EQUITABLE USE

The first one of the 7 principles of universal design is the “ equitable use”. In the definition, it is said that , in the design process, we need to concider if it provides the same means of use for all users, identical whenever possible, equivalent when not. Also, we can not segregate or stigmatize users. We have to think about making the  provisions for privacy, safety and security equally available to all users. And finally, we should make the desaign appealing to all users.

We can give some effective examples from our environment. We usually forget a very important and necessary thing in the design process:ramps. As we see in many places, there is not a ramp near the stairs. Even if there is one, it is not always appropriate for users. For example, in this overpass from Kızılay, the slope is not appropriate. In the other example from our Architecture Faculty in Metu, again the slope is not appropriate, or in some stairs, there is not a ramp. Even if it is a simple mistake, we often make that.