Universal Design

Universal Design

Universal Design principles describe what well designed hardware products can contribute to building a more convenient environment for all users, of all abilities.

All builders and designers are faced with one or more of the following challenges:

• Designing a public space that meets regulatory requirements - largely related to accessibility
• Designing a space for specific users, of a known ability
• Designing a space which will have numerous users, over the lifetime of the building

In all cases applying the principles of Universal Design can result in a more useable space, with higher functional and economic value for the current user and to the seller.

Universal Design Resources

Accessibility Planning Guide for Bathrooms - HEWI

A planning guide for architectural specifiers, interior designers, building owners, building contractors, facility managers, home
owners and anyone interested in bathroom design. To view the guide click here (PDF).

Häfele has added the evaluation filters of the seven principles of Universal Design in our product development and selection process.

• Equitable Use
• Flexible Use
• Simple and Intuitive Use
• Perceptible Information
• Tolerance for Error
• Low Physical Effort Size 
• Space for Approach & Use
  

Häfele is a manufacturer and a source for Universally Designed hardware, with commitments to functionality, design and value. We have been studying the Universal Design theory in the US, as well as design movements globally, such as “Barrier Free” in Germany, “Inclusive Design” in the UK, “Design for All” in the EU, Japan’s manufacturing and design focus on Universal Design and recent UN Priority Directions noting movement toward policy and language for “enabling and supporting”.

There is perhaps one more principle to add to those delineated in the seven principles of Universal Design:  a design must create a space that the buyer and user will want to own and use.  In addition to functionality and performance, Häfele also seeks to provide coordinated components for kitchen, bath, closet, and other areas that provide current finish and style options.  Adding function and convenience needed not detract from the look and feel of a design.