Co-design procedures for transit service improvement for older immigrants: Developing a case study for Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Keywords: co-design, transit service, stakeholder involvement, lived experience, double diamond design approach
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Monday
Session Start / End Time: 2/28/2022 09:40 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/28/2022 11:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 63

Abstract

Although co-design is extensively used in education, organizational, and health-care service design, it has rarely been used in the public transportation decision-making process. Typically, transport service users’ involvement is practiced mainly in the form of public hearings or consultations rather than their direct involvement in the design process. This study describes an application of co-design methodology to develop a plan for improving transit services for older immigrants in the city of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada – something that has never been applied in this sector. This study will address lived experiences of older immigrants, enhance public engagement, and develop compassionate partnerships among stakeholders. The design guidelines and principles were developed to address the need for this specific vulnerable population group, older immigrants. The step-by-step process has been described with the underlying reasoning for considering those steps in the co-design process. The entire process will allow transit service providers and other community partners to engage with and get insights from and learn about the impact of their services on older immigrants’ mobility needs. This final output of the process will be a transit service improvement plan, through which the transit service provider can deliver and implement feasible and functional solutions that meet older immigrants’ expectations and improve their transit use experiences. We expect that the collaboratively developed plan will act as a basis for addressing and solving older immigrants’ challenges while accessing transit services within the city and can be adopted by the other cities with little or no adjustments.