what is adaptable design?
Though the term “adaptable” was embedded in our project from the beginning, part of our work as researchers and designers was to define adaptable design and how it is connected to and differentiated from other design methodologies in the home design space.
Our team determined that while application of adaptable design is highly contextual to an environment’s intended function and layout, it is always centered on an understanding of human ability and can be facilitated by a set of principles and guidelines. We believe the following is true of Adaptable Design:
It goes beyond “accessible”
In practice, “accessible” building features are widely considered to be those that are in compliance with ADA Standards for Accessible Design. These standards represent the minimum required characteristics for a feature to be legally classified as accessible.
In our research and discussions with experts in the space, we found that accessible home features are unfortunately often implemented and installed in static, ad-hoc, and aesthetically incompatible ways in order to “check a box”. From a user experience standpoint, this is far from ideal. Thus, while all adaptable designs are accessible, the reverse is not always true.
It is grounded in the functional principles of universal design
Universal design is a robust body of design work that promotes principles of equitable use, low physical effort, and intuitive design. It advocates for environments that are designed intentionally so that all individuals can use them, and posits that such designs benefit all people.
Universal design is a strongly related, necessary component of adaptable design. It provides adaptable design with a functional foundation onto which it adds a human-centered emphasis.
It couples an emphasis on the social and psychological aspects of design with the notion that users’ abilities are varied and dynamic.
Adaptable Design’s unique addition to this landscape is its recognition of the complex, dynamic, and multi-dimensional nature of humans and their abilities.
Drawing from research on aging, disability, and assistive technologies, Adaptable Design emphasizes the connection between the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of human interaction with their living environment. It recognizes that individuals who are experiencing changes in physical function are often also experiencing shifts in their identity and new social challenges. Rather than recommending modifications or features that further emphasize these shifts, it highlights the importance of a design’s aesthetic impact and promotion of positive self-identity.
Related to this idea, Adaptable Design is also centered on the conviction that a user’s abilities will enevitably change, sometimes gradually over a life time, and other times suddenly for a short period. Adaptable designs, rather than providing patchwork reactions to these changes, will have proactively considered how to accommodate them seamlessly.
adaptable design principles
Working from this definition, we developed a set of design principles that we believe are central to creating an adaptable design.
| Positive self-identity | My home is a space where I can feel secure in my identity, nurture positive relationships with my family and community, and motivate myself to take on physical challenges and activities. |
| Independence | I am able to care for myself and engage in activities that are meaningful to me, even as my abilities change. |
| Harmony with the home | My home’s features reflect my design preferences and use space effectively. |
| Safety and control | I feel like I’m in control and, if things go wrong, that I’ll be able to quickly and gracefully recover to avoid injuring myself. |
| Intuitive, flexible use | The features in my home are easy to use, offer options for operation, and adapt to my functional needs over time. |
adaptable design guidelines
We also developed a set of design guidelines for applying these principles to the design of home features.
Think about the individual rather than the collective
Do not assume one solution fits all - allow flexibility and adaptability in the functionality so that many users find comfort in the solution.
independencepositive self-identityintuitive + flexibleConsider body variance
Elements should incorporate inclusivity considerations for varying heights, weights, and body shapes.
positive self-identityGive the user options in position and inputs
The feature should be usable while sitting or standing and should not favor a particular side of the body. If it makes sense for the feature, allow both voice and touch commands.
independenceharmony with the homeintuitive + flexibleBalance form and functionality
Choose aesthetics that make individuals feel valued and uplifted rather than reminding them of their limitations.
independenceharmony with the homepositive self-identityintuitive + flexibleMinimize complex, awkward, or uncomfortable movements
Prioritize, safety, ease of use and control.
independencesafety + controlintuitive + flexibleUplift the user, even when an error occurs
Use design language that supports and encourages learning instead of frustration, confusion, and self-doubt.
positive self-identitysafety + controlPrioritize multi-purposing of features
Design for more than one potential situation in mind so that the feature is inclusive.
harmony with the homeintuitive + flexibleFocus on user independence
Ensure that solutions enable and encourage users to feel comfortable operating them on their own despite challenges they may face.
independencesafety + controlintuitive + flexibleConsider the longterm spectrum of an individual’s abilities
Abilities are neither uniform nor static. They may change gradually over a lifetime or shift suddenly for a short period of time. Features should adapt gracefully to either scenario.
positive self-identityintuitive + flexible
To see these guidelines in action, check out the home tour.