Goals Of Universal Design

1.0 Introduction

Engineers are an important source of technological innovation and expertise. Engineers are putting so much efforts on solving problems, discovering new ways and technologies which revolve the process of designing and creating to bring the conveniences to the public. The designs which relate to the built environment must include the design principles and the component of raising awareness to foster public acceptance and understanding. This approach shows that engineers are very important to the public and played important key roles to help create a more productive workforce by eliminate the hurdle in built environment and, eventually, increasing inclusivity in society.

In addition, engineers are also exercise universal design

2.2 Goals of Universal Design

According to the Center of Inclusive Design and Environment Access (IDeA), they have developed a new framework for universal design to expand its original usability focus to social involvement and health and recognizes the role of context in realizing the application. Besides, the goals include the dimensions of functional, emotions and social. Each of its goals is supported by a discipline knowledge base, such as anthropometrics, biomechanics, perceptions, cognition, safety, promotion health, social interaction.

1. Body Fit, which the product, facilities or environment is adaptable to any body size and abilities. For instance, the body dryers. These body dryers are arranged at the wall to allow any type of body sizes people to use to dry off after water play, for example small kids. On the other hand, these dryers can be used to dry different parts of the body like heads and

Cultural appropriateness, adopting and respect different cultural values, and the social and environmental contexts of any design project. For instance in Malaysia, there are many different races of people such as Indian, Chinese, Malays, Sikh, and they are using different languages to communicate. Therefore, Malaysia government has decided to choose Bahasa Melayu as official language to communicate each other. This language has been adapted and been used in any kind of business activities. This allowing the people easily to understand.

2.3 Principles of Universal Design

The purpose of this principles of Universal Design is to guide to design the products, environments and communications. There are 7 principles, which it were developed by a group of working architects, product designers, and engineers in 1997. According to the Center of Universal Design in NCSU, these principles may be applied to evaluate existing products’ designs, the design process and also provide education to both designers and customers about the products.

The 7 principles are as follow:

1. Equitable Use: The design is fairly to be used by everyone regardless age, with or without disabilities.

2. Flexibility in Use: The products are suitable for a wide range of people use.

3. Simple and Intuitive Use: The design must be easily to understand and use, without the need of user’s experience, knowledge, language