Solostride is an accessible travel innovation designed to help solo wheelchair users navigate public transport more safely, confidently, and independently.
Accessible Travel Innovation: Solostride
Current public transport systems often fail to provide mobility-impaired travellers with reliable, dignified support. Broken lifts, unclear accessibility information, difficult ramps, and unavailable staff create stress, safety risks, and dependence on others.
Problem Statement
Possible Solution
A portable RampPod system with a lightweight foldable ramp, ergonomic extendable handle, magnetic connection, carry bag, and companion app for pre-booking ramps, real-time lift/ramp updates, emergency location sharing, and optional staff support.
Target Audience
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Solo travellers with mobility impairments
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Wheelchair users
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People who rely on public transport systems
The Approach
A human-centred design approach focused on reducing physical and emotional barriers in accessible travel through portable assistive technology and real-time digital support. The solution prioritises independence, dignity, ease of use, and confidence while travelling.
Design Thinking Process
The project followed the Double Diamond design process:
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Discover: Conducted interviews, online ethnography, and background research to identify accessibility pain points.
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Define: Synthesised findings using affinity mapping, empathy maps, personas, and “How Might We” reframing.
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Develop: Ideated and prototyped the RampPod system and companion app.
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Deliver: Tested the prototype using think-aloud usability testing and refined the design based on feedback and iteration.
Discover
Develop
Define
Challenges in infrastructure and emotional well-being
Conducted over 10 detailed interviews
Insights from people using wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers
Insight: Users want independence, not sympathy real, usable tools are needed
Problem: Public transport fails to deliver dignified and reliable support
Ideated "RampPod" a modular, deployable ramp kiosk
Mapped pain points to actionable tech-enabled solutions
Refined concept based on personas
Deliver
Functional prototype for a train station kiosk
Plan to test and iterate based on feedback
User-focused features such as voice control and tactile UI
Emphatize Phase
Qualitative Research
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Conducted 10+ in-depth interviews with people using wheelchairs, crutches, and walkers
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Used empathy mapping and affinity mapping to identify emotional and physical pain points
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Performed online ethnography through Reddit, blogs, and accessibility forums
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Applied think-aloud usability testing during prototype evaluation
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Focused on experiences with public transport accessibility, independence, and emotional wellbeing
Interview Questions
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Can you describe a recent experience using public transport with a mobility aid?
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What accessibility challenges do you face most often while travelling alone?
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How do staff support services impact your travel experience?
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What makes you feel unsafe or stressed during travel?
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What tools or services would help you travel more independently?
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Have you experienced issues with ramps, lifts, or accessibility information?
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How do accessibility barriers affect your confidence when travelling?
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Users want independence, not constant reliance on staff or strangers
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Accessibility features often meet compliance standards but fail in real-world use
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Broken lifts, unclear signage, and unreliable ramps create stress and uncertainty
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Emotional exhaustion and planning fatigue are major barriers to solo travel
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Users value simple, real-time accessibility information and reliable support systems
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Many travellers avoid solo travel due to fear of being stranded or judged
