Short answer

Incorporate all seven principles of universal design into the design process for public and institutional buildings to ensure equitable access and usability for all individuals.

Field: Human Factors
Source: The International Journal of Science & Technoledge (2021)
Method: Observational study with a checklist
Evidence: Strong effect

A significant gap exists in the application of inclusive design principles in Nigerian institutional buildings, with a case study revealing only two out of seven core principles were implemented, hindering accessibility for diverse user groups. This human factors research insight is drawn from a 2021 study published in The International Journal of Science & Technoledge. Using Observational study with a checklist, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Incorporate all seven principles of universal design into the design process for public and institutional buildings to ensure equitable access and usability for all individuals.

Study

Human FactorsHigh ImpactStrong effect

Inclusive Design Principles: Only 2 of 7 Applied in Nigerian Institutional Buildings

The International Journal of Science & Technoledge · 2021

Key Findings

01Only two out of the seven universal design principles were found to be applied in the case study building.
02Key principles crucial for accessibility were not implemented, rendering the building inaccessible to many users.
03The building's design does not cater to the diverse needs of all users, including those with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women.

Application

Design takeaway

Incorporate all seven principles of universal design into the design process for public and institutional buildings to ensure equitable access and usability for all individuals.

How to apply

When designing any public or institutional space, systematically evaluate the design against each of the seven principles of universal design, ensuring that no critical elements are overlooked.

Project actions

01When selecting a case study, ensure it is representative of the type of design you are investigating.
02Develop a detailed checklist based on established design principles to guide your observations and data collection.

Method & Evidence

AimTo assess the extent to which inclusive design principles are applied in institutional buildings in Nigeria, using a specific faculty building as a case study.

MethodObservational study with a checklist

ProcedureResearchers observed a specific institutional building (School of Environmental Science Technology Building, Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Nigeria) and used a checklist based on universal design principles to evaluate its accessibility and usability for all potential users.

ContextArchitectural design of institutional buildings in Nigeria

Variables

IVApplication of inclusive design principles (measured by adherence to checklist items).

DVAccessibility and usability of the institutional building for diverse user groups.

CVType of building (institutional), geographical location (Nigeria), specific universal design principles being assessed.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Highlights a critical real-world design problem in a specific geographical context.
+Uses a systematic observational method with a checklist to gather data.

Limitations

The specific context of Nigerian building codes and cultural practices might influence the application of universal design principles, which may not be fully captured in a generalized checklist.

Reliability & validity

Reliability could be enhanced by having multiple observers use the checklist independently. Validity is dependent on the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the checklist in representing universal design principles.

Think critically

To what extent do cultural norms and local building regulations in Nigeria impact the adoption and implementation of universal design principles compared to international standards?

Design Principles

"Design for all users, regardless of age, ability, or circumstance, by adhering to the seven principles of universal design."

This highlights a critical oversight in current design practices for public facilities. Failing to integrate inclusive design leads to environments that exclude a substantial portion of the population, including individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women.

What This Means for Your Design

This research shows that many buildings in Nigeria aren't designed for everyone, like people with disabilities or older people. The study looked at one building and found it only followed 2 out of 7 important rules for making buildings usable by all.

How to use in your project

1.Use this study as evidence for the importance of inclusive design in your design project's justification or background section.
2.Refer to the findings when discussing the shortcomings of existing designs or the need for user-centred approaches.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

Research indicates a significant deficiency in the application of inclusive design principles in institutional buildings, with a case study in Nigeria revealing that only a fraction of universal design principles were implemented, leading to a lack of accessibility for diverse user groups. This underscores the critical need for designers to adopt a holistic approach to inclusive design, ensuring that all individuals can access and utilize public facilities.

Source

The International Journal of Science & Technoledge

Application of Inclusive Design Principles on Institutional Buildings in Nigeria: A Case Study of School of Environmental Science Technology Building, Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Nigeria

journal · 2021

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about inclusive design principles: only 2 of 7 applied in nigerian institutional buildings?: Incorporate all seven principles of universal design into the design process for public and institutional buildings to ensure equitable access and usability for all individuals. Evidence: The International Journal of Science & Technoledge (2021).
Why does "Inclusive Design Principles: Only 2 of 7 Applied in Nigerian Institutional Buildings" matter for design?: This highlights a critical oversight in current design practices for public facilities. Failing to integrate inclusive design leads to environments that exclude a substantial portion of the population, including individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women.
How can designers apply this research?: Incorporate all seven principles of universal design into the design process for public and institutional buildings to ensure equitable access and usability for all individuals.
What were the main findings?: Only two out of the seven universal design principles were found to be applied in the case study building.. Key principles crucial for accessibility were not implemented, rendering the building inaccessible to many users.. The building's design does not cater to the diverse needs of all users, including those with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women.
What research method was used?: Observational study with a checklist.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2021 journal from The International Journal of Science & Technoledge.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing any public or institutional space, systematically evaluate the design against each of the seven principles of universal design, ensuring that no critical elements are overlooked.
What are the limitations?: The study focused on a single case study, potentially limiting the generalizability of findings to all institutional buildings in Nigeria. The checklist's comprehensiveness and the observers' interpretation could also be limitations.