Overview
The structural transition in Austrian society in the larger context of demographic change and the growing demands on infrastructure, organization and planning in the public sphere have been discussed profusely in recent years in the context of some projects. While a number of national and international research projects especially focussed on the older age groups and their requirements for staying mobile by and developing solutions on the individual, technological and infrastructural level, solutions for people who suffer from cognitive impairment as a result of dementia are still missing.
This is where KOMPETENZ has to take the first step and identify the requirements that people with dementia have towards public space in order to be able to maintain their physical mobility. The high degree of heterogeneity as a result of demographic factors and disease progression need to be considered. To ensure the possibly highest level of practicality and suitability for use, all stakeholders (patients, their families, caregivers, infrastructure managers) have to be actively involved in iterative and participatory processes. Existing technologies in the ITS field (Intelligent Transport Systems) and Design4all approaches which are relevant to the affected individuals for the safe and active use of public space need to be identified.
The main objective is the development of a prototypical route that meets all requirements and can be tested (by the stakeholders) as part of a social space analysis in terms of its actual usability. This will provide the basis for a comprehensive barrier-free routing specifically adapted to the needs of all stakeholders at all stages of the disease in which active mobility is still possible. Through active participation in this project, especially representatives from politics, industry and technology can lastingly secure the usability of their services and products when these need to be adapted to the rapidly changing client’s base and accommodate the fundamental idea of accessible infrastructure for all.