The Design Age Institute (Royal College of Art, London) has launched a call for innovative transport-focused proposals as part of its new Transport Pathfinder Innovation Programme, which aims to support the rapidly ageing population by utilising the transformative potential of good design. According to research, around one third of older people in the UK have unmet travel needs, which get worse as they get older. Innovative approaches are therefore needed to meet the growing demand for safe, accessible and sustainable transport options. The call is funded by InnovateUK, the UK’s innovation agency, and focuses on system, service, product or digital solutions for mass transport, such as projects for moving goods and people: trains, buses, taxis, planes, boats and cars, as well as systems such as roads, tracks and airports.
Applicants must be able to propose solutions addressing one or more of the following factors affecting access to transport in old age: physical exclusion (due to poor vehicle and infrastructure design), digital and information exclusion (due to difficulties in understanding and using information), cost and payment exclusion (due to payment methods and personal circumstances of individuals), service exclusion (due to problems with availability, administration and service personnel), psychological exclusion (fear and anxiety of travelling). Other factors will be considered if there is evidence of demonstrated need. Applications are open until 12 noon on Monday 27 February 2023 and the Design Age Institute invites life-enhancing ideas and prototypes that can be developed, funded or supported under the Transport Innovation Pathfinder Programme. Read more about the competition here.
