Critical Reflection
During the course of my first UI design project, I encountered various challenges that provided valuable learning experiences and helped shape my approach to the design process.
Challenges
Lesson Learned
During the discover phase, I initially focused on searching social media for insights from Olympic attendees using strollers. However, relevant information was scarce, and I struggled to extract meaningful data.
At first, I relied heavily on my assumptions about user needs, thinking the initial design was intuitive. However, after conducting usability testing, I discovered that some key features were confusing for real users.
I learned the importance of flexibility in research methods. By pivoting to analyzing user reviews from transportation apps, I found more actionable insights that directly influenced the design of stroller-friendly features.
I realized the importance of testing with real users. Their feedback uncovered usability issues I hadn’t anticipated, showing the need to refine designs through real-world insights rather than elying solely on my initial ideas.
Collaborating on a project where one team member worked on the mobile app while another handled the smartwatch version presented a challenge in maintaining consistency between platforms.
I understood how a well-structured design system facilitates collaboration. It helped maintain visual and functional consistency across devices, ensuring a cohesive experience despite the different platforms.
DesiGN Concept
Tiny Traveler is a mobile app designed to enhance the public transportation experience for families attending the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, especially those traveling with strollers. By providing real-time tracking, arrival alerts, stroller-friendly routes, digital ticketing and a supportive community, the app ensures a smooth, accessible, and stress-free transit experience during large-scale events.
Problem Statement
With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics set to attract millions of visitors, families with strollers face specific challenges in navigating public transportation. Current apps do not offer solutions tailored to their needs, such as stroller-friendly routes and convenient ticket purchasing. This gap creates stress and limits accessibility, especially in large-scale event environments where efficient transit is crucial.
Solution
Digital Ticketing
Real-Time Arrival Alerts
Community Support
Stroller-Friendly Routes
design process
Discover
Competitor Analysis
Online Ethnography
Define
User Persona
User Needs
Ideate
Sketches
Design
Wireframes
Prototypes
Design System
Test
Usability Testing
Feedback Analysis
ONline Ethnography
We conducted online ethnography by analyzing user reviews from app stores for Google Maps, Transit, and MyTranslink. These reviews provided valuable insights into the real-world frustrations and preferences of public transport app users, which helped shape the design of Tiny Traveler.
– Transit user
A lot of essential content is inaccessible because it's behind a payment requirement.
Accessible Features Without Paywalls
– MyTranslink user
Provides real-time updates on transport schedules, detailing the name and number of stops until you arrive at your destination.
Real-time Updates are Crucial
– MyTranslink user
Incorporating trip prices and adding GoCard to the digital wallet in the app would enhance user convenience.
– Google Map user
All roads appear in the same shade of grey, making everything look uniform and hard to differentiate.
Make Payment Easy
Visually Intuitive Interface
Insights
User Reviews
Features
Real-time Tracking
Real-time Arrival Alerts
Crowd Level Information
Platform Information
Ticket Purchasing
Stroller-friendly Routes
Community Support
Competitor Analysis
We conducted a competitor analysis by selecting three commonly used transportation apps in Queensland: Google Maps, Transit, and Translink. By comparing their key features, we identified gaps and opportunities to guide the development of Tiny Traveler in addressing specific needs like stroller-friendly routes and community support.
Persona
Age
32
Primary School Teacher
Occupation
Emma Parker
Age
34
Software Engineer
Occupation
Mark Parker
About
Emma and Mark are a tech-savvy couple who love traveling with their young son. They are planning to attend the Brisbane 2032 Olympics as a family. While both are comfortable using technology, they face challenges when navigating public transport with a stroller, particularly in crowded or unfamiliar environments. They are seeking a solution that simplifies their journey while ensuring their child’s comfort and safety.
Frustrations
Difficulty locating stroller-friendly transport options in current apps.
Managing physical tickets while dealing with a stroller and a toddler.
Real-time updates are often delayed, causing missed trains and long waits.
No community space for parents to share public transport tips.
Needs
Easy-to-follow stroller-specific routes.
Real-time alerts with platform details to manage travel efficiently.
Simple, contactless ticket purchasing with digital storage.
A supportive community to share experiences and tips.
User flow
The user flows show the main steps users take to find stroller-friendly routes, manage current trips, and engage in community forums.
Open Stroller Friendly Route Switch
Checkout
Find a Stroller-Friendly Route
Start
Open App
Homepage
Search for Routes
View Route Details
Ticket Confirmation
Create New Post
Post in Forums
Start
Open App
Homepage
Go to Forums
Browse Posts
Add Text/Image
Post Submission
Open Arrival Alerts
Start
Open App
Homepage
Go to My Travel
Select Current Trips
Track Trips
Complete Journey
View Current Trips
No
No
No
Information Architecture
The Information Architecture outlines the organization of Tiny Traveler’s key features.
Homepage
Current Location
Stroller-Friendly Route Filter
Route Details
Select number of tickets
Payment Options
Search Routes
Checkout
Map
My Travel
Current Trip
Ticket Details
Ticket Details
Real-Time Tracking
Arrival Alerts
Past Trip
Browse Posts
Text
Image
Location
Create Posts
Search Topics
Forums
Comment
Like
Sketches
After developing the Information Architecture and User Flows, I hand-sketched the key screens to explore the visual structure
Usability Testing
Goal
Determine if users can complete core tasks of the Tiny Traveler app through usability testing, and ensure its features are accessible, user-friendly, and functional.
Tasks
Find a stroller-friendly route.
Purchase a ticket.
Track a train in real time.
Create a post.
Missing Title
Confusion about the 'Track' Feature
Add a ‘Search’ title at the top to give users a clear understanding of this interface.
Key Insights
Before
After
Eliminate the separate ‘Track’ button.
Tracking is now integrated with ‘In Progress’, allowing users to track trains by clicking ‘In Progress’, simplifying the interface.
High Fidelity Screens
Homepage
Start at the Homepage with your current location, a search bar for routes, and quick access to My Travel, Map, and Forums.
Search
Find routes easily by entering your start and end locations, view available transport options, and apply filters to find the stroller-friendly route for your journey.
Checkout
& Payment
Easily select your ticket quantity, choose your payment method, and complete your purchase for a seamless travel experience.
My Travel
Manage your current and past trips, view your tickets, and track your journey—all in one place.
Arrival Alerts
Get real-time arrival alerts when your stop is approaching, allowing you to manage your trip and your child without missing your station.
Forums
Connect with other parents by browsing posts, sharing tips, and discussing stroller-friendly routes and travel experiences.
© 2024 Simin Tang. All Rights Reserved.
Wireframe
Based on sketches, I created the wireframes to translate my initial ideas into a clear user interface.
