中文翻譯：通用化設計。又名全民設計、全方位設計或者通用化設計，指無需改良或者特別設計就能為所有人使用的產品、環境及通訊。
From Wikipedia,examples,概念介紹,演進歷史,三項附則,
From Wikipedia
Universal design is a relatively new paradigm that emerged from "barrier-free" or "accessible design" and "assistive technology." Universal design strives to be a broad-spectrum solution that produces buildings, products and environments that are usable and effective for everyone, not just people with disabilities. Moreover, it recognizes the importance of how things look. For example, while built up handles are a way to make utensils more usable for people with gripping limitations, some companies introduced larger, easy to grip and attractive handles as feature of mass produced utensils. They appeal to a wide range of consumers.
As life expectancy rises and modern medicine has increased the survival rate of those with significant injuries, illnesses and birth defects, there is a growing interest in universal design. There are many industries in which universal design is having strong market penetration but there are many others in which it has not yet been adopted to any great extent.
Universal design is a part of everyday living and is all around us. The "undo" command in most software products is a good example. Color-contrast dish ware with steep sides that assist those with visual problems as well as those with dexterity problems are another. Additional examples include cabinets with pull-out shelves, kitchen counters at several heights to accommodate different tasks and postures and low-floor buses that kneel and are equipped with ramps rather than lifts.
The Principles of Universal Design
"The authors, a working group of architects, product designers, engineers and environmental design researchers, collaborated to establish the following Principles of Universal Design to guide a wide range of design disciplines including environments, products, and communications." -
Equitable use Flexibility in use Simple and intuitive Perceptible information Tolerance for error Low physical effort Size and space for approach and use (from the Center for Universal Design)
These principles are broader than that of accessible design
examples
Ramps at A-Tech Smooth ground surfaces of entranceways, without stairs Wide interior doors and hallways Lever handles for opening doors rather than twisting knobs Light switches with large flat panels rather than small toggle switches Buttons on control panels that can be distinguished by touch Bright and appropriate lighting, particularly task lighting Auditory output redundant with information on visual displays Visual output redundant with information in auditory output Contrast controls on visual output Use of meaningful icons as well as text labels Clear lines of sight (to reduce dependence on sound) Volume controls on auditory output Speed controls on auditory output Choice of language on speech output Ramp access in swimming pools Closed captioning on television networks Universal design（通用化設計）
概念介紹
通用化設計又名全民設計、全方位設計或者通用化設計，系指無需改良或者特別設計就能為所有人使用的產品、環境及通訊。它所傳達的意思是：如何能被失能者所使用，就能被所有的人使用。
演進歷史
通用設計的演進始於1950年代，當時人們開始注意殘障問題，在日本、歐洲及美國，無障礙空間設計（barrier-free design)為身體障礙者出去了存在環境中的各種障礙。在1970年代，歐洲及美國一開始是採用廣泛設計（accessible design)，針對在不良於行的人士在生活環境上的需求，並不是針對產品。當時以為美國建築設計師麥克-貝爾（Michael Bednar)提出：撤除了環境中的障礙後，每個人的官能都可獲得提升。他認為建立一個超越廣泛設計且更廣泛、全面的新觀念是必要的。也就是說廣泛設計一詞並無法完整說明他們的理念。
1987年，美國的設計師，朗-麥斯（Ron Mace)開始大量使用“通用設計”一詞，並設法定義它與“廣泛設計”的關係。他標識，通用設計不是一項新的學科或風格，或是有何獨到之處。它需要的只是對需求及市場的認知，以及以清楚易懂的方法，讓我們設計及生活的每件物品都能在最大的程度上被每個人使用。他並說“通用”（universal)一詞並不理想，更準確的說，“全民設計”是一種設計方向，設計師努力在每項設計中加入各種特點，讓它們能被更多人使用。在1990年中期，朗-麥斯與一群設計師為“全民設計”訂立了七項原則。
在學術領域，“Universal Design”還有一個名稱為“公用性設計”
七項原則
1、公平使用:這種設計對任何使用者都不會造成傷害或使其受窘。
2、彈性使用：這種設計涵蓋了廣泛的個人喜好和能力。
3、簡易及直覺使用：不論使用者的經驗、知識、語言能力或集中力如何，這種設計的使用都很容易了解。
4、明顯的資訊：不論周圍狀況或者使用者感官能力如何，這種設計有效的針對使用者傳達了必要的資訊。
5、容許錯誤：這種設計將危險及以為或不經意的動作所導致的不利後果降至最低。
6、省力：這種設計可以有效、舒適及不費力的使用。
7、適當的尺寸及空間供使用：不論使用者體型、姿勢或移動性如何，這種設計提供了適當的大小及空間供操作及使用。
三項附則
1、可長久使用，具經濟性
2、品質優良且美觀
3、對人體及環境無害
