DS2. Rigenerazione urbana e IoT per città più inclusive

#DS2.
Urban Regeneration and IoT for More Inclusive Cities

Cooperativa SOCIOSFERA, Seregno (MB)

The #DS2 workshop – Urban Regeneration and IoT for More Inclusive Cities is a design challenge launched by the Cooperativa Sociosfera of Seregno.

The Design Sprint dedicated to this E.T.S. is part of the projects of the Educational Areas, Elderly and Disabled, Psychology and Pedagogy Centers; the services involved (for example) are the Disabled Day Center, the Socio-Educational Center for people with disabilities, Elderly Centers and the school area.
In more detail, the interests expressed by Cooperativa Sociosfera in new potential design solutions (including digital ones) focused on the implementation of internal signage systems for services and urban scale developed with AAC – Augmentative and Alternative Communication to increase individual autonomy in community living places.
Adopting AAC in “public” services and spaces also requires raising awareness among contexts and third parties (e.g., merchants) on the subject, leading to the development of products and services for a wide range of recipients: in addition to end users, operators, teachers, parents, citizens, neighbourhood retailers, etc., were considered.

Designing a communication for all

The society we live in employs communicative systems that are not always capable of reaching all individuals. Communication supports, tools, and acts are designed and realized in ways that can be increasingly inclusive and accessible, especially in public spaces. However, it happens that some individuals with cognitive and/or sensory disabilities are unable to effectively engage in communication within their context.
In whatever context we find ourselves, it is necessary that the design takes into account the diversity and needs of each individual, and therefore is inclusive.

Every communicative act, particularly in public spaces, should be inclusive to avoid enacting discrimination. Today, this is achievable using a variety of diversified communication means: Braille texts, subtitled and/or sign language-translated videos, orientation maps, computer-based supports like QR codes and Beacons, etc. Third Sector Organizations also employ special communication tools and methods, including those created following the principles of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

Communication can become truly accessible when these attentions are fully part of the planning and awareness of the community. In this way these measures will no longer be exceptions but will enter the community as habits.

Design challenges

#1. Communication Tools

Design tools, both analog and digital, capable of simplifying communication between individuals who have difficulty expressing themselves and the external world, and vice versa.

#2. Social stories

Communication solutions capable of raising awareness about the existence and usage of AAC, communication products that stably integrate AAC to make communication not only inclusive but also truly accessible.

#3. Talking spaces

Promote the ideation of integrated and effective communication systems (including multimedia) that can promote the use and understanding of AAC in public utility services (schools, hospitals, etc.), places of collective life (including private ones), and urban spaces.