Author: Jane Bringolf

The role of public toilets

Most people need a toilet every 2 to 3 hours. Anyone with a health condition that affects the bladder or bowels usually needs a toilet more often. And it’s surprising how many health conditions that includes. Consequently, no clean public toilets means no going out for more than an hour. The role of public toilets is far more important than many urban and transit planners realise.

A Norwegian study looked at the depth of the issues from the perspective of people with digestive and urinary tract disorders when travelling. They wanted to come up with solutions for this group as it would include the needs of most others.

This study highlights the role of public toilets in everyday life. Having a physically accessible transit system is only half the story. This study provides the other half.

Three toilet cubicles with the doors closed in a public toilet.

Previous studies have looked at toilet design, particularly for people with mobility restrictions. The recommendations are based on accessible toilet facilities, signage and information. However, this is not enough to create a universally designed public environment.

Main barriers

The main barriers for people with gastrointestinal problems is the physical need for a toilet, anxiety and pain. This group might need a toilet as much as 20 times a day depending on whether they are having a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ day. What makes it more difficult is that they can become unwell during a journey. Using a car becomes a better option at times.

Not finding a toilet in time is embarrassing. “Such unpleasant experiences can have significant consequences not only on self-esteem at that moment but also on the willingness to travel and participate in future activities.”

A row of white handbasins with a single tap and spout.

The research paper covers the three main barriers in more detail. The stories from participants are illuminating and highlight the need for better toilet provision. Participants discussed the differences between trams, subways, light rail, trains, ferries, buses and aircraft.

People with an increased need for a toilet have an invisible disability. Their level of pain sometimes means they would like improvements such as using disabled seating in station areas. The most critical factor is to increase toilet availability as a means of creating universally designed public transit systems.

This study shows why improving the design of buses and trains, stations and stops is insufficient to make transit systems universally designed. Toilets are an essential aspect of being able to travel often and comfortably.

The title of the paper is, The role of toilets in public spaces: An interview study with individuals experiencing gastrointestinal issues. Some of the toilet availability issues are specific to Norway, and perhaps similar in other European countries. In Australia public toilets are free to use and do not require payment. Nevertheless, an illuminating study on why we must join the dots for an inclusive world.

The New South Wales Parliament has extended the submission date on its Inquiry Into Public Toilets. The closing date is now 2 December 2024.

From the abstract

This Norwegian study addresses the issue of inadequate access to toilets in public spaces and transportation systems, particularly individuals who have heightened needs of toilets. The study interviewed individuals experiencing various gastrointestinal issues, including bladder-related problems.

Telephone interviews avoided potential travel difficulties and also leveraged previous successes with sensitive topics. A sample size of 10 interviews was chosen based on prior research indicating that key themes typically emerge within this range.

Key findings indicate significant barriers to participation in societal activities due to insufficient toilet facilities. For transport in particular, boats and trains emerge as preferred modes over buses, trams and subways due to the presence of onboard toilets.

Notably, urban areas, parks and beaches suffer from a lack of restroom facilities. In order to improve these facilities, informants highlighted measures such as provision of open, hygienic toilets with barrier-free access. These measures also need clear signage and awareness campaigns regarding toilet facilities tailored to individuals with diverse health needs.

The study highlights the critical role of toilets in maintaining public health and acknowledges the right to access toilets as recognised by the United Nations.

Testimonials from individuals with disabilities underscore the profound impact of toilet accessibility on their daily lives. They reveal instances of social isolation and restricted activities due to inadequate facilities. Proposed interventions encompass improved hygiene standards, increased toilet availability, and enhanced staff training to cater to the diverse needs of users. The study advocates for legislative reforms and policy guidelines to address the pressing issue of toilet accessibility, aiming to foster inclusivity and equal participation in public life for individuals with disabilities

Toilets and social participation

Outback dunny in a field of orange grass against a deep blue sky. But not a public toilet.

Public toilets are not dinner party conversation, but they are essential to our wellbeing. They are costly to build and maintain yet we need more of them. They also need to be fit for purpose because they are about social and economic participation. The Changing Places toilet campaign is a case in point. There wouldn’t be many people passionate about public toilets, but Katherine Webber had plenty to say at the UD2021 Conference. 

Katherine’s presentation was titled, Access and Inclusion in Public Toilets: Impacts on social and economic participation. The presentation slides show lots of different examples. Toilet design is often dismissed as just needing to be functional and designs vary little. But public toilets are “difficult to get right. And no wonder. They are mired in cultural baggage, struck in the fixedness of fixtures and bound by massive, often ancient infrastructure (Lowe 2018:49). 

Public amenities also support tourism and economic development, night-time economy, and access to public spaces and public art. Toilets also need good signage, clean conditions and be regularly available .

Katherine describes more in her written paper on this topic based on her studies in other countries as part of a Churchill Fellowship.

Older adults: the quiet crisis of housing

When economists, property developers, real estate agents and governments discuss housing issues, they are thinking of people in the workforce. Left behind are any discussions about people not of workforce age. According to Richard Duncan there is a worsening yet quiet crisis of housing for older adults. They are ageing in homes that put them at risk of injuries, reduced activity and social isolation.

“Without changes, our homes can impose restrictions on our lifestyle and hazards to our daily routines years before we might otherwise expect to see these kinds of activity constraints.”

A brick terrace house fronts the footpath and has lots of pot plants in front of it.

Key issues

Duncan lists the key issues for what is considered traditional housing design. He discusses steps and stairs, hallways, bathrooms, lighting and kitchens. As people age in their current homes they live smaller lives and do fewer daily activities. Caregivers are at risk as well – lifting, pulling and manoeuvring. This is especially the case with older couples helping each other.

Lack of planning

We all know we are going to grow older, but we do not plan for it when it comes to housing. Older people often wait until a crisis occurs before they think about it. And even then they shun a grab bar or a ramp to help them when the time comes.

Our culture does not encourage people to plan ahead or to do much about their existing home. In the United States the home remodelling industry is doing quite well. But there is no real sign of the housing industry taking the lead on this issue except for segregated housing and retirement villages.

In Australia we have the help of the Livable Housing Design Standard which aims to bring the housing industry on board with universal design. However, not all states and territories have adopted the Standard due to industry resistance. Nevertheless it is good to see community housing and state housing projects implementing the Standard.

Move house or stay put?

Moving house sounds like the perfect solution until you look more closely. Seeking out a home with a better layout requires stamina even when there are suitable properties. When there are few, if any, options the task becomes harder. And this is at a time when physical, mental and cognitive abilities are already stretched. Then there are the logistics of moving. It’s no wonder people prefer to take a risk to stay put.

The title of Duncan’s article is, The Housing Dilemma for Older Adults: The Quiet Crisis. Homes that are safe and convenient for later life are good for any age – that’s universal design. We should be designing out this quiet crisis.

Healthy ageing requires community thinking

The North Carolina Medical Journal has a policy brief on opportunities and barriers to healthy ageing. The articles highlight how individuals caregivers and government can address the wellbeing of all in a cost efficient way.

Authors highlight challenges, behaviours, and community infrastructure for people to live healthier, longer and more productive lives. This is the case both in Australia and the United States.

Front cover of the North Carolina Medical Journal special issue showing a montage of images of older people.

The introductory section of the publication gives an overview of the different articles which include:

  • Importance of social connectivity
  • Housing and transportation
  • Trips, falls and connection to safe housing
  • Food and nutrition security
  • Financial security
  • Long term care services
Image from the publication showing people walking over a footbridge. In the foreground an older man and woman walk together away from the camera. The woman is using a wheelie walker.

The title of the publication is, Opportunities and Barriers to Healthy Aging in North Carolina. Images from the publication.

Online built environment course

Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) has a great CPD course on the built environment. It’s practical because modules are based on case studies. The course is for professionals involved in the design and procurement of buildings. Learners will discover more about universal design and how to integrate it into their design practice. The benefit of an online built environment course is that you can do it at your own pace.

Learning outcomes are:

  • Recognise the benefits of embedding universal design throughout the design process.
  • Appreciate how a universal design approach addresses the needs of people with a diverse range of abilities and characteristics.
Distant view of a large building on river frontage. Central Bank of Ireland featured in the online built environment course.
  • Describe how a universal design approach can inspire great design.
  • Cite examples of applying universal design principles and guidelines to architectural design.
Inside the mulit-storey building showing a comfortable lounge seating area with an overview of an atrium.

The Central Bank of Ireland is the first case study. It was the winner of the 2017 Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland universal design award. Videos tell the story from the perspectives of the client, the architect, and the access consultant. The next step is to hear from four customers.

The original 7 Principles of Universal Design remain key to CEUD’s work and underpin the case studies.

This online learning program is also a great example of how to present an inclusive learning experience. There are options for audio description and sign language (this one is Irish Sign Language). You will have to sign in to the NDA Learning Hub to access the course.

Summary of the first module

In 2014 the Central Bank of Ireland engaged with staff, including staff with disabilities, on the architectural brief. The aim was to create a progressive, inclusive workplace. The architects integrated these considerations using a universal design approach from the very beginning of the project.

The client, the Bank, wanted a design that went beyond compliance to minimum regulations. The benefits users get include a more collaborative environment with shared workspaces. The design features work well for users with a wide range of characteristics.

Images from the online course.

Making spaces for girls

When taking a gender lens to urban planning, it is often from the perspective of women. That is, women past their teenage years. But what about teenage girls? A UK study found that teenage girls feel parks and public spaces are not for them. There is nothing they want to use. That’s because no-one includes girls in the planning and design of these important places for young people.

Make Space for Girls is a UK charity that campaigns for parks and public spaces designed with the needs of teenage girls in mind. “This simple statement reveals a significant disadvantage which has been hiding in plain sight”.

A hard surface sports area with high steel fencing. This is known as a MUGA. But generally not a space for girls.

Image from the research paper showing a multi-use games area (MUGA).

For many years, girls and young women have been effectively designed out of parks and other public spaces. These spaces are not designed for teenage girls for for a range of reasons including safety, facilities and spaces dominated by boys. But most of all, it happens because the voices of teenage girls are rarely heard at any stage in the commissioning, design or management of these places.

When thinking about providing something for teenagers, it is usually either a skate park, multi-use games area (MUGA) or a BMX track. In the UK these three types of equipment make up 90% of provisions for teenagers. And young men and boys dominate these spaces.

Engaging girls

In general, young people aged 16-18 are not considered in the overall development process. The situation is even more pronounced for girls. 82% of girls said that they wanted to be more involved in designing parks and open spaces.

Girls are creating a collage of pictures as part of the engagement process for designing parks.

Image from the research paper showing participant engagement

As many other studies found, engagement needs to happen from the outset of the project including shaping the initial brief. A key point is that girls need sufficient time and support to develop their own ideas. Their past experiences of un-welcoming space means their thinking has to start from scratch.

Key elements for design

In terms of what teenage girls want to see in public spaces, the results are consistent across a diverse range of groups. Common themes include:

  • Dividing up spaces so they can used by more than one group at the same time
  • Better lighting and circular paths
  • Seating which allows girls to face each other and talk
  • Swings, hammocks and gym bars
  • Performance spaces
  • Good quality toilets
Artists impression of a park space designed with girls in mind. Includes the elements they discussed.

Image from the research paper showing an artist’s impression of an inclusive space

Disadvantages girls face include other factors such as ethnic background, disability, gender identity and socio-economic status. Girls of colour are also more likely to be the victims of sexual harassment and racial discrimination. This means engagement and co-design methods require a diverse group of teenage girls.

The title of the research paper is, Making Spaces for Girls. Their Right to the Public Realm.

From the abstract

This paper explores the exclusion of teenage girls from public spaces, particularly parks and recreation grounds. Teenage girls face multiple challenges in accessing and utilising these spaces. This has an impact on their well-being and sense of inclusion in the community.

The key issue is that the needs of teenage girls are not considered in the design of parks and spaces. Facilities intended for teenagers, such as skate parks, Multi-Use Games Areas, and BMX tracks, predominantly cater to the interests of boys.

Dominance by boys can discourage girls from participating in outdoor activities thereby impacting their health and wellbeing. Consequently, teenage girls perceive public spaces as unwelcoming. Teenage girls report feeling unsafe in public spaces due to various factors, including sexual harassment.

Key design points for girls are physical security and a sense of belonging in a space. The active engagement of teenage girls in the design process is essential to ascertain their diverse perspectives and needs.

Principles for effective engagement with teenage girls are emerging. However, larger-scale practical projects are required to identify the impact of inclusive design on the ground. This research contributes to a growing discourse on gender-inclusive urban planning. A paradigm shift that prioritises the needs and voices of teenage girls in shaping public spaces is critical.

Let her guide you

A thematic issue of The Journal of Public Space focuses on women and girls looks at incorporating gender and youth perspective into urban planning. The title is Urban Development Together with Girls and Young Women.

From the Editorial abstract

Traditionally, urban planning has been shaped by a gendered perspective that privileges masculine assumptions. These assumptions overlook intersectional needs and reinforce societal inequalities for women and girls.

This thematic issue was developed in partnership with UN-Habitat as part of the Her City initiative. It underscores the imperative of incorporating gender and youth perspectives into urban planning and design. The Her City Initiative advances this goal by equipping urban actors worldwide with tools to integrate the perspectives of girls and young women into urban development.

This special issue features papers by young academic scholars selected from the Her City Master students’ alumni network, including case studies of feminist planning from Heerlen (The Netherlands), Nairobi (Kenya), Stockholm (Sweden), and Weimar (Germany).

It also includes a diverse range of invited viewpoints advocating for collaborative approaches to urban development together with girls and young women.

By centring gender and youth perspectives in the urban planning process, this issue highlights the potential to transform public spaces into more equitable, engaging, and sustainable environments. It calls on city makers, researchers, and community leaders to ensure that contemporary cities are designed with and for everyone.

Who are we building for?

In her conference paper, Lilian Muller makes an interesting comment about past and current planning theories. Yes, they do shift depending on where the power lies and who defines the public interest. In rational planning theory, the planner is expert. In neoliberal planning theory, the market is dominant. Currently, it is questioned whether public interests can exist at all.

If we are to take the concept of public interest seriously we should involve citizens in the planning processes.

landscape view of tower buildings in the distance and green parkland in the foreground.

Muller discusses the role of the private sector and how governments initially acted to prevent private interests. They were in control of the public interest. She then turns to her previous studies on implementing, or not, universal design into planning processes. Understanding how stakeholders view users is an interesting insight.

Skewed image of the user

Muller found that in public policies and guidelines there were clear expressions of the imagined user. That is, the policy developers were inserting their own perceptions into the documents. The perception of users’ abilities determined the priorities in the planning and designing of buildings and places.

Prominent characteristics of expected users were youth, education, health and success. Notably absent were older people and people with disability. There is a visible gap between laws and political visions on one hand, and practice on the other. This was evident at the early stages of planning.

Gap between policy and outcomes revealed

Master plan illustrations and text did not conform to regulations, and high demands were placed on user’s functional abilities. People were expected to walk, bike, use stairs, and have quick reaction skills to handle shared spaces. They were also expected to walk far distances between modes of transport and entrances to services.

Muller’s workshops and interviews showed clear opportunities to reach common positions when planning and building for all. The key is using concrete, practical examples and networking between stakeholders with competing interests. That’s when the public interest is served and citizen rights are preserved.

“Based on the experiences from the workshops, Universal Design appears as a useful and important asset in such a strategy. A built environment accessible and usable by all is not a modest demand – it is a minimum requirement.”

Older people sit at round tables discussing questions. There are four round tables shown in this picture. Citizen science for who are we building for.

The title of the paper is, Who Are We Building for? Tracing Universal Design in Urban Development. This conference paper is also available open access from IOS Press Books.

From the abstract

Despite laws, policies, and political visions to create cities and societies for all, barriers still exclude people from using buildings and public places. The commitments made in global agreements require significant changes to meet the needs of the population.

Adopting universal design in urban planning processes is one important step towards a society for all. Three recent studies in Sweden focused on how, where and what factors supported or impeded UD along the planning and construction processes. The whole process from conception to implementation was analyzed from a universal design perspective.

The findings highlight three critical areas: Competing and contradictory interests, Critical choices and aspects, and Images of the user.

These challenges need to be addressed by all actors involved to reach common understanding on how an inclusive built environment can be designed and realised.

Lifemark’s new website launched

Lifemark promotes universal design in housing in New Zealand. Lifemark’s new website has a fresh look but stays true to it’s core value of inclusion. Similarly to other countries, New Zealand faces strong resistance by the housing industry. However, Lifemark is making inroads slowly, but surely.

The core element of Lifemark® is their standards based on universal design principles. As they say, “Universal design is essential for many, necessary for others, and comfortable for all”. Image from iStock in Lifemark Standards

A woman, a man and a small child in a powered wheelchair sit at a dining table doing a jigsaw puzzle together. It looks like a new home.

The ABC of universal design

Lifemark’s new website continues the theme of the ABC of universal design which is, Access, Bathroom and Circulation.

Access: at least one level entry, step-free pathway and entrance.

Bathroom: well positioned toilet on the entry level with reinforced walls for later grab rails.

Circulation: spaces are easy to move between with wider doorways and hallways.

A man in a black T shirt stands at the end of the white kitchen bench. Two children are about to eat from a bowl. A woman in a white T shirt looks on. They are all smiling.

Lifemark® Design Standards

The standards are based on five key principles: Usability, Adaptability, Accessibility, Safety, and Lifetime value. There are three levels to the standard based on a star rating similar to that of Livable Housing Design Guidelines.

The three star level is based on visitable requirements and improved comfort similar to Livable Housing Silver level. The four star level offers a higher level of comfort and is suitable for ageing in place – Livable Housing Gold level. It also supports people with reduced mobility. The five star rating is specifically for wheelchair users and others with higher support needs – Livable Housing Platinum level.

Individuals can access Lifemark’s Design for Life brochure on the website by providing an email address.

Lifemark’s Case Studies

Case studies on the website cover three scenarios. The first is an example of using incentives to include universal design at the planning stage. The second is incorporating universal design into a master housing plan. The third is a case study on a retirement village development. The video below gives an occupant perspective. (Note the automatic captioning does not account for a New Zealand accent.)

Lifemark was New Zealand’s equivalent to Livable Housing Australia until they went in different directions. Livable Housing Australia discontinued its work in 2015, but the website with guidelines remained active until 2023. This was when the Livable Housing Design Standard was mandated in the National Construction Code. Lifemark merged with CCS Disability Action and continues promote universal design in housing.

One thing they shared in common was the absolute resistance for change from the housing industry lobby.

Livable Housing Australia

The Australian Building Codes Board adopted most of the Livable Housing Design Silver level in the National Construction Code in 2022. It is known as the Livable Housing Design Standard. Queensland was the first jurisdiction to adopt the Standard followed by ACT and Victoria. Other jurisdictions have either watered down the elements, or in the case of NSW and Western Australia they have refused to adopt the Standard.

The power of the housing industry lobby, not to be confused with ordinary developers and builders, over the political process is obvious. This was pointed out in a recent study by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.

The story of getting the Australian Building Codes Board to incorporate universal design into housing into the National Construction code is told by Ward and Bringolf. This paper is from the proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Universal Design.

Accessible Sydney Opera House

Access for people with disability was unheard of when Sydney Opera House was designed in the late 1960s. It’s complex and unusual shape caused delays until it’s opening in 1973. In the 2020s the same complexity meant a lot of creative design work to create an accessible Sydney Opera House. And to do it in away that maintained the integrity of the original design.

The commitment of the Sydney Opera House to the vision of “The People’s House” is clear. The creative design work shows that complex heritage buildings can be accessible to all. This design work is evident on the Sydney Opera House’s website section on accessibility.

Even if you aren’t planning to visit the Sydney Opera House, the information is an exemplar of how to make all visitors feel welcome.

Syney Opera House taken from a ship at sunset - the House glows yellow and orange

The webpage has clearly organised information on accessible performances, getting there, and getting around the precinct. There are separate sections on vision and hearing, mobility, and access programs. There are four videos to help visitors find their way around the building and precinct. The website also has access maps for the four main areas of the building.

Accessible journey videos

The section on accessible journeys is particularly interesting if you’ve never been to the Sydney Opera House. You get to see the inside of the building with the fly-through videos as well as finding your way around. Access from the underground car park does not take you directly into the building. Consequently, when the place is busy, finding the way to the foyer might be confusing. The video clearly shows where to park and how to get to the foyer.

A really good example of how to make visitors feel welcome at any venue or destination. This type of information can be a deciding factor in whether to go to an event or a visit a building.

How many steps at the Sydney Opera House?

A previous post featured a list showing how many steps visitors need to climb to various parts of the building. It also shows the complexity of overcoming the many stairways in the refurbishments. However, this list is no longer as relevant as all areas are now accessible. Consequently, the Sydney Opera House has removed it from their website.

A page from the Sydney Opera House theatre access guide showing the steps to and from the Joan Sutherland Theatre. How many steps.

The aim of the guide was to help patrons decide which seats are best to book for the greatest convenience. It also helped with traversing such a large building, especially if you are not familiar with it. 

Nevertheless, it would be interesting to know how many other venues in Australia have this type of guide – not just a standard access guide, which is usually for wheelchair users, people who are blind or have low vision, or are deaf or hard of hearing. Knowing how far you have to walk and how many steps is important for non wheelchair users and people accompanying wheelchair users.

 

 

Choose Inclusion: It’s not hard

Australian Disability Network has created a fun video on employing people with disability. The messages are easy to take in especially with the humour – both presenters are stand-up comedians with disability. It’s all part of a campaign titled, “Choose Inclusion”.

The title of the fun six minute video is, It’s Not Hard to be Inclusive with the hashtag #RemoveBarriers. The film was created after consultation with people with disability.

Australian Disability Network will share case studies, articles, workplace tips, and fact sheets in the weeks leading up to December 3. The aim is for organisations to remove employment barriers for people with disability. Of course, the information is good for older employees too. The Choose Inclusion campaign resources are available to ADN members.

The presenters have fun with some of the common misconceptions about disability and then provide some interesting facts. So, a really good video to share with HR departments and managers responsible for recruiting.

The campaign resources include:

  • Inclusive communications
  • Inclusive access
  • Inclusive recruitment
  • Workplace adjustments
  • Inclusive attitudes
A young man with a black beard and hair is talking to someone across a table with coloured paper and pens. He looks like he is asking a question or explaining something.

There are some basic resources on the ADN website that are open access.

Australians will be invited to share their own stories and tips to choose inclusion across social media, using the hashtags #ChooseInclusion #RemoveBarriers and #IDPwD2024. Australian Disability Network was previously known as Australian Network on Disability. They focus on engaging and educating employers.

Remote focus groups for inclusive design

Asking mobility device users to come to a focus group or co-design event about transport tells the story of inaccessibility immediately. They need transport to get there. Even when it is possible, it is more inconvenient, difficult, and time consuming than for other transport users. So remote focus groups offer a solution.

The objective of the study was to pilot test an inclusive design approach to obtain information from users often excluded in the design process due to transportation challenges.

Two screens on a desk. One is showing pictures of several people on a video conference. The other is displaying a regular web page.

The remote focus group participants were users of wheeled mobility devices. The researchers devised a method that worked for users and for the research study. Nine users were each asked to participate in one of two different focus group sessions. One discussed 1 to 7 passenger vehicle transportation systems. The other discussed 8 to 12 passenger vehicle transportation systems. Each participant attended two sessions making four sessions in total.

Each participant was visible on Zoom in the same way as they would in a face to face discussion. However, being remote, they could remain anonymous by using a nickname or a fictitious name. This personalised the sessions and encouraged users to contribute. Video demonstrations of small (1-7 passengers) and midsized (8-12 passengers) vehicles were shown to users.

The researchers asked user’s preferences about various elements of the journey. They included planning, vehicle identification, boarding and alighting, and riding location.

Stable online connections are a must

All participants had access to the technology, but sometimes lack of robust connections happened through the sessions for some participants. This is a potential barrier for individuals who lack sufficient access to the necessary technology.

A young female at a desk with laptop, coffee cup and notebook. She is concentrating on the screen.

The researchers conclude that well-designed remote focus groups provide a powerful tool for inclusive and qualitative research. However, there is room to refine the methodology so that participation and data quality are improved.

The title of the article is Use of Remote Focus Groups to Improve Inclusive Design Practice.

From the abstract

This study examines the use of remote focus groups to obtain user’s ideas on wheeled mobility devices and Shared Autonomous Vehicles (SAVs). Inclusive design is essential for accessible transportation. Over four virtual sessions we collected statements from nine wheeled mobility device users. They told us about their design preferences, needs, and challenges with SAVs.

The findings highlighted the diverse needs and preferences of participants. This emphasises the importance of collecting information from users early in the design process. Well-planned remote focus groups can be an effective tool to gather design information from user populations that face transportation barriers.

Shared driverless vehicle design

A related research paper from the Intelligent Mobility Design Centre in the UK looks at engaging users in the design process. The key issue of the study is the preparedness to share vehicles on a broad scale.

The title is, Design for shared driverless vehicles of the future.

Abstract

On-demand shared transportation is a major new mobility innovation and potentially the main mode of transport in coming decades. Studies show that driverless vehicles have potential to accelerate uptake of shared vehicles at scale. People perceive sharing positively but do not necessarily translate perception into action, with desire for personal space a major reason for unwillingness to share vehicles.

Design research is a powerful tool when creating methods and processes to anticipate future possibilities by visualising detailed features of proposed products. We present a set of design research methods engaging end users in a variety of empathy activities and a design process to translate their needs into visual concepts for future shared driverless vehicles that are attractive and more likely to be adopted.

Neuroscience for inclusive wayfinding

The history of wayfinding has evolved from visual orientation by the stars and landmarks, to signage and digital technology. A good wayfinding system will use all three – visual orientation, signage and digital applications. But it requires consistent application. If not, the likelihood of being confused and then anxious increases. That’s where some neuroscience for inclusive wayfinding comes in.

Effective wayfinding systems are essential for spatial orientation, personal safety, and emotional well-being, especially in complex environments like hospitals, transit systems, and large institutions.

A long wide corridor with lots of confusing lines.

A research project from the US carried out a literature review, case studies, and field work to develop a framework for solutions. The findings emphasised the critical importance of consistency in design and the strategic placement of signage. Technologies such as augmented technology also enhance user navigation experiences.

Key recommendations

  • Adopt human centred design principles and address the diverse cognitive and sensory needs of users.
  • Incorporate digital tools, real time data updates, and interactive maps.
  • Training programs for staff are essential for enhancing the overall user experience.

The following chart is a screenshot of a table of recommendations from the research paper.

Screenshot of a Table from the report listing the design actions and the reasons for them.

Integrating multi-sensory engagement and user-centered design strategies, wayfinding systems can better support individuals in complex environments. This will ultimately contribute to more inclusive public spaces and improve quality of life.

Recommendations for staff training

Staff training is a key component of wayfinding support in complex environments. Training programs equip staff with skills to assist the diverse nature of visitors. Training positively impacts the cognitive and emotional wellbeing of service staff and users. The following chart is a screenshot from the research paper.

Screenshot of a chart listing the recommendations for training support and the reasons for the training.

The title of the article is Navigating Life: Neuroscience and Inclusive Design in Wayfinding.

From the abstract

Wayfinding, has moved from traditional navigation methods reliant on visual cues and
landmarks to modern systems that integrate digital technologies and neuroscience.

Accessible and consistent wayfinding systems that accommodate diverse user abilities, particularly in public transit, hospitals, and large institutions are needed. Current systems often lack coordination, clear signage, and comprehensive coverage, leading to navigation challenges.

We evaluate best practices for inclusive wayfinding. Key findings emphasize the importance of consistent visual design and strategic sign placement. Integrating technologies like interactive maps and augmented reality are essential.

The study highlights the role of multi-sensory engagement and neuroscience in improving spatial orientation and reducing user anxiety. Adopting a user-centered approach, the research proposes wayfinding strategies that prioritize inclusivity and accessibility. There are valuable insights for urban planners, architects, and policymakers. The focus is on enhancing user experience, advancing inclusivity, and promoting well-being in public spaces.