Principle 7   SIZE AND SPACE FOR APPROACH AND USE

Provides appropriate size and space to approach, reach, and manipulate, regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility.

Whether users stand or sit, the product itself or adequate space nearby (or both) allow for a clear view and access path, a comfortable reach, and use of assistive devices or personal help. The design also allows for various human postures and hand and grip sizes.

For example:

  • Hinge The SWING-CLEAR HINGE allows a door to be fully open, making the clear opening 1.5 inches wider, with extra room for people who use wheelchairs or move bulky furniture or large appliances through the door. Usable on all types of hinged doors.

    Designer: Unknown, but product is available at hardware stores, gadget catalogs, and the web.



  • ADAPTABLE BASE CABINETS allow for wide-ranging personal preferences and abilities by using self-storing doors that slide into the lower cabinets OR removable doors that create knee space for a seated cook Or easy access to lower storage.

    Designer: Center for Universal Design, NCSU, Raleigh, NC, for builder Jay Beamon.

    A women and a girl at a sink A man in a wheelchair at a sink       
    		Opening a cabinet door A man in a wheelchair loading a dishwasher