
6 Universal Design
SAFETYORIENTED DESIGN
Safety-oriented design promotes health and well-being. It is corrective and preventative. Using
contrasting colors or patterns to mark changes in floor level helps protect against tripping inju-
ries (see Figure 2.6). Desks and cabinets with rounded edges are safer than those with sharp
edges. Redundant alarms that have both audible and visual signals are safer than those that use
only a single cue. A smoke alarm that also provides a light source can save time in exiting a burn-
ing building and can also mark the path of exit.
ere is more to safety, however, than overcoming physical threats. Safety a ...