Universal Design or Design for All aims to design objects, equipment and structures of the physical environment intended to be used by most people, without resorting to adapted or specialized projects, and its objective is to simplify the life of all, regardless of age, height or capacity, making the products, structures, communication/information and the built environment usable by as many people as possible, at low cost or without extra costs, so that all people, and not only those who have special needs, even temporary, can fully integrate into an inclusive society.

The realization of a project in Universal Design obeys 7 basic principles:

1. Fair use: can be used by any user group;
2. Flexibility of use: encompasses a wide range of individual preferences and capabilities;
3. Simple and intuitive use: easy to understand, regardless of user experience, knowledge, language skills or level of concentration;
4. Perceivable information: Effectively provides the user with the necessary information, whatever the existing environmental/physical conditions or sensory capabilities of the user;
5. Error tolerance: minimises risks and negative consequences arising from accidental or unintended actions;
6. Minimum physical effort: can be used effectively and comfortably with a minimum of fatigue;
7. Size and scope of approach and use: Adequate space and size for approach, handling and use, regardless of the height, mobility or posture of the user.

Design for All is thus assumed as a privileged instrument for the achievement of accessibility and, by extension, the promotion of social inclusion.

Its importance is laid down in Resolution ResAP (2001) 1 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (the Tomar Resolution), which recommends that Member States, among other measures, "take into account, in the development of national policies, the principles of universal design and measures to improve accessibility in the broadest possible sense, ... in relation to educational programmes and other aspects of education, training and awareness-raising which fall directly within the remit of governments, in accordance with the responsibilities of each country".