The ultimate purpose of this article is to delineate a much needed research agenda for the development of universal design performance assessments. A professional definition of universal design is given, and a conceptual framework for universal design evaluations is outlined. The history of universal design research and practice is chronicled, and examples of critical research issues are cited. Some cultural,legislative and professional issues are presented, including relevant disciplines and subfields of universal design. Select worldwide practices, publications and current events are listed. Finally, as the basis for the creation of a universal design research agenda major issues and needed assessment methodologies are highlighted.
Preiser, Wolfgang F. E. "Universal Design: From Policy to Assessment Research and Practice," in ArchNet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, vol. 2, issue 2 (2008).