Project Title: Smart AR Object Guider in the Subway Navigation App
Product Name: Rabbego
Topic/Problem:
According to the history searching dating back to the early 20th century, the subway is the backbone and circulatory system of New York City. It is among the most extensive and well-trafficked subway systems in the world, carrying millions of riders each day to work, to school, to cultural events, and to thousands of other activities that could never be sustained without robust mass transit (Stringer, 2017).
However, the majority of people don’t like the current subway system because it is old, dirty and outdated. It is not easy to replace the whole system in the short-term but we can use new technology to enhance the riding experience. New resources and updates include new cars, new lines and a new paying system (OMNY), even with trip planner on the MTA official websites.
Secondary research includes the history of the subway system in NYC, the differences systems among different places, current surveys and research, etc. Primary research showed some databases from surveys and interviews that I’ve conducted, as well as the data analysis. The data showed that people usually use google maps as their primary choice for navigation apps, while others may choose Citymapper, transit or other apps. Although they can choose to reload their card through apps, they still would like to stick to the actual MetroCard.
Additionally, they suggested that the app should provide an accurate time schedule and clearer guide to users, as well as advanced notification and updated maps. If they are not familiar with the subway system in a new place, they prefer to use an app as a guider to get to their destinations.
With these findings and research in mind, how might we improve users’ riding experience for the subway in NYC?
Thesis Elevator Pitch Video
Thesis Final Video
Solution:
Using advanced technology such as 3D floor plans and AR navigation into the existing app might help to provide more straight-forward and accurate information. With these technologies, users can create their own characters (rabbit as an example) as a guide to lead them navigate the city and within the subway system, which will increase the interaction between app interface and users. The character they choose will notify them when they are getting close to the entrance or exit. It will also show the arriving time of the subway. If the train they are going to take is crowded, their little guide will also remind them so that they are able to change another route or train in advance.
3D floor plans can show their current locations and how they are moving during the riding experience so that they will not get lost in the station. Users can hide the floor plans when they want to focus on the guide character. The floor plan can be directly manipulated by the user by moving with fingers, from 2D view to 3D view.
Rabbego can be used as a plug-in or a new feature in the app. Together, these design solutions solve the key problems associated with unclear information, messed up time schedules and so on. If users are commuters who are already familiar with the route, they can directly use the existing app without this new feature. Otherwise, users can always try it to enjoy the ride.
List of References:
Stringer, S. M. (2017, July 8). The Human Cost of Subway Delays: A Survey of New York City Riders. Comptroller.nyc.gov. Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://comptroller.nyc.gov/reports/the-human-cost-of-subway-delays-a-survey-of-new-york-city-riders/.
RSG. (2020, June 30). New York City Travel Survey. MTA NYC TS Report. Retrieved November 19, 2021, from https://new.mta.info/document/28971.
Hillery, A. (2019, July 25). How Vignelli’s design still influences NYC’s Subway Maps Today. Medium. Retrieved November 19, 2021, from https://medium.com/nightingale/how-vignellis-design-still-influences-nyc-s-subway-maps-today-63159e8845c9.
Hadden, J. (2021, September 1). Photos show how New York City’s subway system has changed over the years. Insider. Retrieved November 18, 2021, from https://www.insider.com/how-nyc-subway-has-changed-over-years-history-photos-2021-9#in-another-july-press-release-the-mta-announced-that-the-cars-will-have-a-larger-space-reserved-for-people-who-use-wheelchairs-wider-doors-will-also-make-these-trains-more-accessible-for-people-who-have-disabilities-according-to-the-mta-33.