What does the curb-cut effect refer to?

The curb-cut effect describes how design innovations intended to assist individuals with disabilities often result in broader benefits for the entire population. This concept highlights that when designers prioritize accessibility, their solutions can lead to improvements that enhance usability for everyone, not just those with specific needs.

For example, curb cuts—those sloped areas in sidewalks to assist wheelchair users—also make it easier for parents with strollers, delivery personnel with carts, and even people carrying heavy loads to navigate streets. This principle emphasizes the importance of inclusive design, showing that what is designed to help a particular group can positively impact a wide array of users.

In contrast, the other options do not capture this broad, beneficial impact of accessibility-driven design. While some designs may be inefficient or create potential safety issues, these concerns do not reflect the overall advantage that the curb-cut effect illustrates.