The Problem

Currently, there is no way of getting updated information about incoming buses, especially if the customer does not have access to a smartphone or any other form of wearable technology. Furthermore, people may not know which bus stop is closest to their house (linked project by Ronald Jurianto: https://oip.transportgenderobservatory.eu/ideas-lab-contribution-92), or which is the fastest route to get to their chosen destination.

Considerations

The design has to offer information which can easily be understood, even by the least technologically inclined customers. Moreover, the solution cannot involve any sort of wearable technology, such as smartwatches and other gadgets, as many people would not appreciate having to wear a smart object at all times. An additional assumption is that the average user would not own a phone, therefore making the solution independent from any already existing interfaces. Finally, during a meeting with the French hub, it was brought to attention that the older population prefers verbal interactions to visual ones.

The solution

There are two parts to the solution, as the idea is to accompany the user from their home to their desired destination, and everything in between.

1) Getting information about the journey from the comfort of one’s home (design by Ronald Jurianto: https://oip.transportgenderobservatory.eu/ideas-lab-contribution-92)

2) Being accompanied throughout the journey with the latest information about bus arrivals, delays, and alternative routes

Once the user gets the information needed from the comfort of their home, it's time to head to the bus stop. Once there, the customer can access information about the journey to come by tracking their journey. Indeed, the information panel will notify the user of any delays along the journey, as well as providing alternative routes and forms of transport, to make sure the person can arrive to destination as fast as possible.

The information panel will interact both visually and verbally, to ensure everyone can use it.

An added feature of the information panel is having an additional screen on the exterior part of the structure, which can be used by any passer-by to get information about the city (map of where they are situated, restaurants, shops, art galleries, as well as the quickest way to get to their goal). This feature opens bus stops to more uses than the traditional sitting and waiting for the next bus.

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