Study on design symbols in the context of Universal Design

This paper is aimed at putting forward design and use strategies of the corresponding design symbols based on the physiological and psychological characteristics of vulnerable groups in the decoding process, so that the vulnerable groups are able to enjoy the convenience brought for life by the design symbol on equal terms with the mainstream. Based on Donald A. Norman´s design hierarchy frame of “Visceral-Behavioral-Reflective model”, analyze the three design factors - “functions of design symbols”, “design context based on Universal Design (UD)” and “mental model of decoding of vulnerable groups”, and on this basis, put forward the design and use strategies of the design symbols meeting the demands of the vulnerable groups, including: using similar symbols to ensure the appearance of products and the purpose easy to understand, using indicatory symbols to indicate the operational approach and process, and using symbolic symbols to extend the psychological life of the appearance of products. These strategies can ensure the vulnerable groups to have better exchange with products and improve the life satisfaction.