Wheelchair Accessibility in Marine Tourism: A Design Framework for Enhanced User Experience
Designing for wheelchair users in marine tourism requires a holistic approach, addressing challenges from transportation to on-site facilities to ensure safety, security, and satisfaction.
International Journal of Safety and Security Engineering · 2023
Key Findings
- 01The Pinishi boat requires redesign for wheelchair access.
- 02Portable cranes are necessary for transferring wheelchair users between boats and land.
- 03Trails and paths at attractions need to be adapted for wheelchair users.
- 04Comprehensive and up-to-date information on accessible facilities is lacking.
- 05Accessible transportation and accommodation are crucial.
Application
Design takeaway
Designers must proactively identify and address the diverse needs of wheelchair users across all touchpoints of the tourism experience, from initial planning to on-site engagement, to create truly inclusive environments.
How to apply
When designing any tourism-related product or service, conduct thorough user research with individuals with mobility impairments to identify specific challenges and co-create solutions.
Project actions
- 01When researching user needs, actively seek out and involve individuals who use wheelchairs.
- 02Consider the entire user journey, from booking to departure, when identifying accessibility barriers.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Addresses a critical gap in accessibility within the tourism sector.
- +Employs a mixed-methods approach for robust data collection.
- +Provides actionable recommendations for design improvements.
Limitations
The specific solutions proposed might be context-dependent and require adaptation for different geographical or cultural settings.
Reliability & validity
The use of multiple data sources (surveys, literature, observation) enhances the validity of the findings. Reliability could be improved by increasing the sample size and conducting observations over a longer period or in different conditions.
Think critically
To what extent can the proposed solutions be generalized to other forms of tourism or different geographical locations, and what adaptations might be necessary?
Design Principles
"Inclusive design prioritizes the needs of all users, ensuring equitable access and experience across diverse abilities."
This research highlights the critical need to integrate accessibility considerations early in the design process for tourism infrastructure and services. By understanding the specific barriers faced by wheelchair users, designers can create more inclusive and equitable experiences, expanding market reach and fostering positive brand perception.
What This Means for Your Design
To make tourist spots like boat trips and islands accessible for people in wheelchairs, you need to think about everything: how they get on the boat, how they move around the island, and where they can find information. Often, boats and paths need to be changed, and special equipment might be needed.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify the need for user research with specific user groups in your design project.
- 2.Cite findings on specific accessibility challenges (e.g., boat access, trail design) to support your design decisions.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
(2023). Enhancing Safety and Security: Facilities for Wheelchair Users in Marine Tourism Area. International Journal of Safety and Security Engineering. https://doi.org/10.18280/ijsse.130619 Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/b6a9aa3f-41fa-43cb-8d92-8ce5aa396bb2/wheelchair-accessibility-in-marine-tourism-a-design-framework-for-enhanced-user-experience
Paragraph starter
This study highlights that designing for wheelchair users in marine tourism necessitates a comprehensive approach, addressing challenges from transportation access, such as the need for redesigned vessels and transfer equipment like portable cranes, to on-site navigation, requiring adapted trails and paths. Furthermore, the availability of clear, up-to-date information on accessible facilities is paramount for user satisfaction and safety, underscoring the importance of inclusive design principles in tourism development.
Source
International Journal of Safety and Security Engineering
Enhancing Safety and Security: Facilities for Wheelchair Users in Marine Tourism Area
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions about this research
- What does the research say about wheelchair accessibility in marine tourism: a design framework for enhanced user experience?
- Designers must proactively identify and address the diverse needs of wheelchair users across all touchpoints of the tourism experience, from initial planning to on-site engagement, to create truly inclusive environments. Evidence: International Journal of Safety and Security Engineering (2023).
- Why does "Wheelchair Accessibility in Marine Tourism: A Design Framework for Enhanced User Experience" matter for design?
- This research highlights the critical need to integrate accessibility considerations early in the design process for tourism infrastructure and services. By understanding the specific barriers faced by wheelchair users, designers can create more inclusive and equitable experiences, expanding market reach and fostering positive brand perception.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers must proactively identify and address the diverse needs of wheelchair users across all touchpoints of the tourism experience, from initial planning to on-site engagement, to create truly inclusive environments.
- What were the main findings?
- The Pinishi boat requires redesign for wheelchair access.. Portable cranes are necessary for transferring wheelchair users between boats and land.. Trails and paths at attractions need to be adapted for wheelchair users.. Comprehensive and up-to-date information on accessible facilities is lacking.
- What research method was used?
- Mixed-methods research combining surveys and literature review, analyzed with descriptive statistics, content analysis, and SWOT analysis. with 15 participants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from International Journal of Safety and Security Engineering.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing any tourism-related product or service, conduct thorough user research with individuals with mobility impairments to identify specific challenges and co-create solutions.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focused on a specific marine tourism area and a limited number of participants, potentially limiting the generalizability of findings to other contexts.
- Is there evidence that wheelchair users affects design outcomes?
- Wheelchair users face significant accessibility barriers in marine tourism, from boat boarding to navigating island terrains and accessing information, necessitating redesigns of transport, infrastructure, and information systems. This research highlights the critical need to integrate accessibility considerations earl Source: International Journal of Safety and Security Engineering (2023).
- Where does this marine tourism research apply?
- Marine tourism area (Labuan Bajo, Indonesia) It sits within user-centred design research on designdex.org.
Related research topics
wheelchair users design research · evidence on wheelchair users · does wheelchair users improve design outcomes · marine tourism studies for designers · wheelchair users and marine tourism findings · user-centred design research evidence