If building a pyramid took generations to build, that's what it took; same with a medievel cathedral. Today, building must meet timelines and budgets first, before all other concerns. What happened? What caused this shift in priority?

Are you a TAB? That's temporarily-able-bodied. What's the likelihood that you will spend part of your life in a wheelchair? Try 80%. And, are you normal? Probably not. In essence, we are much more varried than we recognize. Disabled is very much part of who we are. It might be helpless babies, temporary injury, progressive disease or aging parents. Universal design help us embrace all of who we are.

North Carolina State University’s Center for Universal Design created the seven principles that are the guiding force behind universal design. An eighth principle would address the impact of environment on perception. For example, put two people behind a podium, a tall and a short person. The audience forms a judgment in favor of the taller person before a word is spoken.

How are you planning for retirement? Like most, you consider first your finances but what about your home? Will it work for you or against you as you age? Universal design helps you create a home you can age in.

Universal design is an approach to design, not a set of rules. Some guidelines are specific while others are more like an overall concept. This article discusses the broad, all encompasing guidelines to consider when making a home universally designed.

Universal design can come into your life in some very simple ways that require little more than a few minutes and a few dollars. Read this handy list of improvements you can start on right now.

Most of us use color for decorative purposes but color selection can also contribute to recognition, mood, safety and navigation. Read this article to discover more ways to use color.

Lighting can be a minor adjustment or a whole house endeavor including hiring a lighting designer. For both, there are considerations that would contribute toward a practical, psychological and emotionally satisfying solutions.

The familiarity for instant gratification is in our bones. Ask someone to plan for something many years off and they will decline. Ask them to spend some money and they'll run! The good news about universal design is that it doesn't cost much when considered at the early planning stages. But when ignored, meeting future need can become hugely expensive.