Ellie Wooldridge works predominantly in the transport sector, exploring the interactions between people and automated technologies. She has a passion for inclusive design and promotes this mindset when collaborating with transport enterprises and start-ups through her role at the Connected Places Catapult.

Having previously worked in a care home and carrying out a study which investigated the preferences of older shoppers in the built, retail environment she firmly believes that there is an urgency for the inclusive approach to be widely adopted across transport modes to enable older populations to continue to live independently and comfortably.

Presentation: Keeping independence by providing alternative and appropriate future transport mode options
The UK Industrial Strategy aims to ensure that people can enjoy at least five extra healthy and independent years of life by 2035. Transport plays a critical role in supporting the well being of individuals, enabling people to access the activities they want and to stay connected to their communities.

Technological advances in vehicle systems can support older drivers to remain confident and safer in their driving however, the technology is not accessible to all, neither is it a long term fix. Upon reaching the point where it is no longer safe to drive, the loss of car use can come as quite a shock. This presentation will discuss the transition and the access to alternative transport services including the design requirements to deliver more attractive and usable services.