Source: http://universaldesign.ie/exploreampdiscover/benefitsanddrivers#bus

1. Business benefits for a changing market
The benefits to business of adopting a Universal Design
approach vary from increases in potential markets to
increased customer satisfaction. For more information on
business that have taken advantage of the business
benefits of Universal Design read the case
studies provided.
Increased Market Reach
Universal Design aims to provide a design which is
accessible to, usable by and appealing to as many people
as possible. One implication of this is an increase in the
market reach. Not only could a product, service or
environment become available to a higher number of
potential customers, but also to a wider range of potential
customers as well.
Enhanced Customer Satisfaction and Retention
A satisfied customer will tell other people about the
product, service or environment, increasing awareness
and potentially creating new custom.
Market Crossover Success
Products that are aimed at a specific target group can
sometimes generate interest and demand from unforeseen
markets. The OXO Good Grips range is a well cited case
study of how a specialised product design (designed with
older people with arthritis in mind) can generate
widespread demand.
Positive Public Image

2. A business that positively contributes to society by
incorporating a Universal Design approach is likely to
receive a reputation for having a high level of corporate
social responsibility.
Increased Consumer Expectations
In recent decades, the voice of the general public has
become more prominent and more influential. People are
more confident to speak up when they have a complaint
and information and communication technologies (ICT)
have made this increasingly easier to do. Direct pressure
from consumer groups as well as direct engagement with
their customers have encouraged many companies to
evolve their design process and improve their customer
services to accommodate a wider range of people.
Universal Design enables companies to design products
and service and environments that more closely match
consumer expectations and needs.
Accept at First Use
A consumer forms an opinion about a product at first use,
or even first sight. A recent study suggested that internet
users take less than 50 milliseconds (one twentieth of a
second) to judge the visual appeal of a website they have
visited.
If a first impression is negative, a consumer is not likely to
pay for a product. If a product is simple, clear, easy to
access and easy to use, a consumer will be more likely to
proceed with the transaction.

3. Source:
http://universaldesign.ie/exploreampdiscover/benefitsand
drivers#bus