Universal design in Latvia is a new concept that is only gradually gaining popularity. universal design means building an accessible, safe and humane environment in which every person feels comfortable, despite potential health problems. Universal design is a new line of thinking that dictates that the core value in society is human convenience and safety. Those are the key criteria for building a humane, accessible environment. Universal design does not impose specific requirements on a particular social group, but makes every service, every infrastructure as well as the environment accessible to everyone.

Universal design is a strategy that aims to develop and create a variety of services, products, information and environments so that they are accessible, understandable and user-friendly to everyone to the greatest extent possible, without the need to make an adaptation or create a special design.
/Ronald L.Mace, North Carolina State University, the Center for Universal Design, www.designs.ncsu.edu 

Simply told: Universal Design – accessible environments, products, services and information for all people.

Universal design aims to simplify life for everyone, by creating an environment, products and communications that are equally accessible, usable and understandable to all people.
The concept of universal design contributes by developing consumer-centred design, adopting a comprehensive approach and setting the goal of adapting to the needs of people of all ages, stature and abilities.
Universal design is thus a concept that goes beyond simple issues such as accessibility of buildings for disabled people and should become an integral part of architectural, design and environmental planning.
Universal design and accessibility play an important role in promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms. Universal design in Latvia is a new concept that is only gradually gaining popularity. This means building an accessible, safe and humane environment in which every person feels comfortable, despite potential health problems.

PRINCIPLES OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN

1. Easy to use for everyone

Light switches are manufactured in a variety of ways, but not all are easy for everyone to use. For example, it is cumbersome for someone with joint disease to grab a small switch with their fingers and turn the light on. Instead it would be more practical if the light could be switched on and off by touching the base of the lamp. Low-floor public transport also has equally convenient boarding for people with mobility disabilities, the visually impaired and the rest of the passengers.
• the means to use something must be identical, standardised.
• situations where any group of people would not be able to use certain elements should be avoided.
• Create the identical rules for all users for private and secure use.
• make the design attractive to all users.

2. Diverse use

The bathroom is easy to use if the shower height is adjustable. To make getting in and out of the bath comfortable for older people and those with reduced mobility a handrail attached to the wall at an appropriate height helps alot. On the other hand, in order to sit comfortably on the side of the bath, the edge must be of non-slip material and wide enough.
• Diverse possibility of usage.
• elements should be available and usable for both right-handed and left-handed people.
• enhanced accuracy and diligence of operations.
• There must be a customizable user interface.

3. Easy to understand use

The use of the object or the environment must be easily understood and intuitive. For example, furniture manufacturer IKEA sells furniture in disassembled form, while instructions for assembling furniture are shown in drawings. The packaging also includes the necessary screws, staples and necessary tools.
• makes usage simple, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
• matches the user's first impressions as to how an object or device needs to be used.
• can be used by people with different levels of intelligence and language proficiency.
• It's important that user instructions are easily comprehensible.
• provides useful additional information that tells you what to do.

4. Easily perceived information

Information about the object should be provided in a way accessible to each, regardless of the users perception. As a result, any important information is available to all people. For example, information about the arrival and departure times of public transport can be presented visually, in audio and tactile form, or in Braille.
• use a variety of techniques (illustration, words, tactile information) to display information to reduce redundancy.
• key information should be clear and easily understandable.
• elements should be distinguishable in ways that make it easier to use and understand instructions.
• different techniques or devices should be suitable for people with sensory disabilities.

5. Reduced chance of mistake

Design minimizes the consequences of errors and misbehavior. For example, whenever you want to delete a file or document from your computer, your computer asks if you really want to do so, this extra step gives us protection from the consequences of unwanted behavior.
• to reduce damage and errors in use, the most used elements, the most accessible, hazardous elements should be isolated, covered or reduced in number.
• Alerts should be provided for possible damage.
• elements must have clear usage.
• in tasks requiring vigilance and caution, likelyhood of unconscious, automatic action causing harm must be reduced.

6. Minimal physical effort

The object and environment are easy to use without physical force. For example, automatic doors that do not require physical effort to open.
• User can maintain neutral body position.
• the user can use reasonable operating power.
• reducing the need for reactivity.
• the need for sustained physical effort is reduced.

7. Size and space suitable for movement and use

Appropriate room sizes shall ensure that the user, regardless of body posture, dimensions or mobility, is able to approach, reach, manipulate and use all functional capabilities of the object. For example, the characteristics of public buildings toilets and the layout of facilities allow them to be used by children, wheelchair occupants and other visitors.
• Open visibility without barriers to important elements for both seated and standing users.
• elements and components are easily accessible to both seated and standing users.
• handles should be sized to suit the size of all hands and grips.
• the space to use accessories should be wide enough.