Universal Design Principles: Best Practices

What is universal design?

Universal design means creating environments, products, and experiences that can be accessed, understood, and used by all people, regardless of age, ability, or background, without the need for adaptation. This goes beyond accessibility alone. It’s about inclusivity by default, not as an afterthought.

Think of curb cuts on sidewalks: made for wheelchair users, but helpful for parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, or cyclists. That’s universal design in action.

1. Design for flexibility

People use products in different ways. Some tap, others swipe. Some prefer dark mode, while others need larger text. Supporting multiple interaction methods allows users to choose what works best for them.

Key practices:

• Offer keyboard and voice navigation support

• Provide adjustable text size and contrast modes

• Use responsive design for various screen sizes

Flexibility respects user preferences and needs, making your product more adaptable and future-ready.

2. Use clear, simple language

Good UX copy is universal. Complex jargon, idioms, or overly technical terms can create confusion or exclusion, especially for non-native speakers or people with cognitive disabilities.

Key practices:

• Write in plain language

• Use short, direct sentences

• Add helpful context to icons or unfamiliar actions

Clarity benefits everyone, from busy users in a rush to those learning a new language.

3. Prioritize accessibility early

Universal design and accessibility go hand in hand. Building with accessibility from the beginning saves time and ensures a better experience for all users.

Key practices:

• Follow WCAG guidelines (contrast ratios, alt text, focus states)

• Use semantic HTML for screen readers

• Test with assistive technologies like screen readers or voice control

Accessibility is not just compliance—it’s good design practice.

4. Test with real users, including edge cases

To truly support universal design, include diverse users in your testing process. What works well for one group might be unusable for another.

Key practices:

• Include users of varying abilities in usability testing

• Test on different devices, browsers, and network conditions

• Gather feedback from non-tech-savvy users

Testing with a wide range of people surfaces problems you’d never predict from analytics alone.

5. Use inclusive visual design

Design choices like color, imagery, and layout should reflect diversity and avoid excluding any group. People want to feel represented and considered.

Key practices:

• Avoid relying solely on color to convey information

• Choose images and illustrations that reflect diverse ages, genders, and cultures

• Ensure enough spacing and visual hierarchy for easy scanning

Inclusive visuals help everyone feel welcome and comfortable using your product.

In summary

So, what practices support universal design principles? Designing for flexibility, using clear language, prioritizing accessibility early, testing inclusively, and embracing diverse visual design. Together, these practices ensure your product is usable and genuinely inclusive.

At Supercharge Design, we believe universal design is the future of user experience.