Cyclotourism and social inclusion: From service to product for a smart extra-urban bike sharing

Abstract

The theme of social inclusion is increasingly assuming strategic strength in the design of products and services, dictating the guidelines for implementing a context that takes account of human diversity. Watching reality from this point of view brings to consider the multiplicity of needs as a wealth and a stimulating opportunity for new design solutions and innovative ideas, considered as the integrated and coherent system-product set. This approach is crucial when deals with issues such as ecotourism and, more generally, with alternative and sustainable mobility for which it is necessary to deepen the distinctions and different needs of “all”. The possibility to develop new paradigms and expressive languages is also due to the diffusion of new materials and digital technologies that enable systems and products to become smart, closely interconnected and able to develop and to change to adapt as best it can to the users’ needs. This contribution presents the results of a research experience conducted within the Design Thesis Lab at the Department of Architecture of the University of Chieti-Pescara (Italy), which has developed a new smart extra-urban bike sharing system. In this particular case, an e-bike product is described with non-common adaptability to different users and designs, resulting from the application of Design for All’s inclusive design principles and at the same time as innovative technologies and materials.