I like the idea of “designing products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design” because this does not only improve the production costs, because there is a possibility for mass production, but lowers the stigmatization for impaired people. Step three in the process of universal design(by Sheryl Burgstahler), involve the costumer, is one important step, if not the most important. It is important because they are the end user and if you are not involving them in the process, it is probably not going to be very successful.
Reading the principles in Maximizing Usability (by Molly Follette) I realized that design guidelines are a good start in developing universal products because they are based on user tests and evaluations on similar product. The biggest obstacle must be changing the attitude against impair people, but to move towards that goal we need to develop the right products that does not stigmatize the user, just then, can we move forward.
A product does not only have to be developed for impaired. It is possible to create something that “normal” people can use as well. A good product would be something that improved both impaired and other peoples every day life.
Non-excluding Design 