Design Resources

isUD solutions are based on years of evidence-based research encapsulated in several Design Resources.

As captured by the definition, Universal Design is a process. The state-of-the-art is constantly changing. As new research becomes available, and as social norms and expectations continue to evolve, so too do appropriate design solutions. The Design Resources published here attempt to capture the most important and current design issues and research available to-date. The Design Resources summarize the available knowledge on the most relevant issues so that facility owners and designers can understand the issues, their importance, and design considerations needed to sufficiently address them.

We welcome advocates, researchers, designers, and other practitioners to contact us to let us know of emerging research and design issues, innovative design ideas, or to provide any other feedback.

Chapter 1: Design Process

Chapter 2: Space Clearances

Chapter 3: Circulation

Chapter 4: Environmental Quality

Chapter 5: Site

Chapter 6: Rooms and Spaces

Chapter 7: Furnishings and Equipment

Chapter 8: Services

Chapter 9: Policies

isUD™ Overlay for Transportation Facilities

In response to the growing need for Universal Design solutions more customized to unique facility types such as Healthcare Facilities, Housing, and Transportation Facilities, the isUD™ is being revised to incorporate various “overlays” that address the issues unique to these different use types, and which can assign greater weight to solutions relating to the primary function areas of these facilities. In time, these overlays will be fully incorporated into future versions of isUD™. In the meantime, the overlays act as a supplement the existing isUD™ solutions found on this website.

This overlay focuses on the unique needs of users of transportation facilities and the Innovative Solutions for Universal DesignTM aimed at addressing those needs.

Download isUD™ Overlay for Transportation Facilities

Interested in learning more about Universal Design? Check out some of our recommended publications and online courses.