All Aboard: designing the next generation of rail transport in Ireland

This project gathered feedback from passengers and staff to inform the design of the new DART fleet in Ireland.  The research was divided into four phases: 1) assessing the current DART experience, 2) testing initial design concepts using virtual reality, 3) evaluating a full-size prototype, and 4) providing recommendations on a refined prototype. This multi-phase approach ensured that passenger and staff insights were incorporated at every stage of the design process.

We used a “build-measure-learn” approach, involving the same participants in four phases of research to track evolving opinions on the new DART train design.

A Rolling Stock Expert ensured all design recommendations were realistic.  The phases were:

1. Baseline: Online survey and focus groups to understand current passenger and staff experiences.
2. Virtual Reality:  Online VR tour of the proposed design, with special attention paid to inclusivity for participants with visual impairments.
3. Prototype 1: In-person evaluation of a full-size wooden prototype, with assistance provided for participants with disabilities.
4. Prototype 2:  In-person evaluation of a near-final prototype with working features.