Universal design in transport

Abstract

The article presented development directions in product, devices and service design related to ensuring broader accessibility for all users, with a particular focus on transportation. In this aspect, the requirements recorded in both national and international legal acts related to accessibility, including accessibility in transport, were reviewed. Compliance the analyzed regulations requires a human-centric approach to the design of means of transport, which in turn increases the likelihood of their wider use by people with various mobility needs.. However, this necessitates the designer’s knowledge of the needs and limitations of end users. Special attention was paid to the concept of Universal Design (UD), based on the 7 principles formulated by Ronald Mace. Examples of technical solutions from the field of transportation innovation based on the principles of Universal Design were presented. The application of such an approach was also demonstrated in individual transportation – a vehicle accessible to drivers with limited lower limb mobility. In the summary, the authors emphasize that the devices available on the market are designed with wide customization possibilities in mind, without the need for extensive modifications. Therefore, most of these devices can be used by a wide range of people with disabilities, consistent with Universal Design principles.