The intuitive mobility hub

Hubs such as train stations and bus stops are filled with visual information. In these environments, navigating can be difficult and all the impressions conveyed can cause visual stress, especially for groups with impaired orientation abilities. This project aims to increase understanding of how we can design hubs that are more intuitive.

What is a pleasant and simple visual search and movement for one person may be challenging for another. Adding another level of design to the exchange point based on functionality can take into account what happens in the human brain and emotional life, which can vary greatly among individuals.

Project goal

In this project, we aim to: 1) create a cross-functional team with stakeholders focusing on visual search and movement in exchange points, and 2) develop a plan for a pilot project to test new designs and measure the experience before and after implementation.

Project approach

Project approach is to investigate how to combine qualitative and quantitative methods to understand people's behaviors and experiences at exchange points. In doing so, we aim to clarify research questions regarding how measurements of people's movements and behaviors at exchange points can correlate with the perception and understanding of visual information, and thus be used to objectively evaluate different measures. Proof of Concept phase: implement developed solutions in a real environment and test and refine method(s) to describe and follow up on the design of more self-explanatory exchange points.

RISE leads the project and contributes expertise in behavioral science and mobility solutions. Additionally, the project group includes technology providers Viscando and Tobii, which can measure people's movements and individual behaviors, as well as product design studio Boid and lighting expert Fagerhult. The stakeholders are Borås City and a range of actors contributing to the reference group, but the idea is that the principles can ultimately be applied in other cities and at other hubs.