User-Centred Design as innovation driver: a new approach to motor caravan design

The paper presents the first results of the POR CReO-FP7 project “Triaca” developed in liaison with the recreational vehicle company Triganò S.p.a. The aim of the project was the development of innovative solutions in terms of environmental sustainability and the quality of user experience. The description of the work is intended to highlight how ergonomics and design – and in particular the relation between user-centred design and design for innovation strategies – constitute a substantial competitive factor. The paper illustrates how the user-centred design (UCD) approach was experimented, and more specifically the methods for assessing usability and safety also through the direct involvement of the users. Practitioner Summary: the work is an example of application of the user-centred design approach, and is conceived as an operational contribution for researchers and designers working in the ergonomics and design sector.