New Products and Trends in Universal Design

In the design world, "people erroneously assumes that everyone is a healthy and agile, 25-year-old male," confides Goff. But the truth is, one size doesn't fit all. When designing homes, home products or furniture using the standards of user-friendly universal design, the configuration should work for everyone. Pocket doors can easily slide out of the way with one arm motion. Photo courtesy of Johnson Hardware. Features of Universal Design "Universal design shouldn't be a specialty—it should just be the way design is," explains Bernadette V. Upton, ASID, LEED and owner of EcoDecor in North Palm Beach, Fla. "The elderly need five to seven times more light than a 30-year-old person," she says. So, getting enough daylight into a house becomes an important health factor in the design equation as older people can become vitamin D deficient. Individual homeowners can take a few simple steps toward universal design without great expense. Slips and falls happen. To guard against them, use non-skid mats underneath area rugs. Non-slip cork flooring in the kitchen has an added benefit that includes less back strain on the cook standing at the counter. Drue Ellen Lawlor, Fellow American Society of Interior Designers (FASID) and chair of ASID's National Aging in Place Council in San Gabriel, Calif., gives the following examples of features to look for in universal design: •    At least one stepless entry into the home •    Multiple-height kitchen countertops for tall, short or seated cooks •    “D” or loop hardware for easier access by those with limited hand mobility •     Double sinks in master bath at different heights for seated and standing users •    Curbless shower for ALL users to avoid tripping •    All doors at least 36 inches wide with an opening of at least 32 inches •    Hallways at least 36 inches wide •    At least one accessible bathroom and a bedroom on main level •    No thresholds or reduced height of thresholds •    Pocket doors with good hardware where possible •    Handheld shower, seat in shower and transfer space next to toilet •    Grab bars in all bathrooms for all ages and abilities •    Cabinets with pullout shelves to reduce stooping •    Appliances with easy-to-reach and easy-to-see controls "Changes to the bathroom are key when using universal design," says Lawler. The bathroom is the room that can force someone from his or her home or cause problems recuperating from surgery, an injury or a physical challenge.

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