Bus On Time

Class Project @ UNC Spring 2023 | Duration: 7 weeks

Bus On Time is a bus app for the research triangle area, with up-to-date bus info, trip planning, and schedule management. Bus On Time takes the stress out of commuting and lets you focus on what really matters.

MY ROLE

For this individual project, I was both a UX researcher and a designer. I conducted qualitative studies, built information architecture and user flow, created user personas and wireframes, and designed high-fidelity mockups.

WHY IMPORTANT?

Minimize wasted time and mitigate the impact of information disparities for bus users by delivering precise and current bus information?

Public transportation is vital for connecting communities in urban areas. As reliance on public transit grows, having reliable bus information is crucial. Bus apps offer a user-friendly solution, providing real-time schedules and tracking.

In our fast-paced world, efficiency is key. Bus apps offer real-time updates on bus locations and arrival times, aiding efficient trip planning. Moreover, these apps promote public transport usage, easing traffic and reducing emissions.

Challenges:

• Limited real-time data: Obtaining accurate bus tracking data is tough, and availability might vary across routes.

• Data accuracy: Even if data is present, its accuracy might falter, leading to wrong arrival predictions.

• User adoption: Convincing users to use and regularly engage with a bus app can be tough, given existing alternatives.

• Engagement: Ensuring users actively use the app's features demands delivering genuine value and convenience.

Inclusivity Redefined

The app boasts an intuitive interface that speaks to users of all stripes – be it tech-savvy millennials or those who prefer a breezier tech journey. While a simplified version caters to older adults and tech novices, making sure everyone can groove with ease.

I brainstormed a bunch of ideas, narrowed them down to a potential asset list, and imported them into a card-sorting process. Five of my classmates and friendscompleted the card-sorting by grouping assets into different categories. This provided different perspectives on the structure of the app and helped me to form the basis of the general information structure.

Mid-Fidelity Wireframe

Bus on App employs a sleek and contemporary design to convey reliability, trust, and professionalism, thus enhancing user experience through a visually pleasing and easily navigable interface. The selection of blue as the primary color signifies trust, reliability, and calmness, vital traits for a transportation app. Complementary black, white, and grey shades harmonize with blue, producing a balanced color palette that elevates the overall aesthetic.

The Gibson Sans Serif Font was chosen for its robust, sharp, and dynamic appearance, aligning perfectly with Bus on App's modern and clean design goals. The combination of the Gibson font and the app's design results in an attractive and user-friendly interface. I selected a set of icons that match the tone of the overall branding. I used the atomic elements below as the base for my prototypes, formalizing the design system for the app.

Two rounds of usability tests were conducted: one after the wireframe stage and another following the initial full-color interactive design. The six testers engaged in these tests provided valuable insights into app interactions. Notably, testers were mainly aged 21 to 54, with limited diversity and representation from the app's target area. While useful, the feedback might not fully represent the broader audience. Nonetheless, I'm thankful for the insights gained, committed to using them for app enhancements.

The feedback and findings helped me identify several major issues that I need to address:

1. Site Identity: Testers generally appreciated the app's clean design and color scheme, but some noted a lack of distinct visual identity compared to similar market apps. A solution is to create a logo representing the brand, visible on the app's cover, boarding page, and home buttons. Incorporating this logo will enhance recognition and recall for users.

2. Mode: Clarification is needed concerning the displayed mode, as testers encountered confusion regarding their current mode, affecting information relevance. During onboarding, emphasizing the active mode is crucial to eliminate user uncertainty and maintain clarity throughout app use.

3. Nearby Bus Stop Priority: Based on the testing, highlighting nearby bus stops on the home page is crucial. This adjustment responds to testers' feedback that this feature holds more importance than saved lines, given the easy accessibility of line information elsewhere. Prioritizing nearby stops empowers users to quickly locate pertinent bus stop details and addresses their needs effectively.

Onboarding Page & Mode Choice

The onboarding page plays a crucial role in introducing Bus On Time's features and establishing its tone. Collecting users' phone numbers adds an extra safety layer, facilitating sharing trips with trusted contacts—particularly beneficial for solo or nighttime travelers. Location permission is vital for real-time bus information based on the user's whereabouts.

Recognizing that age doesn't always correlate with tech proficiency or preferences, the app will introduce two modes during sign-up, catering to different user interests and preferences. This inclusive approach ensures usability across age groups and skill levels, enhancing accessibility for all users.

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