Qualitative Research - British Sign Language Users on Rail

The appointed supplier will work with Transport Focus and SISJ partners to design and deliver qualitative research addressing how BSL users want to receive passenger information across rail environments. If quantitative work is also considered to be feasible, then we would consider also including this. The areas to be covered are: Access and preferences • How BSL users prefer to access information across station, onboard and digital channels. • What constitutes an acceptable and desirable minimum viable product (MVP) for BSL provision. Content and language considerations • Expectations around regional BSL dialects and whether a single "universal" version is acceptable. • Preferences regarding interpreter choice, including lived experience of deafness. • Views on consistency versus localisation of BSL content. Physical and digital delivery • Expectations for placement, prominence and visibility of BSL information within station environments. • Integration with existing screens, boards or digital platforms. Technology and innovation • Perceptions of AI-generated BSL (including avatar-based and hybrid approaches). • Acceptability of AI in different contexts, such as planned information versus disruption. • Expectations around subtitling alongside BSL. User diversity • Based on demographics (age, gender, employment and income, presence of additional disabilities, region and nation, ethnic background), BSL fluency, hearing status, travel confidence, travel frequency and technology comfort. Methodological expectations A qualitative approach is essential. Proposals should demonstrate experience working with the d/Deaf community and may well include, some or all of: • Short desk research to inform fieldwork design. • Engagement with relevant stakeholders or expert organisations (such as BDA, RNID...). • Depth interviews, accompanied journeys, focus groups or online platforms where appropriate. • We would be open to other methods being included including quantitative surveys. Please note that it is essential that all recruitment and fieldwork is conducted using: • BSL-fluent moderation and appropriate interpreting support. • Inclusive and accessible research environments and materials.