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Universal Design for Play Guidelines

1. THE TOY ISAPPEALING

PerceptibleInformation

The design appeals to childrens sensory(sound, vision, touch) abilities &preferences.The design communicates necessaryinformation effectively, regardless of theuser's sensory abilities.

Use multiple modes (visual, sound andtexture) to highlight access anddifferentiate responses.

2. HOW TO PLAYWITH THE TOY ISCLEAR

Simple andIntuitive Use

A simple design makes a toys use easy tounderstandregardless of the user'sexperience, knowledge, language skills, orcurrent concentration level.

Non-complex, intuitive designs arebest; e.g. well defined access areaswith consistent responses. Controlsshould be obvious and accessible.

3. THE TOY IS

EASY TO USE

Equitable Use

Low PhysicalEffort

All children can use equivalent ways for

playing with the toy. Physical effort isminimized.The design is useful and marketable tochildren with diverse abilities. The designcan be used efficiently and comfortablywith a minimum of fatigue.

All children should use the

same/ equivalent means of accesswhen playing with the toy. The accessand output features of the toy shouldappeal to a variety of interests andneeds of all children. Physical effortshould be minimized with light tomoderate force for operation. A variety ofmotions can be used to access toys (e.g.

bat, press, drop, bang).

4. THE TOY ISADJUSTABLE

Flexible Use

Size and Space

for Approach and

A variety of actions can be used to playwith the toy. It can be used in differentpositions; the toy can adjust to the child

The design accommodates a wide rangeof individual preferences and abilities.

Appropriate size and space is provided for

Include features for adaptable range ofusers. Output is varied e.g. light +sound, vibration + sound, etc. or output can be adjustable; e.g. volume + lightcontrol. Toy can be used in a variety ofpositions (sitting, standing, playing on the

floor or on a supporting surface). Toys

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Use approach, reach, manipulation, and useregardless of users body size, posture, or

mobility.

with flat bottoms are most stable.Buttons, levers, etc. are positioned

appropriately for reach.

5. THE TOYPROMOTESDEVELOPMENT

The toy holds a childs interest andencourages exploration and discovery. Itis fun!

The toy encourages imagination andsocial play. It promotes discoveringnew ways to play (i.e. cause/effect,building, pretending) and stimulates physical or mental activity.

6. THE TOY CANBE PLAYED WITHIN DI FFERENTWAYS

The toy appeals to children at varyingdevelopmental levels and abilities. Itencourages use for more than onepurpose

Toy appeals to individuals at varyingage + developmental levels. It isappropriate for several ages. The toypromotes use in more than one way (e.g.bug jar can be a shape bucket, a poolfor dolls, a purseor tool box.

The practice of design involves more than consideration of disability. Other considerations include economic, engineering, cultural,

gender and environmental concerns. Designers must works to integrate features that meet the needs of as many users as possible.

Adapted from: NC State University, The Center for Universal Designed, an Initiative of the College of Design (1997)

Mistrett & Ruffino, 2006