On September 1, Region Västerbotten launched its pilot study
MOBEVI, which will be carried out in collaboration with students
from Umeå Institute of Design. The project explores new solutions
for sustainable mobility for tourism and food transport in the
Vindelälven-Juhtatdahka area. The region is a candidate for
the UNESCO programme 'Man and the Biosphere', an
initiative developed to safeguard ecosystems while promoting
innovative approaches to sustainable economic development.
The project aims towards creating accessibility by other means
of transportation than by car, thereby opening up for more visitors
while supporting more sustainable modes of transportation. In
addition, in order for small-scale food production and restaurants
with locally produced food to flourish, better opportunities for
transport are needed.
"We are proud of the support we are receiving in this project by
the Swedish Transport Administraion and the Swedish Agency for
Economic and Regional Growth in our efforts to get more people to
visit great places and eat good food in our region, says Bianca
Byring, project manager at Region Västerbotten. To do this together
with Umeå Institute of Design and with support from other
associations, companies and authorities is inspiring. It will be a
big challenge and cooperation must be at the heart of the
project."
Annika Sandström, manager of regional tourism at Region
Västerbotten, explains the importance of rural areas becoming more
accessible
- It affects the traveler's experience greatly and it enables
the development of competitive and vital businesses in our vast
region. Within the project, the goal of gaining greater
accessibility is matched by the vision for a reduced environmental
impact from transportation. We are therefore both keen and happy to
be part of this initiative, which clearly aims at strengthening
sustainable development in our region"
Christoffel Kuenen, director for the Master's Programme in
Interaction Design at Umeå Institute of Design, will be guiding his
students through the project. As an interaction designer, he
approaches the problem from the point of view of the prospective
user.
"In order to truly achieve sustainable transport and travel, we
must focus on understanding the needs of people. If we are to
develop mobility and transport in rural areas in a significant way,
I don't think it's enough to focus on new technology and a good
organization. As interaction designers, we give form to how we as
people interact with products and services, and how people meet in
these systems. That's how we believe we can contribute towards
creating sustainable solutions."
