it; you will choose what is right for you. However, I want you to have that key; I want it there for you when you need it; I want you to be able to move with ease and velocity when the need arises. I want you to have the answers that have been developed over thirty years by some outstanding people committed to your life being as great as it can be. I want you to enjoy your independence and to have a life of ongoing opportunity.

You are a key holder as you have found and are reading this blog. My request is that you pause and think about ten people in your life who do not have this key and for whom having this key would make a difference. Contact them, now. Maybe they are your parents or your parent’s friends; maybe your architect or builder; or, maybe your political representative. Tell them about universal design and where to look for answers; Google the keyword, “universal design” or start at my website, http://www.universaldesignresource.com/. Give ten people the key and spare them the frustrations of fruitless searching.

Universal Design: Let Your Home Work For You

Decreasing the time spent taking care of your home and increasing the time your home takes care of you.

According to a survey conducted by the AARP, 89 percent of people older than 50 wish to remain at home, rather than move to other housing options. The question not being asked is how do you make this possible? At what point does your home hinder you rather than serve you?

I’m a home improvement nut. My idea of exercise is digging a 20' trench and installing an 8” culvert … by hand. At 46, I can pull that off. At 56? Probably (add a chiropractic adjustment). At 66? I doubt it. Even I will one day be overwhelmed by my home (never, I say). But, between now and then, I can do things that will reduce or prevent that day. This culvert is such an improvement; my annual driveway maintenance will decrease: less washouts, fewer repairs, easier plowing, smoother and safer driving.

As you contemplate improvements in a home that you plan to stay in, ask yourself these questions: Will the improvement I am about to make be one that will last for years to come? How soon will it need to be maintained, repaired or replaced? Is there a better solution? If I spend less, have I spent wisely? Or, has cost-cutting provided short-term gains only to leave me with a costly expense in the future?

Consider this wisdom, “Decisions made in haste are regretted in leisure.”

Here is a short list of home improvements that reduce maintenance. Add to this list as you renovate through Internet searches and conversations with experienced professionals.

• Favor no-maintenance siding on your house such as vinyl, or more environmentally sound, brick or stone. Choose long lasting roofing.
• Favor surfaces and designs that clean easily.
• Favor furniture over built-in. For example, a hallway wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair might look awkward especially if the rest of the home doesn’t have a spacious feel, so, install a bookcase that can be one day easily removed.
• Apply universal design as much as possible.
• Throw stuff out – give up attachment to the things that have no more meaning in your life; gain freedom and clarity in the process for something new.
• If moving, choose a neighborhood that has supplies, services and activities nearby, and one that has useful public transportation.
• Keep choosing access and convenience – if something is going to be difficult to use, don’t get it.
  

Being motivated by the fear of loosing independence, or a vision of ongoing independence is useful. Grab the impulse (the visioning one feels better) and run with it. You’ll be happy to be one of the people who says, “ I’m glad I did it that way; I'm secure, comfortable and live a great life.”

Konrad Kaletsch © 2008, Universal Design Resource, June 30, 2008

Universal Design: Consciousness Precedes Form

Being green has been around for a long time. However, in the last year a tipping point was reached and green is now visible everywhere. Governments are doing it, business is doing it, schools are teaching it, and even the “bad” guys, such as the petroleum industry, are dabbling with it. We are still on our way to the tipping point for universal design.

Much like being green, the tipping point is reached once we recognize that the box we are living in is just too small. Like any box, it’s fit is limited both by space and time. As our natural state is growth, the logical evolution is that at some point we need a bigger box, just like a hermit needs bigger shell. In the field of universal design, we are just beginning to feel the limits of an outdated box, yet, we’re not aware of the limits that we have outgrown; we just feel the pinch.

The typical behavior of living inside a box that has grown too small is to look for answers inside the box. It’s absurd, but it’s what we do. The irony is that the answer to expanding the box is outside the box. The other paradox is that from inside the box we can’t see outside the box. This experience is frustrating and the first results show up as conflict. Without a method or trick, the state of conflict grows until we experience is as a pain so great we collapse in defeat and surrender to the change.

The good news is that there is a trick/method for accessing expansion, and, it’s ridiculously simple: ask a guiding question. If we want to kick the petroleum habit, an outgrown and limiting box, we could ask, “How are we gonna live well without petroleum?” That’s not a good question and perhaps you can see why, it’s still inside the box! Here’s the good and guiding question: “What would life on this planet look like if our energy needs were met through healthy and safe means?” You can answer that question, can’t you? The answer feels pretty good doesn’t it? You can even see an action to take. The box just got bigger, didn’t it?

The technique is based upon preceding the form with consciousness. The access to consciousness is through expansive questioning. The answer shows up through insight. A garnish of patience adds ease to the process. Frustration and conflict can’t and don’t exist in this environment; wisdom, creativity and genius do. One beckons the consciousness, which is then answered with form.

Here are some universal design questions:

• What is possible for us all when we live in an inclusive and human centered society?
• What are the gifts I have that would contribute to those less able-bodied?
• How can I manifest this higher vibration of a society that leaves no one behind?
• What does design look like that profoundly supports our sense of joy, independence, security, confidence and comfort?
• What lifestyle is possible for me if I have taken steps to include universal design in my life?

Konrad Kaletsch © 2008, Universal Design Resource, June 20, 2008

Universal Design: Am I Too Overwhelmed?

Yes I am overwhelmed! Being overwhelmed is normal and everyone agrees. However, overwhelm doesn’t have to be an unchallenged way of life. Overwhelm is the condition of being a victim, only in this case the perp isn’t some guy with a mask and a gun, it’s the job, the bills, the inbox, the kids, the home and every other circumstance that wants to rob you of you.

The first and only step out of being a victim is taking 100% responsibility for your life – you did it, all of it. Nobody did anything to you not even some deity, be it good or evil. Once assumed, no longer do things happen to you, you are allowing them to happen, sometimes through ignorance, and are responsible for their happening. Wow. That’s good news – back in the driver’s seat! Phew.

If I am the driver, and right now I seem to be driving myself crazy with stress, where in fact would I actually want to go? If I look down the road I’m on I see sickness, upset, anger, fear, frustration and disease. Desirable destination? NO! But I can’t see any options either – no side roads, no U-turns. If I am taking this journey off the road called Overwhelm, I’m gonna need help. I’ll need a map, some friends and a few new ways of doing business. Wow. I’m not sure how, but, this is gonna work!

Fast forward to some time later: You’re the master of your life just from this simple shift to being responsible. You don’t complain anymore. Being 100% responsible handled overwhelm and is handling other areas too such as finance. You are as engaged in life as before, but the experience is one of play, joy and passion. Life no longer occurs as a series of crisis that blindside you; it’s not like driving through the fog. The destination, though far off, is now clear and intentional.

Now can I look at universal design? Yes. I can see that it’s a bit like insurance – not a lot of fun, but something that gets handled. It’s now part of my master plan as much as finances, fitness, a sense of community, my emotional stability and my growing ability to care for others. I am creating my future; it is mine to create; and, it will indeed be good.