[header] How to create a fictional universe [title] Consider the scope of the universe. [step] One of the first elements of the universe you should focus on is the scope of the universe, or how much physical space the universe takes up in a larger world. Consider how big you want your universe to be. 
It might help to think about what you want your fictional universe to hold and how large it is compared to other universes or worlds. [substeps] Maybe the universe is the larger world, as far as your characters know, and there are several planets or lands within the universe.