Overview
Project Title: Public Transport Mobile Application Redesign
Role: Lead UI/UX Designer
Duration: 10 Months
Tools Used: Figma, Microsoft Forms, FigJam
Project Type: Academic/Professional Project
Objective: To enhance public transport information availability and user experience by redesigning the VGI mobile application and introducing new features tailored to user needs.
1. Problem Statement
Current Situation:
The existing VGI mobile application lacks user-centric features, making it difficult for users to navigate public transport, especially during transits. The app's interface is not intuitive, and it lacks essential functionalities like real-time updates, easy ticket management, and clear navigation during transfers.
Objective:
Redesign the VGI mobile application to improve usability, information availability, and user satisfaction. The redesign focuses on implementing real-time navigation, ticket management, and an AR-guided transit navigation feature.
2. Research
User Research:
Conducted comprehensive user research through surveys and semi-structured interviews to identify key pain points and user needs.
Participants: 30 survey respondents, 10 usability test participants
Methods: Surveys, semi-structured interviews, usability testing
Key Findings:
Users struggle with real-time navigation and updating their travel routes.
The current ticket management system is cumbersome and lacks features for purchasing tickets for companions.
Navigation during transits is confusing, especially in large stations without clear signage.
Competitor Analysis:
Analyzed leading public transport apps to identify best practices and areas of improvement for the VGI app.
3. Ideation
Brainstorming & Moodboard
Created a moodboard to capture the desired look and feel of the app, focusing on simplicity, accessibility, and ease of use.
User Flow:
[User Flow Diagram (WIP)]
Designed a user flow to map out the key interactions and ensure a seamless experience from ticket purchase to final destination.
4. Design & Prototyping
Low-Fidelity Wireframes:
Developed initial wireframes to outline the basic layout and structure of the app.
Mid-Fidelity Prototypes:
Refined the wireframes into mid-fidelity prototypes, adding more detail to the interface and interactions.
[User Flow Diagram (WIP)]
High-Fidelity Prototypes:
Finalized the design with high-fidelity prototypes, showcasing the fully developed UI with all implemented features.
Style Guide:
Created a style guide to ensure consistency across the app, detailing typography, color schemes, button styles, and more.
5. Key Features
Real-time Navigation:
Users can receive real-time navigation assistance, including reminders about upcoming stops and destinations through notifications and live activities.Ticket Management:
Users can easily check and display their tickets at any time, purchase tickets for companions, and manage their trip seamlessly.Trip Updates:
Users can check for alternative routes and update their trips easily, adapting to changes in real-time.Transit Navigation:
Users can navigate easily during transits with either guided walking navigation or an AR mode that uses the smartphone camera for precise directions.Improved User Interface:
Focused on simplicity and usability, ensuring that all features are easily accessible and intuitive.
6. User Testing
Initial Usability Testing:
Conducted usability testing with 4 participants to evaluate the current VGI app, identifying major pain points and areas for improvement.
Prototype Testing:
Tested the mid-fidelity prototype with 2 initial and 4 new participants to assess the effectiveness of the new design. Gathered feedback to iterate and improve the UI/UX.
Final Testing Results:
After refining the design based on user feedback, the high-fidelity prototype was tested, resulting in significant improvements in user satisfaction and usability scores.
7. Personal Contribution to the Project
I led the complete design and development process of the public transport mobile application redesign, following the Design Thinking framework. From ideation to execution, I was responsible for creating the prototypes, wireframes, style guide, user flows, and personas. I conducted both quantitative and qualitative user research, including surveys and usability tests, using tools like FigJam and Microsoft Forms to gather insights and feedback. I developed the moodboard and requirements, which were essential in shaping the final user experience.
The project was supported by my team, whose role was primarily focused on brainstorming, providing feedback, and validating ideas. The collaborative process ensured that the design addressed user pain points and opportunities for improvement at every stage of the project. My role was central in driving the project forward, ensuring it remained user-centric and aligned with the goals identified through user research.
8. Conclusion
Project Impact:
The redesigned VGI mobile application significantly improved the user experience, particularly in the areas of real-time navigation, ticket management, and transit navigation. The user-friendly interface and new features were well-received by participants, leading to higher user satisfaction.
Next Steps:
Continue refining the design based on ongoing user feedback and explore additional features like personalized route suggestions and deeper integration with smartwatch functionalities.
