TR Signal Button
This project was done as part of the "Boundless: A Post Secondary Design Challenge Exhibition". Open to all Ontario post-secondary students in ALL design fields, students were invited to develop unique and accessible concepts that provide them with the opportunity to consider universal design within the context of their everyday lives. Project ideas that remove barriers for people with disabilities and promote greater inclusion were welcomed.
The design competition explored design that was accessible to the greatest number of people, to the largest extent possible, regardless of their age or ability, across all design disciplines.
Competition winners were invited to a mentorship event hosted by select members of the jury and design community. The event was both rewarding and educational, with discussions surrounding universal design, accessibility codes and the application of these codes based on users’ experience. Me and my partner, Tina, were very honoured to place first place in this design competition with our "TR Signal Button" project.
OVERVIEW
About the Project
The TR Button (Transit Rider Signal Button) is a button attached to existing bus stop signage poles and connected to the blue light at the top of the poles that signal the bus drivers that there are commuters waiting at the stop. The button increases the visibility of transit riders and gives them the flexibility to wait for their bus in a relaxed manner and take shelter nearby when needed without worrying about missing their ride. The bus signal light will be blue because we do not want the design to cause confusion with any traffic lights nearby. Essentially, the blue light will give feedback to the bus driver. Therefore, this will not confuse any normal drivers and bus drivers too.
Me and my partner choose to design a button to enable the light because we want it to have a cohesive design similar to a pedestrian button and be recognizable by users of any age and disability.
My Role:
User Research, Prototyping, Testing, 3D design
Sector:
Municipalities
Duration:
January ' 19 - April ' 19
Members:
Asher, Tina
Develop creative solutions focused on the accessible navigation of public spaces such as trails, beach access routes, parking, service counters, and fixed waiting areas, eating areas, play spaces, and paths
of travel.
THE DESIGN BRIEF
THE PROCESS
Understanding the users
Defining the problem
Brainstorming differnt ideas
Prototyping and Modeling
User Testing
DESIGN GOAL
How might we encourage everyday commuters to use and make the overall experience of waiting for the bus more enjoyable and accessible? In order to conceptualize a meaningful solution, we addressed the Seven Universal Design Principles in our design, conducted qualitative observations, and interacted and engaged in interviews that allowed us to gain insights about transit users and drivers.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Who are the users?
The users of this product are everyone. No matter the age, anyone can use the signal button at their leisure to enhance their experience of waiting on the bus. The button was made with a universal design, so anyone can recognise it and gain an understanding of what it does.
USER RESEARCH
Interviews and Observations
The users of this product are everyone. No matter the age, anyone can use the signal button at their leisure to enhance their experience of waiting on the bus. The button was made with a universal design, so anyone can recognise it and gain an understanding of what it does.
Participants
Interviews Questions
Observations
We asked a total of 5 individuals at different popular bus stops. Because these interviews were done whiles it was snowing, it provided more accurate responses from bus users. Due to the snow, it is hard for the bus driver to see a bus rider and determine whether they want to take the bus or not.
1. How long do you normally wait on the bus?
2. Have a bus driver ever drove past the bust stop you were waiting at?
3. How would you describe your overall experience when taking the bus?
Observations were conducted to get an understanding of the overall feeling bus riders had when waiting on the bus stop.
RESEARCH INSIGHTS
Overall user feeling of taking the bus is dissatisfied . This was due to the waiting time of the bus arrival.
Bus drivers tend leave drive past bus stops more frequently when snowing
Bus riders tend to wait under shelter due to snow which can mislead the bus driver.
IDEATION
EXPERIENCE MAP
After the bus signal button was made, an experience map was created. The purpose of this map is to illustrates the user's processes, needs, and perceptions as they take steps to achieve their goals and satisfy their needs.
