Problem-finding for Inclusive Urban Mobility Futures: A Case Study
Project Dates
2023 - Current
In recent years, the development of new means of transportation has progressively increased in Brisbane. The Brisbane Metro, the Cross River Rail, e-bikes, and e-scooters are just a few examples that demonstrate a long and continuous path of mobility innovation, which will be further intensified with the arrival of the 2032 Olympics. However, mobility is much more than just moving from one place to another; it has a significant social and behavioural aspect that need to be considered. The transportation system needs to be more inclusive, accessible, safe, efficient and reliable in order to create a better experience for all different consumers, but especially for those experiencing disabilities, injuries, impairments or diverse cultural or linguistic background.
The Innovation Challenge
Through three studies, we seek to thoroughly understand the variety of passengers and/or riders, including residents and visitors, through their lived experiences and challenges using different public transport options. Along with them, the providers of the urban mobility services will collaboratively work with them to create together desirable future scenarios in which the users of the service can perceive more value and trust on these services. By identifying these insights, it will be possible to make vital decisions now that can ensure a better tomorrow.
What Will We Do?
Research Design
Study 1: Understanding Speculative Design
Objectives:
· Review methods of Speculative Design as a more problem-finding oriented design and its
utility uncovering emergent issues, challenging assumptions, and stimulating imaginative
thinking.
· Investigate the importance and utility of problem-finding design approaches.
· Investigate the significance of models in expanding the understanding and adoption of
design processes.
· Synthesise the findings to develop a framework that captures the tools, terms, and methods
of Speculative Design, while learning from its strengths (Study 2 & Study 3)
Study 2: Inclusive Speculative Design – Co design
Aim: develop and test personas profiles and customer priorities
Codesign workshops with people of lived disability experience would be conducted in four
locations in the state (two regional and 2 metro). This would be followed up with a state-wide
survey using the TransportTalk panel of TMR to validate the persons and identify biases and
customer priorities.
Objectives:
· Review principles of Inclusive Design and its utility to identify and address exclusion.
· Developing a context for applying the Speculative Design framework using urban mobility
and major mass events focusing on inclusion.
· Run workshops with a governmental service provider (TMR) and its users to explore
potential challenges and opportunities that address accessibility, diversity, and inclusion for
diverse user groups (Study 3)
Study 3: Prototyping and Provoking
Objectives:
· Review the characteristics of ‘preferable’ in the context of service.
· Select some concepts developed in Study 2 and create a physical representation of them.
· Run a Speculative Design exhibition for an audience to interact, reflect and debate about
the future scenarios proposed by the tangible representations.
· Evaluate the ‘preferability’ of the future scenarios in terms of accessibility, desirability and
feasibility considering the perspective of service providers and service users.
· Determine the preferable boundaries when considering designing for major mass events
like the Olympics and the Paralympics
PARTNER oRGANISATION
PhD Researcher
sUPPORTING tEAM
Dr. Jean Sandall (Partner Investigator)
Shellee Franssen (Partner Investigator)
Julia deVries (Partner Investigator)