SORTA (Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority) and Metro (Southwest Ohio's bus system) are in the process of redesigning their bus stop poles for the Cincinnati area. They collaborated with DAAP to bring our Collaborative Design class on what could potentially go on to those poles.
Our group consisted of Guy Mueller (Industrial Design), Tess Polo (Communication Design), Eli Shust (Communication Design), and myself (Communication Design).
Research Methods
Observation
Conducted stop observations at several locations for around 30 min intervals. Notes were taken based on the AEIOU (Activity, Environment, Interaction, Objects, User) framework.
Behavioral Mapping
Created behavioral maps based on user patterns. Our maps show the general user flows, time passed, as well as activities of the users.
Interviews
Asked locals to observed stops and users who ride about how they feel about the stop. We designed our questions as to not lead anyone on or try to get an answer we were looking for.
Online survey
Published an online survey and posted it around several high traffic bus stop and locations to gather insights and data on user preferences.
Design Questions
How can we engage users to interact with the bus stop environment?
How can we provide users with access to useful information?
How can we make users more visible to bus drivers?
Design Concept
Early Sketches
Our idea was to create a cylindrical and modular system that would allow users to interact directly with the bus stop pole.
Early Concept
The modules would contain a variety of information that could appeal to different users, such as bus info, neighborhood facts, and interactive games. We wanted to create a hierarchy of information, with the most useful info being at the top.
Physical Prototyping
Info Module
The purpose of the info module is to be able to display different types of content to users in a clear and engaging format. The design allows the users to spin the module and switch between the content they are viewing.
We experimented with how big we could make the module to give users the most legibility possible.
This gave the answers to type sizing and spacing as well as how smooth the physical prototype worked and how to prevent any tampering or damage.
Hook Module
The purpose of the hook module is to add a functional element to our modular system. This would give users a place to hang their bags and items while keeping them off the ground.
Game Module
The purpose of the game module is to give users a fun and engaging activity while they wait for the bus.
Final
Visual Identity
We wanted to create a visual identity that was compatible with Metro, but also expanded upon their brand by adding elements that create a sense of culture and pride for the neighborhoods of Cincinnati.
We chose Obviously as our main typeface to be paired with Navigo, due to its bold but fun characteristics that are emblematic of Cincinnati’s neighborhoods.
We created a system of crowns inspired by Cincinnati’s nickname “The Queen City”. The different crown types represent the different aspects of Cincinnati’s neighborhoods that make up the Cincinnati area.
Info Module
Our final info module design features a 3 part system that includes the crown, the outer sleeve, and the inner sleeve. This allows for easy interchangeability of the parts.
Game Module
Our final design for the game module is split into 3 rotating sections that utilize ball bearings. This allows users to interact and interchange the faces as they please. We also included an outer sleeve to encourage users to only interact with one side of the pole, keeping them away from traffic.
Our final graphics feature a fun and inspired set of facial features and crowns consistent with the rest of the visual identity. We made sure that no two features were too similar, allowing users up to 27 unique face combinations.
Hook Module
Our final hook module design features a 3 pronged system allowing for plenty of space for bags. We decided to remove the hook on the backside to avoid users from interacting with the pole too close to the road.
Full module
