Using design for All principles to decarbonise UK transport whilst supporting accessibility and equity for key age groups

Transport emits 27% of UK greenhouse gas emissions. This project aims to explore whether applying Design for All principles to new transport technologies and services can contribute to decarbonisation whilst meeting equity and accessibility objectives. This project uses Design for All Europe's mission statement as a starting point: "design for human diversity, social inclusion and quality ... that aims to enable all people to have equal opportunities to participate in every aspect of society". By adopting a comparative approach the project will spotlight inequalities by uncovering barriers/facilitators to transport innovation uptake (e.g. electric/shared vehicles and innovations supported by information and communications technologies (ICT) such as 'Mobility as a Service'). This addresses an identified need of the collaborative partner the Department for Transport (DfT). DfT seeks to understand perceptions/needs/experiences of two demographic groups: (1) 16-24 year olds and (2) those approaching retirement and above (>55 years) in relation to (a) uneven technology adoption and (b) designing/providing accessible, sustainable transport. Knowledge gaps arise from existing empirical work treating these groups separately and/or regarding them as internally homogenous (e.g. all young people are 'tech savvy'/eager to adopt new technologies). Both groups are socio-economically significant but have different requirements to accommodate in one transport system, e.g. >55 yrs there is a highly individual trajectory of increased functional difficulties with increasing age, yet accessibility/usability of transport ICT and services are not fully addressed. The research will utilise a mixed method approach, firstly to understand degrees of heterogeneity/homogeneity in needs, attitudes and use of smart mobility apps and transport services by comparing and contrasting the focal age groups which are of particular interest to DfT. This will involve study of those age groups utilising a variety of methods, to understand transport user requirements, and also engagement with key transport stakeholders who govern or deliver innovative services. The successful candidate will benefit from extended periods of immersion with DfT working alongside their Social and Behavioural Research team and the Chief Scientific Advisor's office