Universal Design Performance Measures for Products to Support the Practice of Universal Design

Abstract

The development of a set of Universal Design Performance Measures based on the Principles of Universal Design is presented. The performance measures can be used to evaluate existing designs, guide the design process, and educate consumers and design students. The Universal Design Performance Measures for Products were developed to help optimize and measure the usability of product designs for populations that are diverse in age and ability. Five distinct versions of the Universal Design Performance Measures were drafted and reviewed by consumers with disabilities, professional product designers, and marketing managers. These were distilled into two working versions of the performance measures, one for consumers and one for designers. The Universal Design Performance Measures for Products were then tested with consumer households and professional product designers and their households across the United States. Considerations for using the performance measures are discussed.