City in Motion: Empowering Commuters
Overview
Our journey begins with the challenge of untwisting the complexities of city congestion and discovering innovative ways to empower commuters with real-time information for real-time decision.
The case study attacks urban congestion through user-centred design, in-depth research, user interviews and creation of user persona named Asia. Prioritising real-time updates and alternative routes, the solution simplifies complex information into an intuitive app, where information is the key for the user’s ultimate decision.
My Role
UX Designer - researching, interview, design thinking, ideation of solutions.
UI Designer - Wireframing, interaction design.
Deliverables
Insights of Research
Mid-fi wireframe
Mid-fi prototype for App version
Timeline 2023
1 month
Mission
Develop an App that prioritise user needs, ensure clarity in design, and empower commuters, transforming their daily journeys and enhancing their control over urban commuting.
Problem
Urban mobility issues like traffic congestion, inefficient public transport, and inadequate infrastructure affect daily commuters, leading to stress and reduced quality of life. To enhance the commuting experience, we must provide solutions such as real-time information, improved public transport, and empowering commuters with a sense of control through adaptive measures when disruptions occur.
Research
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Addressing congestion is not just about improving quality of life but also has a direct impact on a city’s financial health.
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Investing in and improving public transit can lead to immediate benefits for urban mobility.
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Optimising traffic flow through data-driven strategies can lead to more efficient mobility.
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Focussing on sustainable transport modes and electric vehicles will have a positive impact on both congestion and environment.
After brainstorming, we started researching and examining our own ideas to see if they made sense. This step, called secondary research, helped us figure out if our concepts were practical. After this, we grouped similar ideas to make a clear and complete plan. We narrowed down our focus to four main points:
"Plan your route and beat the traffic with smart city mobility solutions!"
User Interviews
We interviewed five consistent commuters aged 25-30, enriching our research. Key focus areas emerged as 'Delayed Train' and 'Technology Information'.
The interviews distinctly highlighted the needs, pain points, and aspirations of our interviewees:
Needs: Participants stressed the need for reliable public transport, sustainable ticketing, and affordability.
Pain points: Highlighted issues: frequent delays, overcrowded commutes due to traffic, and financial strain.
Wishes: real-time updates on transport statuses and the desire for an all-in-one application catering to diverse mobility needs.
User Persona &
Young commuters, like Asia, face challenges in planning and adapting to transport delays. Current options lack fast solutions, disrupting daily routines. A user-friendly solution is needed for instant, personalized information, facilitating seamless navigation of urban mobility challenges
Asia, a middle-class suburban worker, priorities job and commuting time, listening to podcasts and checking news on social media. Frustration arises from delays and inadequate solutions, impacting punctuality for work and appointments.
Problem Statment
Ideation
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Among our 'Must Have' concepts, prioritizing real-time traffic updates and proposing alternative routes emerged as highly significant. These core ideas had the potential to effectively address the challenges faced by our user persona.
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These represented our secondary priorities. These included personalized navigation, discount coupons, and an interactive congestion map, adding character and uniqueness to the app's solution.
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Meanwhile, our 'Could Have' ideas, such as suggesting bike routes or integrating driver input into live information, though promising, were earmarked for potential future inclusion as supplementary features, recognizing that they do not currently hold primary status in resolving the core issue.
The team used creative methods like Crazy 8 to generate diverse concepts. Ideas include suggesting weather-based routes, tailoring routes through personalised questionnaires, and offering vouchers reflecting cost savings with public transport
Solution
The app offers real-time traffic updates, suggests alternative routes for delays, and provides accessibility at stops via QR codes, especially in unfamiliar areas. Users can check delay reasons, make informed decisions, and purchase tickets for selected routes, including private services directly through the app/browser/call.
By offering precise delay details, the app empowers users to make informed real-time decisions, whether waiting, exploring alternatives, or choosing different transport modes.
User flow
, to Mid-Fi
In the lo-fidelity phase, the focus was on creating a simple app interface to capture the solution's essence. Transitioning to mid-fidelity, the design advanced with accurate proportions, legible text, and comprehensive information, aiming for a realistic user experience. Iterative improvements based on feedback refined the interface for optimal user interaction and understanding.
Throughout our iterative process, feedback and insights played a pivotal role in aligning our solution with heuristic principles. These iterations helped clarify the app’s core concept, ensuring it adhered to principles of usability, learnability, and efficiency.
Iterations:
First mid-fidelity wire-framing before iteration
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In response to user expectations and suggestions, we introduced a detailed journey map, enhancing the app's visibility and providing a more intuitive user experience, aligning with principles of visibility and feedback.
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To address transaction security concerns, we incorporated an overlay, promoting trust and reliability, in accordance with security and privacy principles.
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Moreover, our iterations resulted in the redesign of the alternative button, improving its clarity and functionality, aligning with principles related to user control and flexibility. We streamlined the interface by eliminating unnecessary options, enhancing the app's efficiency and consistency.
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Second mid-fidelity wireframes after iterations being implemente
, to Hi-Fi.
While hi-fi wireframes weren't initially required, I acknowledged the importance of presenting the app as a tangible product for better comprehension and engagement.
The use of Roboto as the font was chosen for its accessibility, ensuring a clear and readable design for a seamless user experience.
The orangey hue in color theory signifies movement and immediacy, aligning with the app's purpose of providing real-time updates and visually communicating dynamic events to users
Next steps
The case study outlines key future enhancements to the urban mobility solution.
Integration of QR Code Scans at stops and stations will seamlessly provide real-time information.
Work schedules and timely notifications for daily possible delays, this will empower users to proactively adapt their plans.
Accessibility and Inclusivity: Focus on enhancing accessibility features, catering to users with disabilities.
Gamification and Rewards: Introduce a rewards system, offering incentives for using public transport, carpooling, or choosing eco-friendly commuting options to promote sustainable urban mobility.
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