Project Overview
This project was completed for the Accessible and Inclusive Design class in the Master of Information program at the University of Toronto. Over the course of one semester, research, design, and iteration were conducted to develop an improved solution. The research phase included discussions with two subject matter experts from the University of Toronto's transportation department to gain insights into accessibility challenges.
↓ Below is the project timeline ↓
The Problem
The parking system at the University of Toronto's St. George campus presents accessibility challenges for individuals with motor disabilities. The key issues identified include:
1. Disorganized Information
Essential details about disability parking, such as locations, available facilities, contact methods, and responsible personnel, are not clearly structured or easily accessible.
2. Accessibility Non-Compliance
The current parking app does not meet WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards, making it difficult for users with disabilities to navigate and use.
Why This Problem Matters?
Many Canadians rely on buses, planes, or trains for transportation, but individuals with disabilities often require specialized accommodations. Among Canadians with disabilities aged 15 and older who consider themselves housebound, 17.8% cite the lack of specialized transportation as a key barrier (source).
Essential Access to Education
Accessible parking in downtown Toronto is scarce, often located far from buildings, making campus navigation difficult for individuals with motor disabilities. Ensuring equitable parking access is essential for educational inclusion.
Stigma and Barriers
Motor disabilities are often overlooked in educational settings, leading to challenges in commuting. The need for an MTO permit, university approval, and additional fees can create barriers, reinforcing the perception of paying for a disability.
Legal Compliance
The University of Toronto must comply with Ontario’s accessibility laws, ensuring parking facilities meet required standards.
Key Accessibility Statistics
Canadians w/ disabilities aged 15+
17.8%
considered themselves housebound, said it was due to the unavailability of specialized transportation.
Youth w/ disabilities aged 15-24
6.7%
that is, ~32,500 students
required specialized transportation to attend school, according to
Statistics Canada.
Employees w/ disabilities 24-64
37.3%
required at least one type of workplace accommodation, such as building modifications, accessible parking, or elevators.
The Outcome
An in-depth analysis of the current parking system identified opportunities to enhance accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations. The focus was on improving the university’s existing resources rather than introducing an entirely new system.
As a result, the University of Toronto’s ParkedIn app was redesigned to provide real-time accessibility information while ensuring compatibility with Assistive Technology.
The final deliverable is an interactive prototype demonstrating the process of reserving an accessible parking spot within the improved ParkedIn app. This approach maintains continuity for both users and the university while enhancing the overall experience.
Acknowledgment & Limitations
This research was conducted by a team of able-bodied female researchers of color, each bringing diverse perspectives and varying levels of engagement with disability communities. While efforts were made to understand the challenges faced by individuals with mobility disabilities, lived experiences cannot be fully replicated or comprehended.
The proposed design is expected to offer significant improvements over the current system, but its effectiveness cannot be guaranteed with certainty. Recognizing this limitation, potential biases may be reflected in the app redesign.
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