Optimising Subway
Utilizing Smartwatch Technology for Efficient Problem Reporting
My Role:
UX/UI Design, Branding
Duration:
3 Weeks
Project Specifics
My Role & Duration
Tools & Methodologies
About the Project
Smartwatch for Urban Travelers
Inacurate Information
Ability to report problems
Reporting function added to a Subway smartwatch application makes it easy to report problems. Cooperation between users and the Subway company leading to more accurate real-time information.
Discovery & Research
We kicked off this project by filling in the Lean UX Canvas. It helped us organize the information we have and clarify our goal for research. The target group of this research is the urban subway user.
We had conducted 2 user interviews to find out more about the feelings and thouhts of subway users. In addition to that, we had collected 15 survey responses to distinguish behaviours and patterns of subway users.
User Interviews & Surveys
Some of the topics discussed in interviews were:
Step-by-step from location A to location B.
Purpouses of using public transport.
Purchasing a ticket.
Information sources for real-time updates regarding trips.
Defining needs & frustrations
User Persona
User persona has been created to make sure that needs and frustrations of the target group are taken into account while designing a solution to the problem.
Jesse
Berlin
Jesse is a Berlin resident who relies on public transport for her daily commute. She makes the most of mobile apps like Google Maps and the BVG app to simplify her travel in the city. With a subway app she plans her trip and purchases tickets. Jesse relies on real-time updates subway apps provide, helping her stay on track and arrive on time.
Frustrations
Information regarding routes is not up to date.
Issues with her journey makes her late to work/appointments.
Needs
Real-time updates about changes/construction work which affect her trip.
Wants a smoother traveling experience to get to places on time.
Easy to use app.
Pain Points to Gain Points
After analysing the data from user interviews and surveys, we have identified the main pain points. Below I provide some opportunities for improvement.
Information regarding routes is not up to date.
How could we improve Subway information accuracy online?
Issues with users' journey makes them late to work/appointments.
Users don't want to waste their time. They want to get from place to place as soon as possible. We need to provide a solution which would reduce time spent on the journey.
Competitive Analysis
After brainstorming solution ideas and deciding on the reporting function, we conducted desk research on competitors to understand the functionalities already offered by various subway applications. We discovered that the reporting option is not yet offered by any subway companies.
Ideation process
After clarifying users' needs and frustrations, we mapped User Journey. It helped us pin point the exact places in the journey which need to be improved. While conducting desk research on various devices, we aimed to identify the most convenient devices for planning urban trips and purchasing tickets.
Ultimately, we decided to develop the solution for a mobile device, considering the widespread use of smartphones for trip planning. Additionally, we decided to develop a concept for the smartwatch device to offer a more efficient trip planning experience for modern subway users.
Wireframes
Wireframes have been created to clarify the basic structure, layout and content of the application before working on High-Fidelity frames.
brand decisions
I have updated the brand colours and fonts to fit accessibility requirements. My Way gGmbH has a very strong brand identity and while working on this project it was important for me to let it shine.
Colour Palette
Turquoise evokes clarity of thought and communication. It is one of the most inspiring colours associated with provoking positive thought. In addition to that, Turquoise calls to mind creativity and self-expression.
#16C4B4
#111211
#292929
Typography
Roboto Flex has been chosen as the main font for the application because of it's versatility. Various styles and weights make this font suitable for an accessible application.
Iconography
Eye catching icons have been selected for the application. The goal is to make them easy to spot.
Hi-Fidelity Frames
Explore the trip planning, route options, and issue reporting features designed for smartwatch and mobile devices. The smartwatch application serves as an ideal device for enhancing communication between subway and its users. Collaboration between the two is key to providing more accurate information.
Trip Planning
First interaction with the voice recording function meets user in the trip planning phase. This function makes it easy to plan a trip while user is on the move.
Reporting of a Problem
Steps of reporting a problem explained.
Select the type of transportation and specify transportation. For example, the bus number.
Location tracking for accurate reporting.
Reviewing Reported Problems
Once issue has been reported, it can be found on the smartphone application.
Lessons learnt
Working on a team project has been an invaluable learning experience, teaching me numerous lessons that I will carry forward in my career. Firstly, collaboration and communication are key to success. Effectively communicating ideas, feedback, and concerns among team members ensures everyone is aligned and working towards a common goal.
I've learned the importance of adaptability and flexibility in response to unforeseen challenges. My project partner was sick for a week and I had to navigate decisions on my own for a while. When he was back, I had to make sure he is up to date and able to collaborate again.
Furthermore, putting ourselves in the shoes of the end-users, their needs, preferences, and pain points, led us to very creative design ideas.