Lesson 1 A Better Life for Everybody
Universal Design for Everyone
Did you ____ that one out of every ten people in the world is left-handed?
They face challenges in a society ____ for right-handed individuals.
It is inconvenient for them to use some right-handed products such as scissors, ____ and computer mice.
The world we live in is designed to be an environment suitable for what is considered “normal” for the majority of people, and it is filled with objects that are easy ____ them to use.
____ those who do not belong to that category have no choice but to live with discomfort.
In other words, a minority of people with physical differences, such as the left-handed, the disabled, and the elderly, either endure inconvenience or deliberately seek objects designed especially for them, ____ are often difficult to find.
Is it impossible to build an environment where everyone can use products and facilities conveniently and ____ limitations?
It ____ Ronald Mace who sought the answer to this question.
He contracted polio at the age of nine and spent the rest of his life in a ____
When studying architecture at university, he struggled to ____ some campus facilities due to inaccessible building designs.
This experience later inspired him to invent the term universal design, which refers to design for ____
As an architect and product designer, he pursued a world in which all products and environments were designed to be artistic and usable to the greatest extent possible by everyone, regardless of their age, ____ disability, nationality, or language.
According to the principles
According to the principles of universal design, the design ____ be able to be used equitably, flexibly, simply, and intuitively by a wide variety of people.
In addition, it should ____ cognitively accessible and minimize users’ physical ef forts.
Finally, it ____ the providing of sufficient space for all users while reducing potential hazards and adverse consequences from accidental or unintended actions.
A key feature of universal design is that this is not a special requirement only for the benefit of a ____ of the population.
If an environment is accessible, usable, convenient, ____ a pleasure to use, everyone in the community benefits.
How has ____ design been incorporated into modern architecture?
One ____ the most representative examples of universal design being used to improve accessibility is the ramps installed in front of buildings.
Ramps, not stairs, are necessary for people with disabilities who use wheelchairs, and they are also beneficial ____ parents pushing strollers and the elderly.
Another example is automatic doors.
They are invaluable ____ those who rely on assistive devices such as wheelchairs and crutches.
They also provide convenience for adults who have their hands full and children who are not tall enough to open ____ doors themselves.
A ____ example is tactile paving.
These textured ____ often found on sidewalks, steps, and crosswalks, assist visually impaired individuals by guiding them through urban spaces.
Universal ____ is not only applied in modern architecture but also extends to transportation systems.
For instance, buses ____ been designed with a floor closer to ground level to ease access for all passengers.
Handles of various lengths are provided, another method by which universal design is implemented to accommodate ____ different heights.
Subway maps have also been designed for color-blind individuals to clearly distinguish between subway lines by adjusting the color and the brightness and by varying the thickness of ____ that have similar colors.
Additionally, the use ____ pictograms can be seen frequently.
Signs indicating the locations of subway ____ train stations assist international travelers who may not be familiar with the local language.
Likewise, road signs indicating school ____ speed limits, and directions for turns and stops aid drivers in recognizing important information more easily.
While universal design has
While universal design has been utilized in architecture and transportation systems for some ____ a newer application is in the fashion industry.
Clothing designed with universal design integrates ____ and breathable materials, enhancing comfort and mobility.
Other features include the use of magnets and Velcro in place of ____ making it easier to put on and take off clothing.
It also incorporates traits like stretchy waistbands and adjustable sleeves to allow individuals ____ disabilities to dress independently.
This type of clothing is also ____ for pregnant women, older adults who may experience mobility issues, and individuals with temporary injuries or medical conditions.
Overall, universal design clothing ____ increased comfort, convenience, independence, and improved mobility and flexibility for wearers of all abilities.
You may find it surprising that universal design can be found in ____ parts of society than you thought.
However, enough has ____ been done to accommodate everyone yet.
Universal design should be ____ more extensively to promote full participation in the community for a wider range of people.
____ is time to build more equitable environments that are accessible to everyone.
So are you on board to create a universally ____ world for all?