Overview
Transit wayfinding is essential for providing clear and concise guidance to passengers navigating public transportation systems. Clear wayfinding is crucial for reducing rider frustration and improving the overall experience of using public transit. When the Toronto Transit Commission introduced screens into their buses, I saw an opportunity for improvement.
The Team
Me
My Role
User Research and Interaction Design
The TTC adopting new technology onto their transit inspired me to create my own approach into this wayfinding project.
Above is a picture of the existing (circa 2019) implementation of the new LCD screens. The excessive remaining screen real estate inspired me to craft my own approach of how digital wayfinding on transit could be executed. My goals for this project were to:
Before diving in, I conducted a PACT analysis, highlighting people, activities, content, and technologies to define my scope and users.
“Because I don't have data, I will usually prepare ahead and attempt to memorize where the stop is, as well as the stop prior to, so I know where to get off in advance.”
“When I’m on my way to work, I stare at the LCD screen so I don’t miss my stop.”
“A real-time GPS or Map on the main screen would be helpful as it can provide an idea of where you are without the need of opening your phone”
After understanding who my users would be, I conducted interviews to understand riders’ current experience from before they get on the bus to after they get off.
Connecting with my users helped map out a target persona to design for. I outlined the Goals, Needs, Wants, and Fears for this target user.
In order to understand the approach needed for this project, I first started with a PACT analysis. The people section then informed the demographics I would then approach for small interviews. I made sure in my search I found someone who was very used to the transit landscape in Toronto, someone who had technological limitations associated with commuting, and someone who is unfamiliar with Toronto and the TTC as well. This helped me create a persona that let me define the Goals, Needs, Wants, and Fears of a prospective rider, which in turn helped me develop my prototype.
The default state of the prototype
The outcome drew inspiration from existing subway maps. I wanted to show the rider a visual representation of where they currently are on their journey, their upcoming stops, and any transfer routes that were available to them. The existing solution obstructs the stop name when a stop is requested, so I create my own solution to make sure both pieces of information can be presented
Service info
Stop requested