This article is part of a dedicated interview series with Pilot Site partners of the InclusiveSpaces project, highlighting innovative tools, technologies, and solutions aimed at improving accessibility and fostering inclusive mobility in public spaces. The series explores how practical, user-centred approaches are being implemented to better understand mobility patterns, identify accessibility barriers, and support more independent and equitable access for all.

This article features insights from the team behind the Universal Design Tool, consortium partner VIC, developed as part of the InclusiveSpaces project. The tool is an interactive digital repository of design recommendations to improve inclusivity and accessibility across the built environment, digital spaces, and transport systems. By allowing users to filter and explore recommendations based on different categories, such as types of spaces or inclusion perspectives, the platform provides a structured and practical resource for designers, urban planners, architects, and public authorities.

Drawing on the lived experiences of people with disabilities, as well as the expertise of professionals in urban design and planning, the Universal Design Tool translates real-world accessibility challenges into actionable design guidance. By consolidating nearly 300 recommendations into an open and accessible web-based platform, it supports more inclusive, informed, and future-oriented urban development.

Introduction to the technology

Could you briefly introduce your tool and explain the need it was designed to address?

VIC’s tool is called the Universal Design Tool and consists of a digital repository of design recommendations aimed at improving inclusivity and accessibility in the built environment, digital spaces, and transport. It can be filtered and viewed based on different search categories, such as types of spaces or inclusion perspectives.

What accessibility challenges highlight the need for this Tool?

There is extensive mandatory regulation and legislation that designers, urban planners, architects, and municipal technicians must incorporate. However, many environments are still not adapted, and the need to improve the built environment goes beyond current regulations. Future challenges (climate change, gender perspective, ageing, and digitalisation) also need to be addressed.

Local context

What are the most important lessons you have learned so far about accessibility needs in your pilot area?

That the digital tool itself must be accessible, and that many everyday issues in the built environment affect people with physical or intellectual disabilities and could be improved. There is still a lot to be done.

How have local stakeholders (community groups, NGOs, public administrations, etc.) contributed to shaping your approach?

They have been crucial. People with disabilities, as well as architects and urban planners, have allowed us to deepen and broaden our perspective by incorporating new design recommendations or refining existing ones.

Current situation

What are some of the main milestones or achievements your team has reached so far?

Creating a database of design recommendations with nearly 300 applicable recommendations, and developing an open, publicly available web tool.

What challenges have you encountered and how have you addressed them?

Some existing regulations were behind paywalls, making them difficult to access. The volume of information handled and the design of the tool have also been complex. The current challenge is ensuring that the tool is meaningful and useful for the community.

Community participation and co-creation activities

How are you involving people with disabilities and other vulnerable public space users in your work?

Many of the recommendations collected come from their lived experiences, with the aim of mitigating, adapting, or responding to these through the design of a more accessible and inclusive environment. These individuals have also participated throughout the conception, design, and development of the tool.

Looking ahead

What are the key next steps for your pilot site in the coming months?

To test the tool across different demo sites.

What outcomes do you expect to achieve by the end of the pilot phase?

It is likely that some aspects of the tool will need to be modified to improve usability.

Impact and long-term vision

How do you expect your pilot to contribute to more inclusive urban mobility in your city?

By increasing awareness and knowledge about how to make transport more accessible and inclusive.

What long-term changes or improvements would you like to see as a result of this work, both locally and as an example for other European contexts?

We would like the tool to be commercialised or for agreements to be established with other entities to continue its development.