Porto Acessível: An innovative solution to increase accessibility and improve people's mobility
Porto Acessível is the new mobility app for the city of Porto! An app that includes all citizens and passersby in the city of Porto; that promotes the mobility of people with reduced mobility. Some of the app's functionalities are to select the fastest, flattest or widest routes; to warn which establishments have accessible entrances or toilets; to point out which monuments are the right ones to visit; as well as to inform users about the best transport to take them from point A to point B.
Local
Portugal
Our concept is not yet implemented in any city, but is developed for the city of Porto, in Portugal.
Mainly urban
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
No
No
As an individual in partnership with other persons
First name: João Last name: Barroso Gender: Male Age: 25 Please attach a copy of your national ID/residence card:
By ticking this box, I certify that the information regarding my age is factually correct. : Yes Nationality: Portugal Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Rua das Pombinhas, nr 122 Town: Póvoa de Varzim Postal code: 4490-061 Country: Portugal Direct Tel:+351 914 171 475 E-mail:joaotbarroso@gmail.com
First name: Inês Last name: Mimoso Gender: Female Age: 26 Please attach a copy of your national ID/residence card:
By ticking this box, I certify that the information regarding my age is factually correct. : Yes Nationality: Portugal Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Rua Infanta Dona Maria, nr105 Town: Porto Postal code: 4050-350 Country: Portugal Direct Tel:+351 912 977 917 E-mail:ines.mimoso@gmail.com
First name: Mauro Last name: Silva Gender: Male Age: 28 Please attach a copy of your national ID/residence card:
By ticking this box, I certify that the information regarding my age is factually correct. : Yes Nationality: Portugal Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Travessa do Rio, bloco A, nr 121, 2ºesq. Town: Guimarães Postal code: 4805-313 Country: Portugal Direct Tel:+351 913 144 378 E-mail:maurosilva-m@hotmail.com
First name: Nidia Last name: Rodrigues Gender: Female Age: 26 Please attach a copy of your national ID/residence card:
By ticking this box, I certify that the information regarding my age is factually correct. : Yes Nationality: Portugal Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Travessa do Rio, bloco A, nr 121, 2ºesq. Town: Guimarães Postal code: 4805-313 Country: Portugal Direct Tel:+351 910 443 973 E-mail:nidacfrodrigues30@gmail.com
Porto Acessível is a project aimed at providing a convenient and accessible commuting solution for individuals who have mobility impairments. The app would have features such as route planning (ex: fastest or flatter routes), and navigation that takes into account the needs of users with each mobility impairment resulting in an experience tailored to the needs of each, and also the city's monuments and landmarks. It will also provide information on nearby accessibility-related services, such as wheelchair ramps, accessible parking, entrance, internal circulation, counters/tables, baby changing facilities and accessible restrooms and will also report accessibility problems allowing an accessibility scale to be created for each location. The goal of the project is to make it easier to move around and explore the city in an inclusive way and to empower individuals with mobility impairments to move about their community with greater independence and ease, and also to enjoy the city's cultural heritage.
This app also has the potential to positively impact the city as a whole. The app could generate revenue through various means, such as advertising or partnerships. This revenue could then be used to fund accessible improvement projects in the city, such as the installation of ramps or the retrofitting of public transportation vehicles. This would not only improve the overall accessibility of the city for individuals with mobility impairments, but it would also demonstrate the financial viability of inclusive transportation solutions. This could encourage further investment in accessible transportation and infrastructure, ultimately creating a more inclusive and equitable community for all.
accessibility
inclusion
commuting
inclusive mobility
accessibility-related services
The key objectives of this inclusive mobility app concept in terms of sustainability are to improve accessibility and mobility for individuals with mobility impairments (permanent ou temporary), while also promoting the financial viability of inclusive transportation solutions and funding accessible improvement projects in the city. Additionally, the concept aims to increase the overall sustainability of transportation in the city by encouraging the use of accessible public transportation and reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicle trips.
To meet these objectives, the app would provide real-time information on accessible transportation options, including public transportation and ride-sharing services, as well as information on nearby accessibility-related services. The app would also have route planning and navigation features that take into account the needs of users with mobility impairments, making it easier for them to navigate the city independently.
In terms of financing, the app could generate revenue through advertising and partnerships, which could then be used to fund accessible improvement projects in the city. This creates a sustainable and self-sufficient model to improve the city infrastructure.
Furthermore, the app would also promote new societal models by encouraging active transportation, such as walking and cycling, and by providing information on carpooling and ride-sharing options. This can help to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, and promote more sustainable transportation choices.
Overall, this inclusive mobility app concept serves as an exemplary model for sustainable transportation by promoting accessibility and independence for individuals with mobility impairments, while also reducing the environmental impact of transportation and improving the overall sustainability of the city.
The key objectives of this inclusive mobility app concept in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people are to provide a visually appealing, user-friendly design that is easy to navigate, and also to provide a positive and enjoyable experience while using the app. Additionally, the concept aims to provide cultural benefits by providing information on city monuments, landmarks, and cultural heritage sites. To achieve this, the app is designed with accessibility in mind, taking into account the needs of people with visual or neurologic impairments. To meet these objectives, the app would have a visually appealing design, with a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. Furthermore, the app would have customizable visuals such as color text, size or changing the background color. Additionally, the app would have voice over for people who are blind, making it easy for them to use the app independently. The app will also offer a positive and enjoyable experience by providing personalized recommendations and suggestions based on the user's preferences since it is possible to create a profile where we specify the needs of each user, making the app more engaging and interactive. Additionally, with information on city monuments, landmarks, and cultural heritage sites we can enhance the cultural experience for users, allowing them to learn more about the city's history and culture. Overall, this inclusive mobility app concept serves as an exemplary model for aesthetics and quality of experience by providing a visually appealing, user-friendly design that is easy to navigate, and also by providing a positive and enjoyable experience while using the app. By providing accessibility features such as customizable visuals and voice over, the app is designed to meet the needs of people with visual or neurologic impairments, making it easy for them to use the app independently and also by providing cultural benefits that can enhance the cultural experience.
The key objectives of this inclusive mobility app concept in terms of inclusion are to provide accessibility and affordability for all, as well as to incorporate inclusive design for all principles, and new societal models. The goal is to create an inclusive and equitable commuting system that is accessible to all, regardless of their mobility needs or financial situation.
To meet these objectives, the app would provide real-time information on accessible transportation options, including bus, train, and subway schedules, as well as information on accessibility-related services such as wheelchair-accessible business, restaurants with baby changing facilitie, etc. . Additionally, the app would provide routing options that take into account the accessibility of sidewalks, crosswalks, and other infrastructure where the user can choose the fastest or the flattest route, or even avoid stairs or streets with very narrow pavements. The app would also be designed with the "design for all" principle in mind, taking into account the needs of people with disabilities, older people, and others with specific needs.
The app also would be affordable for all, with options for users to purchase subscriptions or pay for services on a pay-as-you-go basis. Additionally, the app would incorporate inclusive governing systems, by involving diverse groups of people, including people with disabilities, in the design, development, and implementation of the app.
Overall, this inclusive mobility app concept serves as an exemplary model for inclusion by providing accessibility and affordability for all, as well as incorporating inclusive governing systems, design for all principles, and new societal models. This approach can make commuting more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable for all.
The concept of an inclusive mobility app involves the participation and engagement of citizens who are benefiting from or affected by the concept, as well as civil society groups. The involvement of these stakeholders is crucial to ensure that the app meets the needs and addresses the concerns of the people it is intended to serve.
Citizens who are benefiting from or affected by the concept would be involved in the development and implementation of the app through various means, such as user testing, focus groups, and feedback surveys. This would provide an opportunity for users to test the app and provide feedback on its functionality, usability, and accessibility. This feedback would be used to make improvements to the app and ensure that it meets the needs of its users.
Civil society groups and municipal authorities would also be involved in the development and implementation of the app. These groups would provide expertise on accessibility, transportation, and mobility, and would be consulted on issues related to the app's design and functionality. Additionally, civil society groups would be involved in promoting the app and raising awareness of its benefits among their members and the wider community.
The impact of involving citizens and civil society groups in the development and implementation of the app would be to create a more inclusive and user-centered app that meets the needs and addresses the concerns of its intended users. This approach would ensure that the app is inclusive, user-centered and accessible for all, and would promote greater engagement and awareness of the app among the wider community.
Porto Acessível involves different stakeholders including local, regional, national, and European levels.At the local level, stakeholders such as users, city officials, transportation agencies would be engaged in the design and development of the app. They would provide input on the specific commuting needs and concerns of the local community, as well as information on local infrastructure and accessibility-related services. This input would be used to ensure that the app is tailored to the specific needs of the local community.At the regional level, stakeholders such as community organizations would be engaged in the design and development of the app. They would provide input on their specific needs and concerns, as well as information on regional infrastructure and accessibility-related services. This input would be used to ensure that the app is tailored to the specific needs of the region and is able to provide accurate and relevant information on commuting options.At the national level, stakeholders such as national transportation agencies and community organizations would provide input on national transportation policies and initiatives and information on national infrastructure and accessibility-related services.At the European level, stakeholders such as European Union agencies and organizations would provide input on EU transportation policies and initiatives, as well as information on EU-wide infrastructure and accessibility-related services.The added value of engaging different stakeholders at various levels in the design and development of the app is that it ensures that the app addresses the needs and concerns of the diverse communities it is intended to serve. It also ensures that the app is able to provide accurate and relevant information on transportation options. Additionally, involving different stakeholders at various levels in the development of the app would help to raise awareness of the app among the wider community, and promote its use.
Porto Acessível draws on a range of disciplines and knowledge fields, including urban planning, information technology, user experience design, user interface design, software engineering, transportation engineering and accessibility. Transportation engineering is reflected through the consideration of infrastructure, transportation options, and accessibility features to ensure that the app provides accurate and relevant information on transportation options for people with mobility impairments.Urban planning is reflected through the consideration of the urban environment and city mapping and how it impacts commuting options. Software engineering is relevant due to the use of advanced technology such as geolocation and mapping to provide accurate and real-time information. User experience and user interface design is reflected in the app design through the consideration of the user experience and how it impacts the usability of the app. This includes the use of clear, easy-to-use design, and customization features. Accessibility is reflected through the consideration of the needs of people with mobility impairments and how the app can be designed to meet those needs. This includes the use of customization features such as color text, size, or changing the background color. Representatives of these different fields interacted with each other throughout the design and development process to ensure that the app addresses the needs and concerns of people with mobility impairments from a range of perspectives. Additionally, involving representatives of different fields in the design and development process helped to raise awareness of the needs and concerns of people with mobility impairments among the wider community and promote the use of the app.
The innovative character of the inclusive mobility app concept lies in its ability to provide an integrated and personalized solution for people with mobility impairments. The app provides a one-stop-shop for information on transportation and commuting options, accessibility features, and city monuments and cultural points of interest, which is not typically offered by other transportation apps. Additionally, the app includes customization features such as color text, size, or changing the background color to meet people with visual impairments and also have voice over for people who are blind. This allows people with mobility impairments to plan their commutation and cultural visits in an easy and accessible way.
Another innovative aspect of the app is its ability to use data collected from users to identify areas where accessibility needs are not being met and to finance accessible improvement projects in the city. This allows the app to have a direct impact on improving accessibility in the urban environment.
Furthermore, the concept is exemplary in terms of inclusivity, as it not only provides a service for people with mobility impairments but also engages with different stakeholders at various levels in the design and development of the concept and also involving citizens benefiting from or affected by the concept and civil society in the concept and what has been/ will be the impact of this involvement on the concept.
In summary, the inclusive mobility app concept is innovative in its ability to provide an integrated and personalized solution for people with mobility impairments, its ability to use data to identify areas where accessibility needs are not being met and to finance accessible improvement projects in the city.
The inclusive mobility app concept has several elements that could be replicated or transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries, and contexts. These include:
-Methodology: The app's approach of using data to identify areas where accessibility needs are not being met and to finance accessible improvement projects in the city could be replicated in other cities and towns to improve accessibility and make them more inclusive for people with mobility impairments.
-Technology: The app's customization features such as color text, size, or changing the background color to meet people with visual impairments and also have voice over for people who are blind could be replicated and adapted to other apps and technologies to make them more accessible for people with visual impairments.
-Processes: The app's approach of involving different stakeholders at various levels in the design and development of the concept, as well as involving citizens benefiting from or affected by the concept and civil society, could be replicated in other projects to ensure that the needs of the community are taken into account.
-Products: The app's one-stop-shop for information on commuting options, accessibility features, and city monuments and cultural points of interest can be replicated in other cities and towns, to provide an integrated and personalized solution for people with mobility impairments in other places.
-Learnings: The app's ability to use data to identify areas where accessibility needs are not being met and to finance accessible improvement projects in the city can be used to learn and improve accessibility in other places and contexts.
In summary, the inclusive mobility app concept has several elements that could be replicated or transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries, and contexts, such as methodology, technology, processes, products, and learnings, which would help to improve accessibility and inclusivity in other places and contexts.
Porto Acessível faces challenges and local solutions like:
Accessibility: It addresses the challenge of accessibility by providing a one-stop-shop for information on commuting options, accessibility features, and city monuments and cultural points of interest for people with mobility impairments, thus improving accessibility and inclusivity in the local community.
Inclusion: It addresses the challenge of inclusion by involving different stakeholders in the design and development of the concept, as well as involving citizens benefiting from or affected by the concept and civil society, this way the app ensures that the needs of the community are taken into account and the community is more inclusive.
Sustainable mobility: It addresses the challenge of sustainable mobility by providing information on transportation options such as walking, and public transportation, and encouraging their use instead of private vehicles, thus reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion in the local community.
Aging population: It addresses the challenge of an aging population by providing a one-stop-shop for information on transportation options, accessibility features, and city monuments and cultural points of interest for older adults, thus improving accessibility and inclusivity for older adults in the local community.
Urbanization: It addresses the challenge of urbanization by providing a one-stop-shop for information on transportation options, accessibility features, and city monuments and cultural points of interest for people living in urban areas, thus improving accessibility and inclusivity in urban communities.
In summary, Porto Acessível addresses challenges by providing local solutions, such as accessibility, inclusion, sustainable mobility, aging population and urbanization, by providing a one-stop-shop for information on transportation options, accessibility features, and city monuments and cultural points of interest for people with mobility impairments.
