Accessibility, Adaptability, and Universality in Design - The difference
Adaptability is a design idea that primarily tackles with the idea of change and utility. In practical terms, it means that a structure or an artifact should be able to admit changes in funtion and in forms through the passage of time and person that will utilized the product. Croxton in 2003 observes that in case of a building, “If a building doesn't support change
and reuse, you have only an illusion of sustainability.” Croxton, Architectural Record, August 2003, pg 147 (cited by Knecht, Designing for Disassembly and Deconstruction, Architectural Record, October 2004).
Take for example the product bathtub that is being targeted for seniors - the so-called walk in tubs.
This walk in tub looks like a traditional bathtub but it has a door. This are supine walk in tubs which differentiates it from ordinary walk in tubs that comes generally with built in seats. The design of supine walk in bathtubs is a prime example of adaptability.