NCAT Projects Summary
The work outlined for this five year program includes both research and development projects. Biomechanics research will provide quantitative data for use in the design and application of aisle chairs, aircraft seats, and on-board lavatories. The survey research project is a key to the overall success of the program. This is because the goal of the development projects is to arrive at solutions that will be adopted and used in practice. To maximize the likelihood of success, we need to do survey research to understand the perceptions of travelers and the service providers in terms of what needs improving and in terms of how proposed improvements may be accepted.
In addition to the two research projects, there are four development projects that will identify and develop solutions to accessibility issues, in particular solutions that are universal so that they work equally well for all travelers. The development project topics written into the work plan include boarding technologies, on-board lavatories, communications, and passenger assistance training. All of the development projects will use a formal design process as a framework for developing a clear understanding of the problems and for evaluating the options that might be applied to the problem.