The curb cut effect: How universal design makes things better for everyone
<p>It<strong>was a beautiful day in Santa Barbara, California,</strong> and I was walking down to work listening to an episode of my favorite podcast <em>99% Invisible</em> (I highly recommend). This <a href="https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/curb-cuts/" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" target="_blank">episode talked about curb cuts</a>–the ramps graded down on sidewalks to meet with the street. Here is yet another example of design that goes unnoticed by many. Little did I know that there was an extensive history behind this seemingly simple design that makes walking through the streets more accessible for those with disabilities and even those without.</p>
<p>In fact, the impact of this kind of design is so significant that the term <em>curb cut effect </em>was coined. The curb cut effect states that when you design for disabilities, you make things better for everyone in the process. For example, curb cuts on sidewalks made it easier for people pushing strollers, the elderly with walkers, or those rolling a bag behind them. Implementing this design across the country was no easy task.</p>
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