Which type of design ensures that built environments are functional for everyone?

Universal design is the correct choice as it refers to the approach that seeks to create products and environments that are accessible and usable by people of all ages, abilities, and disabilities. This concept integrates inclusivity into the planning and design process, ensuring that spaces are accommodating to a diverse range of individuals.

A key principle of universal design is that it promotes usability for everyone and thus enhances the overall functionality of spaces, making them more practical and easier to navigate regardless of one’s physical limitations or other barriers. By focusing on universal design, buildings and other environments can better serve the community as a whole, fostering greater equality and participation.

In contrast, selective design may cater to specific user groups, while exclusive design typically shuts out certain populations by not considering their needs. Liberal design, while it may offer broader interpretations of accessibility, does not specifically focus on the comprehensive inclusivity that universal design advocates. Therefore, universal design stands out as the approach centered on creating built environments that function effectively for everyone.