Developments of Universal Design in Modern Society Introduction: Launching a new product can be an extremely challenging process as it is almost impossible to predict whether it will be accepted by the target market. A recent study conducted by Universal Design Ireland suggests that “it takes internet users less than 50 milliseconds” to judge the visual appearance of a product online. There are many aspects that can determine the success or failure of a product, some of these aspects are so small and detailed that it is almost impossible to analyze each one to successfully penetrate the market. If the consumer's first impression is not positive, they are unlikely to pay for the product. But if the product is simple, clearly presented, easily accessible and simple to use, the consumer is very likely to proceed to view the product and possibly make a purchase. But these aspects have the ability to allow the product or service to reach millions of people or disappear without the public even knowing it exists. In today's market the use of universal design and its principles can ensure that the designer fulfills these aspects to the best of his ability. Universal design has been defined over the years as many things, but all connected to the same outcome. The process ensures that the product or service is designed so that it can be used by all people with all different states of physical and mental abilities in all environments. Although there are many different definitions for universal design, in my opinion the definition that best fits the exact concept is that of the British Standards Institute: “The design of mainstream products and/or services that is accessible and usable by as many people as reasonably possible ”.Universal Design was born in...... half of the document......es/2008/7/BSI-British-Standards-publishes-first-step-in-world-wide-design -solution- to-prevent-medical-errors. Last access 04/25/14.- Mirage. (2010). Services beyond Mirage. Available: http://www.miragewoodworks.com/our-services/. Last access 29/04/14.- RSS. (2011). Designing for learning. Available: http://nkilkenny.wordpress.com/2013/02/10/technology-is-magic-stop-thinking-in-19th-20th-century-metaphors-already-edcmooc/. Last accessed 04/21/14.- TED Conferences, LLC. (2004). Malcolm Gladwell: Choice, Happiness, and Spaghetti Sauce. Available: http://www.ted.com/talks/moltrem_gladwell_on_spaghetti_sauce#t-946992. Last accessed 04/29/14.- Valerie Beecher. (2013). Ergonomics in healthcare Ergonomic injury prevention programs. Available: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/93515935/Ergonomics-in-Healthcare-Ergonomic-Injury-Prevention-Programs-A-ppt. Last seen 29/04/14