Universal Design

The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.

Example: A web page provides images, which is visual information. Those images have alternative text. If the images cannot be "seen", people can use assistive technologies that read the alternative text describing the images.

The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.

Example: Our university uses very specific jargon, including several acronyms and other abbreviations. By defining our jargon first, we level the knowledge of every user reviewing the content.

The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

Example: A form includes required fields. A person fills out this form and submits it, but the form does not get submitted. That person receives information about the required fields that were not completed:

1. A visual cue: the field is outlined in red with a text message (e.g., "This field is required") or how to correctly provide a response (e.g., "The date must be formatted: MM-DD-YYYY").
2. An audible cue: for screen reader users, the error message is announced.
3. A symbolic cue: the form indicates all fields labeled with an asterisk are required.

The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

Example: A form includes important information, like a bank account number for making a deposit. If the bank account number is incorrect, the person requesting a deposit will not receive the money. It will go somewhere else.

To avoid mistakes, the person is asked to confirm their information. Depending on the security need, this can include a secondary verification route (e.g., automated email or text confirmation), not just the web form.

The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

Example: A digital exam includes a matching question where users pair vocabulary words with their definitions. The interface supports multiple input methods to reduce physical effort:

1. Users with fine motor skills can use a mouse to click, drag, and drop words onto their matching definitions.
2. Users with limited motor skills can use a keyboard:
   • Press Enter to select a word
   • Use arrow keys to navigate to the correct definition
   • Press Enter again to confirm the match

It minimizes fatigue by supporting keyboard navigation and compatibility with assistive technologies (e.g., switch devices, voice input).

Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility.

Example: A mobile learning app includes interactive questions with large, clearly spaced buttons for selecting answers.

• Buttons are sized to meet minimum touch target guidelines (e.g., 44x44 pixels or larger).
• There is ample spacing between buttons to prevent accidental taps.
• The layout adapts to different screen sizes and orientations, ensuring usability on phones, tablets, and assistive devices.