1.4 Universal Design

As we will see, AT aims to fill the gap between what the user is "capable of" and what the environment requires from him. We can therefore think that, instead of making a positive discrimination enhancing the capacity of the person , we could also work to build a barrier-free environment where everybody could access everything, on a universal design perspective.

"Universal design is the design of products and environments to be useable by all people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design"

Inclusive Design or Universal Design is a set of concerns, knowledge, methodologies and practices aimed at the design of spaces, products and services, used with efficacy, safety and comfort for as many people as possible, regardless of their abilities. UDe naturally tends to be inclusive and non-discriminatory, resulting in improved ergonomics for all and It doesn't necessarily lead to additional costs for the benefit of a minority. Even if sometimes, the costs of development and initial production can be higher, they will however, benefit not only a minority, but the entire population, increasing the productivity of all, preventing misuse and risks of prolonged discomfort, and avoid accidents. Consequently, in the medium and long term, in can turn out to be an increase in productivity and a better life for all.