What is the primary goal of universal design?

The primary goal of universal design is to create environments, products, and services that are accessible and usable by the widest range of people, regardless of their age, ability, or status. This inclusivity ensures that the design caters to diverse needs and abilities, promoting equal opportunity for participation. By focusing on creating solutions that can be effectively utilized by as many individuals as possible, universal design fosters accessibility and usability at its core.

In contrast, restricting functionality to specific user groups limits the potential user base and goes against the principles of inclusivity that define universal design. Enhancing performance for advanced users may benefit a segment of users but does not address the needs of everyone, which is essential for universal design. Simplifying the design process might be a benefit of good design practices but is not the primary goal of ensuring inclusivity in usability. Overall, the emphasis on broader accessibility and functionality is what makes universal design impactful and essential.