An improved bus stop sign that aims to provide convenience to the average person and assistance to the physically and visually impaired.
This simple, but interactive device delivers pertinent information and audio queues.
WHY? WHAT PROBLEMS EXIST WITH THE CURRENT PITTSBURGH PORT AUTHORITY BUS SYSTEM?
WE INTERVIEWED SEVERAL CMU STUDENTS TO FIND OUT.
THEIR COMPLAINTS
1. Users have no idea when their bus will arrive without using a mobile app (those apps can be very inaccurate and inconsistent as well)
2. Bus drivers sometimes do not notice users and drive by without stopping
3. Users that have mobility restrictions will not know if a bus has enough available accessible seating without first stepping onto the bus
4. Users that are visually impaired can struggle to verify which bus has arrived and what will be arriving soon
OUR SOLUTIONS
1. A new bus stop sign that does more than just tell users where the bus stop is located. It provides accurate, up-to-date information on ETA's
2. A simple interface and interaction, to notify drivers that users are waiting at a stop
3. Provide information on the number of accessible seats that are currently available
4. Add built-in speakers to announce which bus has arrived as well as other information such as the ETA for the next bus
FULL FEATURE LIST
1. Accurate, up-to-date information on ETA's
2. Ability to notify drivers that users are waiting at a stop
3. Information on the # of available accessible seats
4. Built-in speakers to announce information
5. Fluorinated coating to deter graffiti and vandalism
6. Small footprint
7. Easy to use interface and interactions
FAQ
1. WHY USE SUCH A SIMPLE INTERFACE? WHY NOT ADD EVEN MORE FEATURES, USE A TOUCHSCREEN, ETC.?
We want this device to be quickly accessible and easy to use, regardless of a user's past experience with technology and digital interfaces. More complex functionality and features like a touchscreen would dramatically drive up the cost and potentially alienate some members of the population. We only want to replace bus stop signs, not smartphones. In our prototyping phase, we found the simple variation of the device to be the best performer.
2. WOULD THIS TAKE UP A LOT OF SPACE AND BE VERY EXPENSIVE?
This device is designed to replace current bus stop signs. As such, it has a relatively similar footprint as current bus stop signs and should not be an obstruction. Installing the device would have an up front cost. We have taken measures (simple interface, black/white non-touchscreen, etc.) to make the device as affordable as possible. Furthermore, we found in both our testing and personal experience that the lack of easily accessible and accurate information to be the biggest contributor to why people don't take the bus. We believe that the increased traffic caused by using this concept will make up for its upfront cost.
This project was creating using the 5 Stage Design Thinking Process. We performed many rounds of user-testing, created 5 storyboards, 4 Paper prototypes, 2 digital prototypes, and lots of stick figures.
