Design for human diversity in the maritime design domain

The complexity of contemporary society can be described as diversity between individuals, expressed in terms not only of mental and physical capabilities, but also of social and cultural differences. Human diversity, however, can be considered as a limit or a resource for socio-economic development. Design for inclusion has already demonstrated that confronting human diversity, in a different way than ‘classical’ ergonomics has done so far, can represent a major economic and social opportunity, for collective well-being. This inclusive and participatory approach to design is also gaining ground in the specialised production sector of maritime transportation design. Starting from a reading of the socio-demographic phenomena behind the growing human diversity in contemporary society, the author ventures brief remarks about some early good practices for maritime transportation, highlighting their direct and indirect benefits and opportunities.