The principles underlying human-centered design range across disciplines—from community design, to architectural design, to interior design, industrial design, and design of communication venues. And, according to the Institute for Human Centered Design,1 universal or human-centered design "has a parallel in the green design movement, which also offers a framework for design problem-solving based on the core value of environmental responsibility. Universal Design and green design are comfortably two sides of the same coin—green design focusing on environmental sustainability, universal design on social sustainability."
Some examples of human-centered design include:
o Lever door handles, which provide ease of opening for children with small
hands, elderly people with reduced wrist strength, adults with full use of their arms and hands who may be carrying packages and babies, or an individual with no hands. A lever handle allows a person to use an elbow, a prosthesis, a carried item, or the full strength of his/her arm to easily open a door— thereby allowing for a vast range of abilities . . . and enabling a vast range of people.