the Problem
How can we improve the experience of using Boston's public transportation (the MBTA)?
Public transportation is crucial to navigating a city like Boston. However, the reliability of the MBTA has been affected by frequent delays and service maintenance. The system’s lack of reliability is likely tied to the MBTA’s many “slow zones,” areas of track where trains are under speed restrictions.
Process Breakdown
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Persona Analysis
Observing Human Behavior on the MBTA
Phone Use
Safety
Ticketing
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Catching up/communicating with family, friends, coworkers, etc.
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Passing the time
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Productivity
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Checking the map to see where they are/where they should get off/what to get on next
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Holding onto the poles/railings to avoid falling since the train/bus sometimes stops suddenly
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Using kiosks/talking to MBTA associates
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Buying tickets
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Checking information
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Finding places to contact help
Navigation
Communication
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Looking at the map
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Tracing the routes to get familiarized with/understand the right path to take
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Exploring other available routes out of curiosity
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Passing the time
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Trying to figure out what is happening
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Train not moving
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Announcements impossible to make out
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Train delayed
Personas
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Research
Existing Implementations
Knowing that our problem was not unique, we sought out examples of solutions other cities and people had implemented. This allowed us to widen our scope of ideas and approaches for our MBTA solution. In our research we found art installations and cultural references enhance user experience. This design and storytelling create a unique sense of place, encourages learning about area-specific stories, and fosters a strong local identity and cultural appreciation. We also found payment options that included QR code scanning and digital wallets, accessibility through mobile for step-free stations, and comprehensive design guidelines for station layout and signage.
Competitive Analysis
After settling on our approach, we researched similar apps and technology that had similar goals to our own. We were also able to find some specifically designed for the MBTA already, though we found some features lacking. In analyzing these other apps, we were able to identify the main concerns and aspects we needed to incorporate in our design.
CityMapper
Boston Transit (Android)
ProximiT
Ideation
Key Ideas
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Workflow Sketches
Wireframes
Low Fidelity
High Fidelity
Final Outcome
Live updates, tracking,
and mapping features
Saved stopes and routes for greater efficiency and user convenience
Live info on nearby stops and upcoming trains
Interactive Prototype
Final Analysis
Main Takeaways
We learned how to accommodate several users’ needs and wants/allow for extensive customization while they work towards the same general goal
Learned the importance of using symbols and colors to quickly and effectively communicate to users.
Learned how to do user testing through UX narratives, user scenarios, and role playing.
Reflection
We were successful in giving users a way to add routes and stops while customizing them and prioritizing certain constraints such as time and how crowded the station/train is
We’re happy about the visual design and features of our app, but next time we might have added more color to our “Pause My Route” section as well as improved our accessibility aspect in the app.
Next, we will probably add more details/features to our “Calendar Synchronization” section.