Inger Marie Lid, doctoral student at Oslo University College.

According to Inger Marie Lid, doctoral student at Oslo University College, there is a need for more theoretical study and a more critical approach to what we can achieve through universal design. Ms Lid explains her views thoroughly in her article “What can we achieve through universal design? A study of different aspects of the concept.”

The article has been published in FORMakademisk, an online journal that provides an academic forum for documentation of research in design. In it, Ms Lid – who is completing a doctoral thesis on universal design, stressing ethics, diversity and urban living – points out that there is still a need for a theoretical discussion of the concepts of universal design, accessibility and usability in the context of participation. She maintains that the implementation of universal design strategy requires the answer to a concrete question: how should we define and evaluate the concept of universal design?

“Universal design as a political strategy and legal concept may help to steer society in a concrete, physical way in a more inclusive direction,” she writes in her article. She reflects on the limitations of the concept, going on to discuss what we can realistically hope to achieve through universal design.

The universal design strategy represents something new because it emphasises inclusiveness and equality. Whereas planning formerly revolved around measures targeted toward people with disabilities, now it focuses on variations in functionality and diversity among people. The objective is to prevent discrimination on the basis of reduced functionality and impairments. The concept of universal design is discussed on the basis of official documents and new Norwegian legislation that establishes a statutory framework for dismantling disabling barriers. Today, the concept of disability is understood to be expressed as a relationship between the individual and his/her surroundings. Universal design and improved accessibility helps to create an inclusive environment, thus paving the way for participation in society.

Must define the concept

Ms Lid states there is a need to define the concept to make it possible to evaluate concrete solutions. More theoretical work is also needed, and a critical approach to what it is possible to achieve through universal design must be applied.