Principle 6   LOW PHYSICAL EFFORT

The design can be used efficiently and comfortably, with minimal fatigue.

Universal products and places allow users to keep their bodies in natural, easy positions. They also limit long-term physical work, minimize strength requirements, and are NOT too hard to open or move. If appropriate, they use large (vs. small) muscles, work with gravity, and push or pull--ALL are less tiring than pulling or lifting with arms only.

For example:

  • The REST SEAT is higher and pitched further forward than most bench seats so users can sit and rise with minimal effort. The clear area under the seat allows them to push up to a standing position by using the large leg (vs. arm) muscles.

    Designer: Brian F. Donnelly, Donnelly Design, Davis, CA.

    Rest seat An older women sitting down on the rest seat A pregnant women with a child in her arm sitting down A group of people in the park equipped with rest seats


  • The universally-designed TENT SITE is raised 18" by a log retaining wall that doubles as a bench. The wall/seat height makes the tent easier to enter whether transferring from a wheelchair or saving stiff hands and knees by sitting on the wall and swinging legs up and around to enter the tent.

    Designer: Terry C. Lee, U. S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Grants Pass, OR, for Rogue River National Forest.

    A man in a wheelchair next to his tent A man sitting on a pile of logs next to his wheelchair