In partnership with Metro do Porto's logistics and engineering departments, esad-idea, Research in Design and Art sought to respond to the increase in the number of underground users.

Through three projects developed by Industrial Design researchers José Luís Ferreira, Jeremy Aston, Rui Pedro Freire and Rafael Coelho, esad-idea implemented solutions to optimise passenger transport, as well as to improve the ergonomics and safety of the drivers' cabin. It also presented a series of design parameters to be taken into account when acquiring new generation vehicles.

The optimisation of passenger transport has materialised through the creation of support systems that improve the space occupation, while increasing the number of supports and providing greater accessibility, safety and privacy to passengers. This intervention resulted in the loss of eight seats per composition, but allowed an increase in the average level of occupation by about 20 passengers. Metro do Porto will carry out a user satisfaction survey, with a view to a possible extension to the entire fleet.

An armrest system to increase the ergonomics of the driving cabs, as well as a visor to avoid unwanted reflections, was also developed by the Industrial Design researchers of esad-idea, in cooperation with the drivers. The collaboration between esad-idea and Metro do Porto also included the development of a reference guide of qualitative and quantitative design parameters to be considered by Metro do Porto when acquiring new generation vehicles.

Created in 2013, esad-idea, research centre of ESAD - College of Arts and Design, aims to produce knowledge in the areas of Design, Architecture and Art, disseminating it and placing it at the service of the community.

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