App Usability Improvement (Transit App)
Problem Space: “The public transit app doesn’t provide users with the information that are needed and it makes users miss out on appointments, meetings, classes etc.”
INFORMATION NOT PROVIDED
1. NOTIFICATION ON CANCELLED BUS OR DELAYED BUS
2. REAL TIME STOP BY STOP OF SCHEDULED BUS
3. ALERT WHEN THE BUS IS NEARBY
RESEARCH
In order to get deep insights of what users face and what they need with respect to Transit App, these interviewshave been conducted for various frequent users of transit. The purpose of this interview was to gain a deeper Understanding of their experiences, need and pain points while using the Transit.
The interviewees provided valuable feedbacks and insights.
Name
Occupation
How do you usually go to work or school or anywhere?
How often do you use public transport, and for what purposes?
How comfortable and convenient do you find public transport, and why?
Which mode of public transport do you prefer for short and long-distance journeys, and why?
What are the usual challenges you experience when using public transport?
What features of public transport do you consider most important?
What are the common issues you encounter when planning and navigating your journeys using public transport?
Have you used any transit apps or websites for journey planning? if so, what was your experience?
What would encourage you to use public transport more frequently?
SUMMARY OF INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED
Hayub Idowu – Software Engineer
- Commute: Public transit, mostly trains.
- Public Transport Frequency: Frequently for work, hangouts, church, and stores.
- Challenges: Loading transit card takes time, limited seating and space, noise, and unpleasant smells.
- Preferred Mode: Train for both short and long distances.
- Important Features: Affordability.
- Issues: Unexpected delays, buses not keeping to schedule.
- Transit Apps: Uses Google Maps for trip estimation, mostly positive experience.
- Encouragement for Usage: More ecological and affordable.
Akase Marcus – Student/Support Worker
- Commute: Public transit.
- Public Transport Frequency: Very often for school and work.
- Challenges: Cancellations and delays, especially during rush hour.
- Preferred Mode: Train, as it’s faster and on schedule.
- Important Features: Scheduled times and app updates for transit.
- Issues: Trip cancellations and delays.
- Transit Apps: Useful for planning, especially for unfamiliar areas.
- Encouragement for Usage: Consistent on-time buses.
Tayo – Care Aide
- Commute: Takes the bus.
- Public Transport Frequency: Daily, as no car is available.
- Challenges: Timing issues, long walking distances to bus stops.
- Preferred Mode: Prefers buses for short distances but uses them for long trips due to work location.
- Important Features: Having seating (bench) at bus stops after long walks.
- Issues: Long wait times for buses.
- Transit Apps: Mixed experience, sometimes useful, sometimes unreliable.
- Encouragement for Usage: Unsure.
Nofisat Sobogun – Student
- Commute: Uses bus transit.
- Public Transport Frequency: Every day for school and work.
- Challenges: No significant challenges, except for buses being early or late.
- Preferred Mode: Bus for short distances, train for long journeys.
- Important Features: Values all features of public transport.
- Issues: Inconsistent arrival times.
- Transit Apps: Positive experience; uses apps to plan trips.
- Encouragement for Usage: Accurate bus arrival times.
INSIGHTS FROM THE INTERVIEWS
- Users want real-time and accurate schedule
- Users want notifications of cancellation or delay in transit
- Users want to be able to plan their trips seamlessly
- Users do not want to wait for transit when it is not promising.
- Users want to be able to navigate their maps according to frequently visited places.(Favorites)
- Users don’t want to be stressed before getting to destination as this may affect their day.
EMPATHY MAP
IDEA
RouteMaster is a cutting-edge, user-centric transit app designed to revolutionize the way people navigate and experience public transportation. The app seamlessly integrates a plethora of features to provide a hassle-free and efficient commuting experience for users in urban and suburban environments.
Key Features:
Real-Time Tracking: RouteMaster offers real-time tracking of buses, trains, trams, and other modes of public transportation. Users can instantly check the exact location and estimated arrival times of their next ride, ensuring they never miss a connection.
Multi-Modal Journey Planning: The app optimizes commute routes by offering multi-modal journey planning. Users can combine various forms of transportation, such as buses, subways, rideshares, and even walking or biking, to create the most efficient routes for their needs.
Customizable Alerts: RouteMaster allows users to set up personalized alerts for their regular routes. They receive notifications about delays, service disruptions, or changes in schedules, ensuring they stay informed and adapt their plans accordingly.
Fare Integration: The app integrates seamlessly with local transit authorities’ ticketing systems. Users can purchase and store digital tickets, passes, and payment methods within the app, making the boarding process quick and convenient.
Accessibility Support: RouteMaster prioritizes inclusivity by providing information on wheelchair accessibility, priority seating, and other features to assist individuals with diverse mobility needs.
Offline Mode: For travelers or commuters in areas with limited connectivity, RouteMaster offers an offline mode, enabling users to access their saved routes and information even when they’re not connected to the internet.
User-Friendly Interface: The app boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for people of all ages and tech proficiency levels to access and benefit from its features.
RouteMaster aims to reduce the stress and uncertainty associated with public transportation, ultimately encouraging more people to choose eco-friendly modes of transit and contributing to a more efficient and sustainable urban environment. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend explorer, or a first-time visitor to a new city, RouteMaster is the ultimate solution for navigating public transportation with ease and confidence.
personas
HIGH FIDELITY SCREENS
VALUE PROPOSITION
At RouteMaster, we’re dedicated to transforming your daily commute and urban exploration into a seamless and delightful experience. Our transit app offers a compelling value proposition built on three core pillars:
Efficiency and Convenience: RouteMaster simplifies your daily commute by providing real-time information on buses, trains, subways, trams, rideshares, and more, all in one place. Effortlessly plan your journey, find the fastest routes, and receive live updates on arrival times. Say goodbye to waiting in the dark – we’ll make sure you’re always in control of your travel plans.
Personalization and Ease of Use: We understand that every commuter is unique. RouteMaster tailors your transit experience to your preferences. Save your favorite routes, set alerts for disruptions, and enjoy a personalized dashboard that keeps you informed and on track. Our user-friendly interface ensures that navigating public transportation has never been easier, whether you’re a tech guru or just getting started.
Reliability and Peace of Mind: Trust is at the core of RouteMaster. We provide accurate, real-time data from reliable sources to ensure you’re never caught off guard. Safety features like emergency contacts, COVID-19 updates, and accessibility information keep you secure and informed throughout your journey. With us, you can focus on what matters, knowing you’re in capable hands.
Why Choose RouteMaster?
Save Time: Get to your destination faster with optimized routes and real-time updates.
Stay Informed: Receive alerts about delays, disruptions, and service changes.
Reduce Stress: Enjoy a stress-free commute with all your transit needs in one app.
Personalize Your Experience: Tailor the app to your preferences for a seamless journey every time.
Travel with Confidence: Access reliable information and safety features for peace of mind.
Go Green: Make sustainable transit choices with environmental impact data.
Accessible for All: We cater to diverse mobility needs, ensuring inclusivity for everyone.
RouteMaster is more than just an app; it’s your ultimate urban mobility companion. Whether you’re a daily commuter navigating the concrete jungle or an explorer discovering new horizons, we’re here to make your journey effortless, enjoyable, and stress-free. Join us in mastering the art of transit and experience the city like never before.
USER TESTING
**Introduction:
In an ever-evolving world of technology, transit apps have become an integral part of our daily lives, simplifying the way we commute and explore new places. RouteMaster, a cutting-edge transit app, promises to revolutionize the way you navigate your city’s transit system. But how well does it truly meet the needs of its users? To find out, we embarked on a user testing journey to uncover the strengths and areas for improvement in the RouteMaster app.
The RouteMaster Experience:
RouteMaster sets out to be your ultimate travel companion, offering real-time updates, multi-modal route planning, and an intuitive user interface. But how does it fare when put to the test by real users? Here’s what we discovered:
Test Participants:
We conducted user testing sessions with a diverse group of commuters, tourists, and occasional travelers. This approach allowed us to gain insights into how RouteMaster caters to a wide range of user needs and preferences.
Key Findings:
1. Intuitive User Interface:
– Test participants consistently praised RouteMaster for its user-friendly interface. They found it easy to navigate, with clear icons and intuitive menu options.
2. Real-Time Updates:
– Users appreciated the app’s real-time updates, including bus and train arrival times. This feature greatly improved their confidence in making timely travel decisions.
3. Route Customization:
– RouteMaster’s ability to customize routes based on user preferences, such as least walking or fastest arrival, received positive feedback. Users valued the flexibility it offered.
4. Multi-Modal Integration:
– Commuters who used multiple modes of transportation (e.g., bus, train, and biking) found RouteMaster’s multi-modal integration particularly helpful. It allowed them to plan complex journeys seamlessly.
5. Accessibility Features:
– RouteMaster received accolades for its accessibility features, catering to users with disabilities. Features like voice-guided navigation and large text options were appreciated.
6. Feedback Mechanism:
– Users highlighted the ease of providing feedback within the app. They felt that their opinions were valued, and the responsive development team had addressed several user-suggested improvements.
Areas for Improvement:
While RouteMaster impressed users in many ways, there are some areas where the app could see further enhancement:
1. Offline Mode:
– Some users requested an offline mode to access saved routes and information without an internet connection, which would be beneficial for travelers in areas with poor connectivity.
2. User Education:
– A few participants mentioned the need for better onboarding and tutorials to fully explore the app’s capabilities, especially for first-time users.
3. Enhanced Route Options:
– Some users wished for more route options that considered factors like scenic routes, fewer transfers, and preferences like avoiding stairs or escalators.
Conclusion:
Our user testing journey with RouteMaster Transit App revealed a robust and user-friendly tool for navigating public transit. Users praised its intuitive interface, real-time updates, and customization options, highlighting the app’s potential to transform their daily commute.
While RouteMaster has already made impressive strides, there are opportunities for further improvement, particularly in enhancing offline functionality, providing better user education, and diversifying route options.
In a world where efficient transit solutions are essential, RouteMaster is on the right track. With continued refinement and user-focused development, it has the potential to become the ultimate travel companion for commuters and adventurers alike. Stay tuned for more updates as RouteMaster evolves to meet the changing needs of its users.
