Redesigning Public Transit Signage
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Main Goal
The challenge of ensuring convenient mobility in India requires innovative and forward-thinking solutions.
Our team has explored futuristic approaches to enhance the ease of traveling from Point A to Point B. By leveraging design thinking, cutting-edge technology, and social innovation, we aim to address and solve these critical mobility issues effectively.
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Contributions
With my background in design and extensive knowledge of design thinking methods, I took the lead in aligning the team’s vision and ensuring everyone was on the same page. I collaborated closely with engineers, who contributed their technical expertise to implement our concepts effectively.
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Challenges
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Narrowing our focus to a specific problem and conducting targeted research accordingly
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Conducting primary research and gathering insights directly from real users
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Ideating over concepts that can be implemented immideately
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Impact
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Policy changes
Identified key areas within current mobility solutions that could be improved through strategic policy adjustments
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Standardization
Identified key areas where standardization, such as in wayfinding, can significantly enhance the overall mobility experience
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Promoting Public Transportation
Enhanced wayfinding and increased awareness of convenient and sustainable travel options.
About MIT India Initiative
The Design, Technology, and Social Innovation Workshop + Conference, organized by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard in collaboration with Welingkar Institute Mumbai, recently took place in Mumbai, India. This event brought together 300 participants to tackle cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary challenges.
MIT and Harvard mentors joined forces with Indian students, guided by the workshop's leadership, to brainstorm innovative solutions. This workshop is an ambitious project driven by various departments at MIT and Harvard to address local issues in India, building upon the legacy of past initiatives and collaborations.
01/Background
I was actively involved in the mobility sector, with a primary focus on addressing the mounting challenges related to social commute patterns in India.
Congestion and Traffic Gridlock:
Managing the increasing traffic congestion and gridlock in urban areas.
Safety and Security:
Enhancing the safety and security of commuters through improved infrastructure and technology.
Pollution and Environmental Impact:
Developing sustainable transportation solutions to reduce pollution and the environmental footprint of commuting.
Efficient Public Transport:
Enhancing the efficiency and reliability of
public transportation systems to encourage their use.
Last-Mile Connectivity:
Bridging the gap between public transportation and people's final destinations, making the entire commute more efficient.
Accessibility and Inclusivity:
Ensuring that transportation options are accessible to all segments of society, including differently-abled individuals.
02/Understanding the scenario
India's extensive rail network, the largest in the world, comprises over 12,000 stations and serving 8.4 billion people annually.
In the coming years, India is faced with the challenge of constructing nearly 70 new railway stations to cater to the growing demand for rail travel in the country.
What's going wrong?
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Wayfinding to and within a station is difficult
Navigating railway stations in India can be a daunting task for travelers. The vast size and often complex layout of these stations make wayfinding a significant challenge. Passengers arriving at these bustling hubs can often find it difficult to locate platforms, ticket counters, or other facilities due to inadequate signage and information. This lack of clear guidance can result in confusion, delays, and missed connections, especially for those unfamiliar with the station's layout.
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Overwhelming and distracting experience
Wayfinding issues extend beyond the station premises to the process of reaching the station itself. Many travelers struggle to find the correct entrance or transportation options to access the railway station, especially in crowded urban areas. Inadequate signage on roads, a lack of integration with other modes of transportation, and traffic congestion can exacerbate this problem. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensure a smoother and more efficient commuting experience for passengers in India's vast railway network.
Problem Statement
“ How can we improve user experience of existing modes of public transportation using existing resources for dissemination of real-time information with multilingual communicable means ”
03/Getting on the field
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), formerly known as Victoria Terminus (VT), is indeed one of the most prominent and important railway stations in Mumbai, India. It serves as a major transportation hub for the city and the entire region. CST is not only a historic landmark but also a critical transportation point for millions of commuters who rely on the extensive suburban railway network in Mumbai.
We conducted an in-depth exploration of the station, engaging with commuters to gain a comprehensive understanding of their daily travel routines and the challenges they encounter.
04/Insights
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Overcrowding
CST can get extremely crowded during peak hours, making it difficult for commuters to board trains or navigate through the station.
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Train Punctuality
Delays and irregular train schedules can disrupt commuters' plans and cause inconvenience.
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Ticketing and Queues
Long queues at ticket counters and ticket vending machines can be frustrating for commuters, especially when they are in a hurry.
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Information and Signage
Confusing or inadequate signage and information can lead to commuters getting lost or missing their trains.
05/Defining the User
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Hi, I am Arjun
24, Student
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Arjun is a recent arrival to the city, eager to immerse himself in its vibrant culture.
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He prefers to use public transportation as a means of practical exploration.
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Arjun's choice to utilize a student pass reflects his desire to connect with the city's residents and embrace its rhythm.
Pain Points
Core Needs
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Anxiety about direction and navigation: Arjun's anxiety about direction and navigation often leaves him feeling lost and stressed during his commutes.
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Distracting advertisements: Distracting advertisements in public transportation can disrupt his focus and make the journey less enjoyable.
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Waiting in Queue: Waiting in long queues is a source of frustration for Arjun, causing delays and inconveniences in his daily travels.
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Hassle-free trips: Arjun values hassle-free trips, seeking a smooth and straightforward commuting experience.
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Punctuality is key for Arjun; he relies on public transportation to ensure he arrives on time for his commitments.
06/User Journey
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Getting to a station
Navigating to the station
Getting on a train
Getting on the right coach
Getting off a train
Getting off the right station
Exiting the station
Navigating their way out
07/Core Revelations
Signage Placement Challenges
The improper placement of signage within the public transportation system emerged as a significant concern.
It greatly hampers effective navigation, causing confusion and frustration for commuters.
Advertisement Overload Impact
Signs being hidden due to the overwhelming presence of advertisements became a central issue.
This revelation highlights how excessive commercial ads can obscure essential informational signage, exacerbating navigation difficulties.
Challenging Wayfinding
The struggle with wayfinding and difficulty in locating essential signage came to the forefront as a major issue.
This revelation underscores the necessity for improved wayfinding solutions to enhance the overall user experience.
Visibility and Communication Issues
Visibility issues related to color, typography, and iconography were revealed as significant obstacles.
This highlights the need for effective signage design to improve clarity and legibility, assisting commuters in their navigation efforts.
Advertisement Dominance
Another critical insight was the overshadowing of official advertisements by numerous commercial ads.
This emphasizes the need for clear and uncluttered communication of vital information to ensure seamless commuting experiences.
08/Suggested Recommendations
Color-coded bus paths are conveyed with important information such as bus frequency
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Typography
Typography Precision
Achieving the right typography is paramount. Font sizes and weights must ensure effortless visibility for the majority of passengers while minimizing eye strain for others, promoting a comfortable and inclusive commuting experience.
Sensible and Purposeful Color Choices
The selection of colors must be both sensible and purposeful, designed to remain conspicuous even in challenging conditions like fog. This consideration enhances safety and usability.
Inclusivity for Regional Languages
In the Indian context, accommodating support for all regional languages is essential. Embracing linguistic diversity ensures that every commuter can access and comprehend vital information, fostering a more inclusive and accessible public transportation system.
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Iconography
Heavy weight and huge font size for Readability in most conditions
Pertinent Information displayed in a visually appealing manner
Quick Information Retrieval
Thoughtfully designed icons can deliver rapid, at-a-glance information, facilitating swift decision-making for commuters in transit. This, in turn, minimizes the time spent within the station, reducing congestion.
Accessibility for All
Well-placed and purposeful iconography is particularly beneficial for individuals with impaired vision or difficulty in reading text.
It serves as a visual aid, making the transportation system more inclusive and accommodating diverse needs.
Standardization for Consistency
To ensure a seamless user experience, icons need to be standardized according to a common design language adopted across the entire city's infrastructure. Consistency in icon design aids in universal recognition and comprehension, making the system user-friendly for all.
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Colours
Global Color Coding
Across the world, public transport systems often employ color-coded schemes to designate specific train tracks or bus stops.
This international practice enhances clarity and user-friendliness.
Consideration for Diverse Population
In India, where the population is vast and diverse, color selection must take into account not only cultural aspects but also factors like colorblindness. It is imperative to choose colors that do not adversely affect the colorblind commuters, ensuring inclusivity in design.
Visibility in Varied Conditions
Colors chosen for public transport systems must remain visible and distinct under various weather and lighting conditions. This ensures that commuters can easily interpret and rely on color cues for navigation, regardless of external factors.
Immediately lets commuters know whether it is a tram stop or a bus stop with the help of appropriate iconography. Conveys the name of the stop well, verbal directions and instructions made easier
Follows similar design language to the train station signboard, promoting visual consistency
More information can be seen by simply scanning a QR code, so commuters can see how far away a bus is or if there have been any delays
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Information Delivery
Optimizing Signage for Seamless Transit
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Immediate Mode Clarity: Effective iconography swiftly distinguishes between tram and bus stops, instantly conveying the type of transit, and streamlining the commuting experience.
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Spot-On Stop Identification: Well-placed signs display the stop's name, ensuring passengers can easily pinpoint their location, while intelligible verbal instructions simplify navigation.
Designing with Precision
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Decision Points Significance: Identifying strategic locations for signage placement is pivotal. The efficacy of sign design hinges on strategic positioning, influencing commuter decision-making.
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Navigational Significance: Identification signs define your location, and directional signs chart your route, playing a substantial role in wayfinding, and guiding passengers throughout their journey.
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Warning and Regulatory Alignment: Warning signs assist in emergencies and direct behavior, adhering to regulatory codes, and ensuring safety and compliance. Regulatory signs guide platform etiquette and more.
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Operational Insights: Operational signs offer insights into how a system functions, promoting smooth operations within an environment. They convey practical information, from escalator etiquette to other operational nuances.
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User Behaviour Model
