Universal Design focuses on which aspect of design?

Universal Design is centered on creating environments that are accessible and usable by people of all ages and abilities. This approach emphasizes human-centered design, meaning that the needs, preferences, and limitations of individual users are at the forefront of the design process.

By prioritizing human-centered design, Universal Design seeks to remove barriers and enable participation for everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities. This holistic perspective ensures that spaces and products are intuitive and accommodating, fostering inclusive experiences.

In contrast, the other options focus more narrowly. Commercial use pertains to specific market applications rather than overall user experience, elderly-friendly design emphasizes adaptations for a particular demographic, and cost-effective design deals primarily with financial considerations, which can sometimes compromise user needs. Hence, focusing on human-centered design captures the essence of Universal Design in developing spaces that are practical for all individuals.