About Universal Design

Universal Design (UD) is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability. An environment (or any building, product, or service in that environment) should be designed to meet the needs of all people who wish to use it. This is not a special requirement, for the benefit of only a minority of the population. It is a fundamental condition of good design.

If an environment is accessible, usable, convenient and a pleasure to use, everyone benefits. By considering the diverse needs and abilities of all throughout the design process, universal design creates digital and built environments, services and systems that meet peoples' needs. Simply put, universal design is good design.

On this page

Image of a family with diverse needs and abilities

About Universal Design

Universal Design is the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed, understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age, size, ability or disability.

7 Principles

The purpose of the Principles is to guide the design of built and digital environments, products and services and communications.

History of Universal Design

An overview of the social history and the evolving design industry.

Benefits and Drivers

Individual, social and business benefits of Universal Design.

Universal Design Approach

Applying a Universal Design approach to complement the design process.

Join us at UD26

4-6 November 2026 | Galway City, Ireland

Hear from international Universal Design experts, innovators and changemakers at UD26, the 8th International Design Conference. The conference will take place in Galway City, Ireland from 4-6 November 2026.

Policy and Legislation

We actively participate in key strategic actions to further national and European policy and legislation relevant to Universal Design.

National and European Standards

We actively contribute to the development of relevant national and European standards which have an impact on the lives of persons with disabilities.

Universal Design Awards

we are pleased to run the Universal Design Grand Challenge Student Competition which promotes the principles of Universal Design across the third-level sector. We also collaborate with external organisations who include Universal Design as part of their own awards programmes.