We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Technology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is Adaptive Design?

By Tara Barnett
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,225
Share

Adaptive design is the creation of objects that foster ease of access for all people. Typically, this term is associated with disabilities, but all people could theoretically benefit from modifications to certain objects to make them better fit an individual's body or mind. Most people believe that creating objects and systems that are universally accessible is preferable to individually modifying objects to increase accessibility, but that current and practical solutions to lived problems are also extremely important. The types of modifications characteristic of adaptive design are usually individual in nature, but can help with mobility, positioning, and even learning.

Most objects and systems in the world are designed for a nonexistent "normal" body. Adaptive design is a philosophy that advocates making changes to these objects in order to increase ease of use for an individual. The individual in question might have a very specific disability, such as being unable to sit upright, in which case the object might be used in a number of situations in which sitting is a problem. Alternatively, the design might be intended to supplement a specific existing object, such as a wheelchair.

One of the most interesting features of adaptive design is that it is, in its ideal form, highly individual. Even people with the same disability might have highly different needs depending on the specifics of that disability. For this reason, emphasis is placed on the customization of adaptive products. It is not always possible to achieve a perfect fit between the body and technology, but a close match is important for success with these products.

All people can benefit from adaptive design modifications, but people who are disabled can benefit immensely from these minor changes. Facilitating participation in social activities and increasing access to opportunities is one of the major goals of many groups that focus on this type of design. Even so, it is generally considered more appropriate both philosophically and practically to maximize ease of use for all people without adding on modifications. Considering difference when designing products can decrease the need for adaptation of those products, which in turn promotes seamless inclusion of people who are disabled.

It is often possible to improve accessibility using basic tools and design materials. Individuals may be able to build adaptive solutions using inexpensive materials like cardboard or foam. These products are not always the most attractive, but they can be highly functional. Many groups aim to assist parents in creating these items for children and for providing individuals with the technologies they need in order to participate fully in their lives.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-adaptive-design.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.