Universal Safety Design (USD) and Sustainability: Comparison of Guidelines between Universal Design (UD) and USD

Abstract

Universal Design (UD) has contributed to enhancing the quality of life through design for all. This study aims to compare the users’ subjective scores for UD guidelines and Universal Safety Design (USD) guidelines. A questionnaire survey was performed to get information on the 165 users’ subjective scores for design guidelines implementing UD or USD. Results show that USD guidelines have extensibility in fairness, flexible work, and sustainability perspectives. UD guidelines show a low correlation coefficient with sustainability guideline of USD. In the results of the regression analysis, the guidelines of USD reflect the design concept of UD. Additionally, USD guidelines increase the design concept of sustainability. USD guidelines are expected to contribute to creating comfortable and safe environments for the disabled, the elderly, foreigners, and socially vulnerable groups. Additionally, it is expected to address discrimination at work.

Keywords

• sustainable design
• safety and health
• diversity
• inclusion
• sustainability