Why universal design makes teams work better
Good teams aren’t built through intuition or chemistry alone. They’re built through clear expectations, practical rhythms and ways of working that support people to do their best.
That’s where universal design comes in. It’s not just for products or buildings. When applied to teams, it means creating systems and structures that work well for more people. Not just the confident, the fast or the naturally outspoken.
And in small businesses, that can make a big difference.
What universal design means in a team context
Universal design is about building in accessibility and clarity from the start. Rather than expecting people to ask for what they need, it creates an environment where those needs are already considered.
In a team, that might look like:
Making expectations and processes explicit
Using clear, consistent formats for planning and updates
Sharing decisions and context openly
Giving people time to prepare, contribute or follow up
Creating space for different working styles and communication needs
It’s not about lowering the bar. It’s about removing unnecessary friction so people can meet it.
Why it matters
Small teams often move quickly. But speed can exclude. People who are more reflective, neurodivergent or simply newer to the business can end up on the edges, even when they have a lot to offer.
Universal design helps build teams where everyone can contribute. Not just the loudest or most confident. That makes the business more resilient, more inclusive and more effective.
How we use it
In our work with founders, we often start by reviewing how decisions are made, how work is handed over and how progress is tracked. We look at where people get stuck or stay silent. We look at where better design could make the system clearer and easier to engage with.
This isn't about rewriting your culture. It's about strengthening how your team works together. So more people can step in, step up and stay engaged.
Final word
If you're finding that team performance is inconsistent, or that too much still relies on a few key voices, this might be the missing piece.