Usability refers to the efficacy of tools and information helps users accomplish tasks on a specific website. Universal Usability strives to allow all users to access the site and effectively accomplish tasks. Three basic initiatives make up the concept of universal usability: accessibility, usability/user-centered design (UCD), and universal design. These three concepts are based on the principles of universal design, which include equitable use, flexibility in use, simp and intuitive use, and perceptible information. Universal usability takes into account the needs of users of all ages, experience levels, and physical or sensory limitations.

Accessibility refers to the widespread goal of website designers as determined by the World Wide Web Consortium's Web Accessibility Initiative in 1999: to create sites that are useable by all those whom may visit the site. Useable designs have tools and technologies that allow for readability in many forms and contexts. Usability and user-centered design refer to both qualitative and quantitative measures that determine a design's effectiveness. Often, this is referred to as "learnability;" the ability for users to learn and remember how to use tools and information of a site. UCD also determines the functionality of a site's design, based on task analysis of a user.

In order to create a site that follows the goals of universal usability, a designer must follow a basic development cycle. A designer should first determine the requirements of a site through research of potential users and understanding the goals of the site; basically, this includes what is on the site and what users will need from the site. Second, site design accounts for the requirements, creating a structure layout and a hierarchy of functions of each page. Third, site development includes the actual construction of a site, implementing and assembling the pages, applications, and content. Fourth, and last of the construction steps, quality control and verification are types of testing required to ensure the efficacy and quality of the site before it is online. After the site is live, the last and continual step to developing a usable site is maintaining it.

Universal Usability is important because it contributes to the accessibility and effectiveness of a site for all users. As web users rely on various browsers to access the internet, websites must be readable by several platforms and on different types of machines, from Internet Explorer to Mozilla Firefox, from PCs to Macs. Also, as many users are relying on mobile devices to check email and use social networking sites, among other uses, large sites must have compressible or alternate pages for small screens. In addition to the variety of platforms, some users may have physical or sensory limitations that may inhibit their ability to use a site or understand the information, such as vision impairment. In addition, not all users are familiar with all sites or even using the internet. In order to reach inexperienced or new users, a site must have design, navigation, and organization that incorporates learnability and readability in order to have a functional, understandable site.