Universal Living in the Americas: What is Universal Design, and Why the Industry Should Champion This Approach

Imagine walking into a home where everyone feels welcome—where doors are wide enough for all to pass through easily, and where every function—light, water, air—is easily controlled by any user, regardless of age or ability. This is the essence of Universal Design (UD), a forward-thinking approach to crafting products and environments that are inclusive and accessible to all, irrespective of age, size, cultural background or disability. 

And the importance of inclusive living is growing rapidly. From 1971 to 2021, research from the Pew Research Center revealed that households spanning three to four generations have quadrupled, encompassing nearly 60 million people – or 18% of the U.S. population.

By embracing UD, we open up a world of possibilities, transforming spaces into havens of comfort and functionality for every individual. At LIXIL, we bring UD to life through our consumer insights, ensuring our products are designed to address the varied and evolving needs of consumers, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

The Essence of Universal Home Design

From user-friendly features to conveniently placed amenities, universal home design considers the needs and desires of all individuals. Our approach transcends conventional boundaries, diving deep into user needs and aspirations across demographics.
But how do we uncover those specific needs? Through meticulous pre-search―which helps us anticipate future needs and trends that enable us to design innovative solutions that stay ahead of the curve. Using focus groups, consumer-focused research and regional market insights, our Global Design team integrates insights from the very beginning. 

For that very purpose, we located our design studios strategically around the world—in Dusseldorf, New York, Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo—in order to capture these insights within different cultural environments. This not only helps ensure products meet diverse consumer needs, but actively works to make their lives better through specific interventions. For instance, sometimes issues that we uncover are a much larger obstacle for individual users than we initially realized—so we have to pivot. Our research gives us the foundation to understand and address the full range of consumer needs all over the world.

Why the industry must embrace Universal Design

According to a 2023 report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, just 3.5% of homes include crucial universal design elements. This gap signifies an opportunity for designers and architects to distinguish themselves in the market by creating inclusive environments and products.

If we are dedicated to building the best living spaces, then we must prioritize the needs of different demographics from the very start of the design process. We inspire designers and architects to embrace universal design by incorporating inclusive design thinking, collaborating with accessibility experts, staying informed on standards, leveraging technology, and advocating for the importance of accessibility in their practice. This commitment is deeply embedded in our DNA, guiding our daily work, and our dedication is evident in the quality of our products, instilling trust and confidence in our consumers. 

And when creativity takes flight, the results are truly inspiring. For example, the American Standard Zero Threshold Shower Tray is designed without any ledge or sill, sitting flush with the bathroom floor. This makes entering the shower easier for those using a wheelchair or walker, as well as individuals with mobility limitations. Additionally, the GROHE Smart Connect Shower features a convenient push-button remote control that can be mounted at eye level, eliminating the need to reach up to the showerhead to adjust the spray settings. And, as always, the more we collaborate with each other, the better equipped we are to address our customers’ recurring issues.

As an industrial designer affecting billions of people around the world, I have an obligation to discover and address a variety of issues. Universal Design is the answer – helping create living spaces that are comfortable and delightful for all—not just a few—meeting the diverse needs of today's population, and proactively addressing the needs of the future.

And as industry leaders, it’s our responsibility to champion this approach, creating homes that are inclusive and enrich the lives of every individual. At LIXIL, we make better homes for everyone, everywhere. This is the essence of what design should strive for—with unrestricted creativity and deep insights, we gain the freedom to innovate, experiment and learn.

Written by Jean-Jacques L’Henaff, Leader, LIXIL Global Design, Americas
In this role, L'Hénaff identifies deep connections between product, brand, users and stakeholders to create lasting value. L'Hénaff joined LIXIL in 2013. During his tenure, he built an award-winning team, responsible for designing all American Standard and DXV products, branded environments (corporate headquarter, showroom, trades show  exhibit), and, more recently, the new American Standard brand identity.