In Search of Sustainable, Safe and Inclusive Cities. Critical Contributions from Ergonomics and Design

Abstract

There is currently evidence suggesting the urgency of advancing in the (re)design and construction of urban spaces that consider the needs and limitations of citizens and reduce the impact on the environment. Ergonomics (or Human Factors) and User-Centred Design, as disciplines focused on the analysis of human interactions with their environment, can ensure that any artefact, space or service is designed according to the characteristics and human needs and thereby provide better functioning of the systems. This paper aims to present and describe the use of principles, methods and tools of Ergonomics and Inclusive Design and Service Design to analyse urban systems (particularly mobility systems). This discipline and design approaches can contribute, from their human-centred vision and systemic nature to the design of more sustainable, inclusive and safe cities. At the end of the paper, it is described, part of the development and application of the inclusive service blueprint tool as a case study to the analysis of public transport in the Metropolitan Area of Guadalajara, Mexico.