Lifetime Design - principles of accessible, adaptable, inclusive design

The framework for Lifemark has been built around the five core Principles of Lifetime Design. These proven accessible and adaptable design principles aim to make homes more usable and inclusive to fit around people, rather than current practice of making people fit around their homes.

In New Zealand we use the term 'Lifetime Design' to describe a way of designing accessible and adaptable homes and products that will deliver the greatest ease of use for most people and allow easy adaptations in the future . A unique feature of this approach is flexibility to change the home or product over time according to the owner’s needs, and ensure that our communities and homes are welcoming and inviting to all our friends and family.

The Five Principles of Lifetime Design 

	Usability Designs are uncomplicated, safe, well suited to their purpose, and can be easily used by people with differing abilities.
	Adaptability The home can be cost effectively and simply adapted to meet people’s changing needs over time, or to suit different users. Information on how best to implement changes is easy to find.
	Accessibility Everyone can easily access the home and move around freely within it. Particular attention will have been given to transition points such as pathways and doorways, and access to and from transport.
	Inclusion Our homes include everyone regardless of age, size, or ability. Groups are not segregated by the design
	Lifetime Value Lifetime Design homes and products are not expensive, but they are valuable and remain so over time. What’s more, they save the user money, time and energy through effective design. They can be easily adapted for a relatively low cost.