Design for More People, Not Just the Average

From Special Adaptation to Universal Design

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities defines universal design as creating products, environments, programs, and services that can be used by the widest possible range of people without requiring later adaptation or specialized design. Assistive solutions can still be provided when specific needs require them.

Universal design does not mean that one solution will serve every person in every situation. It means that diversity is considered from the beginning rather than treated as an exception after the main design is complete.

The seven widely recognized principles of universal design were developed by a multidisciplinary group led by Ronald Mace at North Carolina State University:

1. Equitable Use

The design should provide comparable value and dignity to people with different abilities.

2. Flexibility in Use

Users should have more than one way to interact with the product or environment.

3. Simple and Intuitive Use

The experience should be understandable regardless of the user’s knowledge or experience.

4. Perceptible Information

Essential information should be communicated through more than one sensory channel.

5. Tolerance for Error

The design should reduce the consequences of mistakes or accidental actions.

6. Low Physical Effort

The service should be usable comfortably without unnecessary fatigue.

7. Size and Space for Approach and Use

Users should have sufficient space to reach, approach, understand, and interact with the design.

Universal design benefits more than permanent disability groups. It can also support:

• Older adults.
• People with temporary injuries.
• Parents carrying children.
• Visitors who do not know the language.
• People under stress or time pressure.
• Users in poor lighting or noisy environments.
• Anyone entering an unfamiliar location.

Universal Design in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has established an important foundation for universal accessibility through national guidelines and regulatory development.

The King Salman Center for Disability Research has published universal-accessibility guidelines covering the built environment, transportation, tourism destinations, and accommodation. These guidelines were created to provide technical standards and benchmarks for accessible environments across the Kingdom.

In 2025, the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing published the Simplified Guide to Universal Accessibility Standards for Establishments, further translating accessibility requirements into practical guidance for facilities.

The Saudi Law of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities also reinforces the transition from welfare-based thinking toward rights, participation, services, and institutional responsibility.

Despite this progress, research on public environments in Saudi Arabia has identified continuing implementation gaps. This shows that standards must be translated into operational practice, maintenance, staff training, digital information, and real user journeys.

Universal Design Is Broader Than Physical Construction

• An accessible ramp does not make written information accessible.
• A large sign does not help a person who cannot see it.
• A mobile app does not help when its buttons are not compatible with a screen reader.
• A QR code does not help when the user cannot locate it.
• A staff member does not provide independent access when the user must request assistance every time.

A Complete Universal-Design Approach Connects

• The physical environment.
• Information and signage.
• Digital interfaces.
• Products and packaging.
• Communication methods.
• Staff and operational processes.
• Emergency procedures.
• Continuous user feedback.

Universal design begins with human diversity, not the “average user.”

Accessibility should be built in from the beginning—not patched in at the end.

The same design can support disability, ageing, temporary limitations, visitors, and unfamiliar users.

Physical, digital, and informational accessibility must work together.

Strategic Relevance to Noor Path

Noor Path supports three core universal-design principles:

Perceptible Information

It converts physical and visual information into audio and vibration-based formats.

Simple and Intuitive Use

It aims to provide direct information through a familiar smartphone interface.

Flexibility in Use

It adds another way to understand locations, products, signs, and services.

Noor Path should be positioned as part of a broader universal-accessibility strategy, not as a replacement for physical standards or other assistive tools.

Its strongest role is to help existing environments become more understandable without waiting for a complete structural redesign.