Title Universal Design Research Series: Traveler Service Facilities Planning and Design
Dept Transportation Safety Division
Year 2014
Month
Price
Summary The purpose of this project is to integrate the research experiences and achievements of the IOT in the field of universal design; the project had been executed from 2009 to 2011 in order to design a training course and a manual of “The Realization of Universal Design in Traveler Service Facilities of Transportation Environment” for the staff.

　　On the training aspect, complete training materials have been delivered to relevant staff responsible for design and planning issues. The purpose of the training is to promote the accurate concept, method, and design on a practical aspect, in order to let the trainees learn how to use Universal Design to improve our transportation environment. The training course focused on 3 points: (1) The Universal Design knowledge: introduced the background of Universal Design, relevant concepts, design elements, evaluation indexes, and basic design processes. Furthermore, the implementation method and process of Universal Design were explained. (2) The changes of viewpoint: the trainees were asked to assume they were disabled individuals and answered a questionnaire. Through the changes of viewpoint, they carefully observed the environment and checked if things/objects are in line with the spirit of Universal Design. (3) Action and practice: the staff of design planning and management of traveler service facilities was asked to use the MRT and the wheel chairs, or to wear visually impaired simulation tools, to experience the inconvenience of the disabled and visually impaired in a transportation environment. They also learned how to identify problems of those facilities through evaluation, and think about ways to improve. Most of the trainees were satisfied with the course, and they have further acquired the basic knowledge of Universal Design. They also realized the importance of the evaluation process of Universal Design to the transportation environment through the course. Please refer to the appendix of this document for the training materials. Meanwhile, this study looked to solve the problems for travelers carrying baggage. An improved design has been implemented on the In-Station Baggage Trolley. Through the Universal Design Committee Mechanism, investigating problems, defining design criteria, developing design, producing and reviewing drafts and models, this study also proposed the design concept of wheelchair-friendly trolleys. It is hoped that these trolleys can provide a safer and more convenient way for travelers, the disabled, their caretakers, and the staff before departure and after arrival.
Post date 2014/04/14
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