Selected Issues in Universal Design of Yachts for People with Disabilities

Abstract

This paper presents the general principles of building a sailing yacht designed for people with multiple disabilities. Specific requirements for the crew on such vessels have been stressed. A lot of attention has been given to the possible disabilities of the design subjects and accessibility of the new yacht. The universal design method has been adopted to enable meeting ergonomic and rehabilitation requirements. We discuss selected stages of the design process: problem analysis, yacht construction and equipment. We discuss the influence of the type of disability on yacht use, in detail. Two tasks have been combined, that of a sailor with disabilities and that of a yacht. Both of them need to be taken into account in the socio-technical ‘sailor with disabilities - yacht’ system. A set of required yacht adaptations has been developed to meet the relationships in this system. Typical dangers in sailing on the Empatia 60 FD yacht are further enumerated. We provide a set of design rules for constructing dedicated yachts for the disabled and their practical use.

Human Resource Management Digitalisation in Multidisciplinary Ship Design Companies

“…This aligns closely with our discussion on the necessity of rapid and flexible planning in human resource allocation, where the goal is to efficiently manage resources in the face of evolving project requirements, much like the multi-dimensional optimization challenges tackled in their yacht design project. Also the innovative approach detailed by Branowski, Zabłocki, Kruczewki and Walczak in their study on the universal design of yachts for people with disabilities demonstrates the necessity of adaptable design solutions that cater to diverse user needs, mirroring our discussion on the need for flexible and responsive human resource planning in engineering projects, where POLISH MARITIME RESEARCH, No 4/2023 122 diverse and changing requirements must be met efficiently and effectively [23].The expected improvements might be a good justification for investments and the implementation of new solutions, and the solution selection process is an interesting subject in itself [24]. Current global trends in design and engineering companies lead to the conclusion that an increase in the subsidiary processes in the organisation and IT tool integration should lead to an increase in efficiency and collaboration; digitalisation is an obvious next step for the construction and shipbuilding industry [20].…”

Designing Innovative Assistive Technology Devices for Tourism

“…Another example is the 2018 trip through the North, Central, and South Americas (along a distance of over 65 thousand km) taken by Michał Woroch and Maciej Kamiński, who traveled in a sports utility vehicle with several adaptations for wheelchair users [ 44 ]. Still another example may be provided by the URI sailing yacht constructed in 1992, which may be used by unassisted wheelchair users [ 45 ]. For example, an innovative solution used there included specially designed access to the engine room of this yacht and the feasibility of inspections and minor repairs by wheelchair users.…”

“… A yacht for disabled people: ( a ) the yacht under construction, ( b ) yacht visualization [ 45 ], and ( c ) design tests (analysis of yacht superstructure ergonomics: the galley and the messroom). …”

Use of the AHP Method for Preference Determination in Yacht Design

“…The design process itself has been considered in several articles, ranging from different design approaches and ways of communicating with the customer [19], through design optimisation [20], to the entire approach to yacht design [21] which involves gathering information on the client's preferences in the initial phase of the project. Baranowski in [22], focuses on modifying a sailing yacht to accommodate disabled individuals. This process entails gaining a deep understanding of the requirements of such individuals and implementing tailored solutions on the yacht.…”