Universal design is the process of designing for everyone. It is the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation and specialised design.- Ron Mace, 1997
Everyone Can Play is strongly influenced by universal design thinking. Everyone Can Play takes the emphasis for design of playspaces beyond accessibility and ability, to ensure equal emphasis is placed on maximising play opportunities and social integration for people of all ages and cultures.
The principles of inclusive playspaces provided in Everyone Can Play are an adaptation of the Seven Principles of Universal Design (developed by Ron Mace et al. 1997) and the Eight Goals of Universal Design (Steinfeld and Maisel, 2012). These principles and goals have been applied in a practical way to playspaces in NSW.
Seven Principles of Universal Design
- Equitable use
- Flexibility in use
- Simple and intuitive to use
- Perceptible information
- Tolerance for error
- Low physical effort
- Size and space for approach and use
Eight Goals of Universal Design
- Body fit
- Comfort
- Awareness
- Understanding
- Wellness
- Social integration
- Personalisation
- Cultural appropriateness