Francesca Tosi

The paper presents the first results of the POR CReO-FP7 project “Triaca” developed in liaison with the recreational vehicle company Triganò S.p.a. The aim of the project was the development of innovative solutions in terms of environmental sustainability and the quality of user experience. The description of the work is intended to highlight how ergonomics and design – and in particular the relation between user-centred design and design for innovation strategies – constitute a substantial competitive factor. The paper illustrates how the user-centred design (UCD) approach was experimented, and more specifically the methods for assessing usability and safety also through the direct involvement of the users. Practitioner Summary: the work is an example of application of the user-centred design approach, and is conceived as an operational contribution for researchers and designers working in the ergonomics and design sector.

The text focuses on the role of design as a synthesis and catalyst for different skills capable of ensuring systemic innovation, which is decisive in terms of competitiveness. The essay summarises the role of the Florentine School of Design in relation to the production system and the results of competitive innovation that have emerged from it.

English translation of F. Tosi's essay "Ergonomics, Design, Design For All. From evaluation to design: the formation of a common language" in: Steffan I., "Design For All, Design for everyone. Methods, tools, applications" Maggioli, 2012, ISBN 8838761809. The essay presents the contents of the ergonomic approach in relation to Design For All, through the analysis of regulatory and research references that have progressively defined the common ground for research and experimentation. In particular, the contents of the ICF, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the regulatory tools recently produced by ISO and UNI. The methods of investigation and intervention of Ergonomics and User Centred Design represent, in this context, a theoretical and practical tool appropriate for addressing the issues of Design For All and supporting research and experimentation in this field. The essay concludes with a presentation of the most recent research and design experimentation results and possible prospects for development. English translation of the essay by F. Tosi 'Ergonomics, Design, Design For All. From assessment to design: the formation of a common language” in: Steffan I., “Design For All, Design for everyone. Methods, tools, applications” Maggioli, 2012, ISBN 8838761809. The essay presents the content of the ergonomic approach in relation to Design For All, through the analysis of normative and research references that have progressively defined the common ground of research and experimentation. In particular: the content of the ICF, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the regulatory instruments recently produced by ISO and by UNI. Ergonomics and User Centred Design methods of investigation and intervention represent appropriate theoretical and applied tools to address the issues of Design For All and to support research and experimentation in this area. In conclusion, the essay presents the results of research and experimental design, as well as newer and possible development prospects.

The paper presents the early results of the UE-FP7 project “The Intermodal Bike”. The research aim is to provide a super-compactable, super-lightweight folding bicycle as a realistic solution to graft the cycling mode onto the root of the public or private transportation systems. The folding bikes now on the international market reach weighs between 12-15 kg, with a variable footprint but occupying -when compacted- an average volume of about 100 liters. To encourage the use of this vehicle and to extend it to a larger number of users with different characteristics, the research project has set its goal in increasing as possible compactness and light weight, creating a bicycle with a volume when compacted of 20 liters and a weight of 6 kg. max., ensuring stability and improving vehicle usability and efficiency, during the ride and in the phase of bike folding. To achieve this goal ergonomic and usability tests have been carried out. The tests allowed to find a posture that would ensure efficiency and comfort in the ride to as many users as possible. Parallel tests were made on the vehicle usability in the urban transport system and intermodal. The need for light weight has required special studies on the optimization of the vehicle's architecture and research on super-lightweight materials.

Traduzione in inglese del saggio di F. Tosi “Ergonomia e Design For All: un approccio inclusivo alla progettazione” in: Steffan I., “Design For All, Il progetto per tutti. Metodi strumenti applicazioni” Maggioli, 2012, ISBN 8838761809 Il saggio ripercorre l'evoluzione dell'approccio alla progettazione accessibile e inclusiva, a partire dalle teorie e dalle sperimentazioni del secondo dopoguerra, e il progressivo avvicinamento all'approccio dell'Ergonomia e, in particolare dello User Centred Design. Sono trattati inoltre i principali punti di convergenza tra Design For All e Ergonomia per il Design nel campo della ricerca e della sperimentazione progettuale, con riferimento alla recente evoluzione normativa in materia di usabilità. English translation of the essay by F. Tosi “Ergonomia, Design, Design For All. Dalla valutazione al progetto: la formazione di un linguaggio comune” in: Steffan I., “Design For All, Il progetto per tutti. Metodi strumenti applicazioni” Maggioli, 2012, ISBN 8838761809. The essay traces the evolution of the approach to accessible and inclusive design, starting from the theories and experiments of the second postwar period, and the progressive convergence to Ergonomics and User Centred Design approach. Are treated also the main points of convergence between Design For All and Ergonomics in Design in the field of research and experimental design, with reference to the recent standards changes regarding usability.