rethinking london’s local buses bus stop ﬂ ag 01 and post...

Rethinking London’s Local Buses Bus stop fl ag

and post design

1

01

Project overview

2

The design of London’s bus shelters has evolved only slowly over the decades, with a focus on cost reduction and mass production put ahead of users’ needs.

Our group project brief was to rethink the basic design of the London bus shelter, and how it supports use by different communities of passengers for local bus services in London suburbs. We were encouraged to think about comfort, convenience and safety, and how HCI could enhance passengers’ experience.

As an academic project, the other focus was on evaluating the ways that creative design techniques and tools might be used in the creative process, and in aiding us arrive at a design prototype with signifi cant novelty and utility.

a local bus stop: scope for improvement!

remote observation via Google Street Viewremote observation via Google Street View

MAYOR OF LONDON

Transport for London

Accessible bus stop design guidanceBus Priority Team technical advice note BP1/06January 2006

Understanding usersResearch helped defi ne a number of core user groups which included commuters at peak hours, followed by many older passengers and

mothers with pushchairs and shopping in the middle of the day. We also carried out secondary research into accessibility requirements and guidelines, noting the many frustrations of mobility impaired customers on online blogs and in forums. This informed personas which were used to help constrain requirements and keep us mindful of these groups.

Our initial analysis clearly showed passengers wanted two things: comfort, and information. Considering the diversity of bus stops and spacial constraints (some with shelters, some without), we chose to redevelop the touchpoint of the pole and fl ag (a common element of every bus stop with a design largely unchanged in 100 years), with a focus on improving access to information for passengers. Our priority was on empathy with users, relevance and user experience, but in particular we sought to meet Dieter Rams’s principles of good design, concentrating on simplicity in form and function.

3

Design process

Research and analysisFollowing the User-Centred Design process, we conducted a number of observations at bus stops and on buses in suburban areas of London, in order to understand the different passenger groups throughout the day, and how they use the space around local bus stops. We also made use of Google Street View to help us understand the variety of bus stops in London’s suburbs.

(We attempted to conduct some short semi-structured interviews but the main outcome of this was that we understood people don’t like being cornered by strangers with clipboards whilst waiting for the bus!)

002002002002

This I’DGO design guidance relates to bus stops and shelters. It is part of The Design of Streets with Older People in Mind; a toolkit for those who plan, design and maintain the public realm. It can be used as an aid to assessing how easy it is to access one of the most effective forms of public transport for keeping older people mobile, socially connected and less susceptible to loneliness and isolation. Based on the views of over 200 older people, street audits and key sources of existing UK guidance, it includes advice on the provision, location and positioning of bus stops, their overall size and type and their detailing (material, seating, lighting and signage).

I’DGO Design Guides are based on evidence from the Inclusive Design for Getting Outdoors (I’DGO) research project. They have been cited by the World Health Organization as being of global importance in planning, designing and maintaining Age-Friendly Cities and by the UK Department for Transport. The research was undertaken by the SURFACE Inclusive Design Research Centre at the University of Salford. Details of context and methodology are provided within, with recommendations on the reverse.

DS

OPM

002

Design Guide 002

www.idgo.ac.uk

This I’DGO design guidance relates to bus stops and shelters. It is

The Design of Streets with Older People in Mind

Bus

Stop

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Being outdoors enhances the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of older people. I’d go outdoors if I could: wouldn’t you?

Imag

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John

McG

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ith th

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.

Bus Stops

some early user problems documented (from notes on mobile)

considering (at length) accessibility guidelines and requirementsconsidering (at length) accessibility guidelines and requirements

Accessible bus stop design guidance For consultation September 2014

4

Design process

Design: Flag and postIn addressing the design challenge, we identifi ed the following passenger problems and frustrations with local bus services:

• Infrequent service: Buses may only come 2-3 times per hour (much less frequently than many inner-city buses)

• Lack of information: Passengers have little information beyond a printed timetable

This combination often meant passengers were constantly on the lookout for their bus and so frequently unable to do other things while waiting, such as read a newspaper.

Taking inspiration from inside the bus, this issue was addressed by the inclusion of a ‘stop’ button in our fi nal design, and both audio and visual alerts when the bus is approaching (to support both passengers and drivers).

source: Trueform

existing bus stop fl ag and post design opportunitiesexisting bus stop fl ag and post design opportunities

Numbers read horizontally - fi nding the right bus route isn’t immediate when there are a large number of routes/rows of numbers.

The timetable area is constrained by the width of A4 and height (3 sheets per panel). Positioning can often mean the user has their back to oncoming traffi c, so could be unaware of their bus approaching. This also has clear safety implications and does not support wheelchair use, requiring wheels to be located precariously close to the kerb.

The basic fl ag/post design is largely unchanged in 100 years, despite the vast increase in passenger numbers, changes in demographics, and technological advances.

Design of components is driven by production costs with little thought given to the aesthetic and potentially iconic role this prominent piece of street furniture plays on London’s streets.

considering stop button integrationconsidering stop button integration

5

Design process

At the top of the fl ag we moved the numbers to the opposite side of the post to improve visibility and fi ndability from distance (by sorting numbers vertically). The numbers now also illuminate if a stop request has been made.

Local bus stops are often found in quiet residential areas; as a result the audio alerts are directed downwards from a directional speaker located at the top of the post, and alerts can be quietened or turned off at night-time if required.

bus stop fl ag developmentbus stop fl ag development

R

Bounds Green Station

towards Alexandra Palace or Muswell Hill

BUS STOP

102

184

299

R

Bounds Green Station

towards Alexandra Palace or Muswell Hill

BUS STOP

102

184

299

145

169

345

R

Ilford Central Library

Goodmayes or Romfordtowards

BUS STOPPING

169145 345

12886 129

R



BUS STOP

551366 920

169145 345

12886 129

R



BUS STOP

551366 920

169145 345

12886 129

BUS STOPPING

R



BUS STOPPING

551366

169145 345

12886 129

R



BUS STOP

551366

169145 345

12886 129

And buses terminating in Ilford

R



BUS STOP

551366 920

169145 345

12886 129

R



BUS STOP

551366 920

169145 345

12886 129

BUS STOPPING

R



BUS STOPPING

551366

169145 345

12886 129

R



BUS STOP

551366

169145 345

12886 129

And buses terminating in Ilford

considering how a ‘stop’ might be recordedconsidering how a ‘stop’ might be recorded

Design process

6

Design: TimetableThe other major change is to the timetables on the post.

The current timetable area is designed around the width of an A4 sheet of paper (allowing for easy replacement), with up to 9 sheets of A4 over 3 panels, per post. By removing this constraint and using a screen and real-time information, we were able to drastically simplify the information being displayed.

Current timetables indicate approximate bus times throughout a day, but passengers typically only want to know how many minutes until their next bus arrives (this feature is now available at some bus stops with TfL’s ‘Countdown’ service, but there is scope for improvement by sorting by route, for example). We also considered some passengers may wish to check fi rst and last services. We therefore focused on displaying the most relevant information, and presented this in several ways to accommodate regular users and those unfamiliar with the routes.

Considering our audience and expected use by several people at once, apart from the ‘stop’ buttons, there is no user interaction; this was deliberate considering the diverse user base and the fact it should be able to be used by as many people as possible at once. The most important information is presented at a much larger text size than the current timetable. It was also important that the display does not look like another screen (associated with obtrusive advertising), so it is intended to be a high-resolution e-ink screen which looks more like paper and works very well in outdoor conditions, including direct sunlight. The lack of glare helps it fi t in with the residential surroundings, and is more likely to be appreciated by visually impaired users.

EvaluationAs we iterated the design, continuous evaluation against the personas with a particular focus on accessibility helped greatly: addressing accessibility helped improve the experience for all (for example: incorporating audio and visual alerts, using the e-ink screen, increasing text sizes, etc.).

(Note: the next step would be to conduct user testing of this design, but this wasn’t part of the scope of this project.)

Current timetable panes cram in as much information as possible, most of which would be irrelevant if real-time information was available.

Routes are shown in tiny diagonally-oriented text which is hard to read.

Unused panels are fi lled up with aggressive messages about anti-social behaviour or penalties for travelling without a valid ticket.

existing timetable design opportunitiesexisting timetable design opportunities

Design process

7

57Buses towards Clapham Park

MAYOR OF LONDON

463Buses towards Pollards Hill

Fairfield Bus Station

Kingston / Eden Street

Cromswell Rd Bus Station

Norbiton Church

Kingston Hospital

Coombe Lane Traps Lane

Raynes Park

Wimbledon

South Wimbledon

Merton Bus Garage

Colliers Wood

Tooting Broadway

St Leonard’s Church

Streatham Hill

Telford Avenue

Clapham Park Atkins Rd

10 mins

journey times are based on latest travel information

You are here

15 mins

18 mins

20 mins

24 mins

39 mins

45 mins

47 mins

50 mins

Next buses:

1st 3 mins

2nd 12 mins

due in

due in

3rd 20 minsdue in

Traffic conditions on this route are currently good

is busy

is busy

is over-crowded

last updated at 12:47

Buses run approximately every 7-10 minutes

Last bus departs around 00:15

N208 Buses from this stop towards Clapham Park

Fairfi

eld B

us St

ation

Kingsto

n / Ed

en St

reet

Cromsw

ell R

d Bus

Stat

ion

Norbito

n Chu

rch

Kingsto

n Hosp

ital

Coombe Lan

e Trap

s Lan

e

Raynes

Park

Wim

bledon

Sout

h Wim

bledon

Merto

n Bus

Gara

ge

Colliers

Wood

Tootin

g Bro

adway

St Le

onard’s

Churc

h

Stre

atha

m Hill

Telfo

rd A

venue

Clapha

m Park

Atkins R

d

10 15 18 20 24 39 45 47 50off peak journey time in minutes

You are here

STOP REQUESTED

last updated at 12:47 First bus: 05:35 (tomorrow)

Last bus: 00:12 (this evening)

Buses run every 7-10 mins

Minor delays are reported on this route


Wimbledon

1st

2nd

3rd

13 mins

17 mins

Wimbledon

Seats available

25 mins

Maximum capacity. Please board the following bus if possible.

Destination due in

MAYOR OF LONDON

H79

due

1st

112

3 mins

2nd

68

3 mins

3rd

102

3 minsseats upstairs

available

299

duestanding only

occupied

299

2 minsseats available

available

considering how to simplify timetables by focussing on the most important details

N208 Buses from this stop towards Clapham Park

last updated at 12:47

Fairfi

eld B

us St

ation

Kingsto

n / Ed

en St

reet

Cromsw

ell R

d Bus

Stat

ion

Norbito

n Chu

rch

Kingsto

n Hosp

ital

Coombe Lan

e Trap

s Lan

e

Raynes

Park

Wim

bledon

Sout

h Wim

bledon

Merto

n Bus

Gara

ge

Colliers

Wood

Tootin

g Bro

adway

St Le

onard’s

Churc

h

Stre

atha

m Hill

Telfo

rd A

venue

Clapha

m Park

Atkins R

d

10 15 18 20 24 39 45 47 50off peak journey time in minutes

You are here

STOP REQUESTED


Wimbledon

1st

2nd

3rd

13 mins

8 mins

WimbledonSeats available

17 mins

Maximum capacity. Please board the following bus if possible.

Minor delays are reported on this routeSTOP REQUESTED

First bus: 05:35 (tomorrow)




TfL’s current ‘countdown’ systemTfL’s current ‘countdown’ system

adding real-time information about bus status (including seating)bus status (including seating)

examining glanceable, visually appealing ways to display next bus information (that might even be a bit fun!)might even be a bit fun!)

vertical routes facilitate comprehension

taking inspiration from TfL’s vertical ‘spider maps’: how could these be improved using live data?

8

Final design

The fi nal design proposal is presented on the following pages.

Grounded in our initial user research, the storyboard (opposite) details how the new design can improve the experience for one passenger on an off-peak journey.

The fi nal design proposal is presented

Grounded in our initial user research, the storyboard (opposite) details how the new design can improve the experience for one passenger on an off-peak journey.

9

Storyboard: Passenger sets off to meet a friendStoryboard | Passenger sets off to meet a friend

3. She presses the ‘Stop’ button for her bus, as the corresponding number at the top of the post lights up

2. She glances at the timetable to see her next bus is 8 minutes away

1. A woman walks to her local bus stop

5. A sound alert indicates the bus is due 6. The driver sees the number is lit and pulls over, allowing the passenger to board

4. The woman goes to sit down in the shelter and read her newspaper

Storyboard

4. Traditional aesthetic and unobtrusive designThe post, fl ag, and timetable display have been designed in accordance with TfL’s brand guidelines and with careful consideration of the iconic history of London’s buses. The route numbers are positioned in a vertical orientation on the other side of the fl ag, to enable easy scanning and comprehension of routes available. The unit is in keeping with TfL’s familiar aesthetic and could easily be rolled out onto London’s bus network without confusing users.

5. High resolution, high contrast, colour E-ink displayThe display uses E-ink technology which performs well outdoors including in direct sunlight (comparable to paper). Unlike bright, backlit LCD screens, it is unobtrusive and particularly suitable for use in residential areas. It is a low-power display, and can easily be updated remotely. The deliberate lack of touch screen input allows the display to be viewed at the same time by several passengers.

Key features

1. Real-time informationBus times are updated using actual bus location data, meaning timetable information is accurate and relevant.

2. Innovative timetable and map designOnly the most salient information is shown, so that passengers can quickly view details of their next bus, at a glance. Times are sorted by route and actual bus positions are indicated on the map. Simple graphics are used to aid quick comprehension. Sections are modular and scalable, allowing for roll-out across multiple bus stops.

illuminated route numbers

stop

request buttons

e-ink display

3. Route-specifi c stop buttonsNo need to be on constant lookout for the bus! Passengers can request their bus to stop by pressing a button when they arrive at the bus stop. Route numbers at the top of the post illuminate accordingly, which alerts the driver so that passengers can then relax in the knowledge their bus will not pass by. Other users can also quickly see if their bus has already been requested.

10

7. Addresses needs of all usersAccessibility has been considered from the start (in accordance with UK/UN bus stop design and accessibility guidelines) in order to improve the experience for all passengers. This includes the inclusion of the ‘Stop’ buttons, the physical attributes and small footprint, the positioning of the screen, the tactile quality of the buttons with raised numbers, Braille and lighting to indicate a ‘press’, the location of the information on the screen, how the information is displayed, and having both audio (high-frequency directional speakers) and visual feedback.

8. Safe, robust andanti-vandal designThe display is housed in a strong protective case, with rounded edges to minimise the risk of accidental injury (particularly to young children). The post design is based on existing proven and reliable infrastructure.

9. Environmentally friendly, low cost, and low maintenanceRecycled aluminium is used for the fl ag and post; use of existing infrastructure and materials where possible minimises cost and additional wastage. Remote updating of the display reduces the need to update timetables or other information in person. Automatic error detection and reporting allows maintenance personnel to be dispatched only when necessary.

6. Excellent integration with existing infrastructureFlags, route numbers and screens can be easily attached to existing street furniture (such as street lights) to minimise clutter and cost. Components can also be fi tted to TfL’s standard bus stop posts, and are compatible with solar power units.

fl ag

with solar panel

Key features

directional speakers

11

299


available

184


available

102

You are here Bounds Green

184

299

Brownlow Road Bowes Road

2 mins

Powys Lane Broomfield Lane

3 mins

Cannon Hill Selbourne Road

7 mins

Albert Road Victoria Road

5 mins

Southgate11 mins

The Fairway16 mins

Bramley Road20 mins

FromCockfosters

23 mins

102 End of route

184 End of route

299End of route

FromEdmonton Green

23 mins

Angel Corner for Silver Street

17 mins

North Middlesex Hospital

13 mins

Edmonton Cambridge Roundabout

11 mins

Palmers Green Green Lanes

7 mins6 minsArnos Grove

9 minsBrookdale Hampden Way

13 minsHampden Square

19 minsEast Barnet Village

24 minsNew Barnet

30 minsHigh Barnet

32 minsBarnet Church

37 minsFrom Barnet

Chesterfield Road

6 minsAlexandra Park Road St. Andrew’s Church

10 minsMuswell Hill Broadway

Durnsford Road Albert Road

3 mins

24 minsHampstead Garden Suburb Market Place

28 minsHenlys Corner

40 minsHendon Way The Vale

44 minsPennine Drive

51 minsBrent Cross Shopping Centre

19 minsEast Finchley

35 minsGolders Green

Alexandra Palace9 mins

Wood Green12 mins

Turnpike Lane19 mins

MAYOR OF LONDON

102


available

Next buses arriving

Route map

London Buses

Buses to Muswell Hill and beyond

299

Muswell Hill Broadway1st 3 minsStanding room only

Bus to due in

Muswell Hill Broadway2nd 12 minsSeats available

Muswell Hill Broadway3rd 25 minsSeats available

towards Muswell Hill




STOP REQUESTED

102

Brent Cross Shopping Centre1st 7 minsSeats available

Bus to due in

Golders Green2nd 19 minsSeats available

Brent Cross Shopping Centre3rd 30 minsSeats available

towards Brent Cross




STOP REQUESTED

184

Alexandra Palace1st 4 minsMaximum capacity Please board the following bus if possible

Bus to due in

Turnpike Lane2nd 11 minsFew seats available

Turnpike Lane3rd 28 minsSeats available

towards Turnpike Lane





Muswell Hill Broadway1st 3 mins299

To DueBus

Alexandra Palace2nd 4 mins184

Brent Cross Shopping Cntr3rd 7 mins102

Turnpike Lane4th 11 mins184

Muswell Hill Broadway5th 12 mins299

Golders Green6th 19 mins102



Brent Cross Shopping Cntr9th 30 mins102

Display

4

1

23

12

13

Display features

102


184

299


2 mins


3 mins


7 mins


5 mins

Southgate11 mins

The Fairway16 mins

Bramley Road20 mins

FromCockfosters

23 mins

102 End of route

184 End of route

299End of route

FromEdmonton Green

23 mins


17 mins


13 mins


11 mins






24 minsNew Barnet

30 minsHigh Barnet


37 minsFrom Barnet

Chesterfield Road




3 mins









Wood Green12 mins


MAYOR OF LONDON

Next buses arriving

Route map

London Buses


299


Bus to due in







STOP REQUESTED

102

Brent Cross Shopping Centre1st 2 mins

Bus to due in

Golders Green2nd 6 mins


towards Brent Cross




STOP REQUESTED

184


Bus to due in









To DueBus









Severe delays are currently reported on this route

Maximum capacity Please board the following bus if possible

Few seats available

299


available

184


available

102


available

1. Countdown display

2. Route-specifi c timetables

Access to real-time data means much of the timetable information currently present at bus stops can be ignored. Passengers typically want to know when their next bus will arrive. This route-specifi c information is therefore given precedence on the display.

Bus numbers and bus direction is shown at the top, with buses listed by order of arrival. Other key elements are indicated as follows.

102


184

299


2 mins


3 mins


7 mins


5 mins

Southgate11 mins

The Fairway16 mins

Bramley Road20 mins

FromCockfosters

23 mins

102 End of route

184 End of route

299End of route

FromEdmonton Green

23 mins


17 mins


13 mins


11 mins






24 minsNew Barnet

30 minsHigh Barnet


37 minsFrom Barnet

Chesterfield Road




3 mins









Wood Green12 mins


MAYOR OF LONDON

Next buses arriving

Route map

London Buses


299


Bus to due in







STOP REQUESTED

102


Bus to due in



towards Brent Cross




STOP REQUESTED

184


Bus to due in









To DueBus











Few seats available

299


available

184


available

102


available

The top of the display features a traditional ‘countdown’ panel, showing the next buses in order of expected arrival. This is intended mainly for people who may be able to take multiple buses to a destination and want to quickly see which bus they should take and when it will arrive.

102


184

299


2 mins


3 mins


7 mins


5 mins

Southgate11 mins

The Fairway16 mins

Bramley Road20 mins

FromCockfosters

23 mins

102 End of route

184 End of route

299End of route

FromEdmonton Green

23 mins


17 mins


13 mins


11 mins






24 minsNew Barnet

30 minsHigh Barnet


37 minsFrom Barnet

Chesterfield Road




3 mins









Wood Green12 mins


MAYOR OF LONDON

Next buses arriving

Route map

London Buses


299


Bus to due in







STOP REQUESTED

102


Bus to due in



towards Brent Cross




STOP REQUESTED

184


Bus to due in









To DueBus











Few seats available

299


available

184


available

102


available

towards Brent Cross

A. A visual indicator on the display shows whether a bus has already been requested to stop. This information is also apparent from the fl ag and light status of the corresponding button.

towards Brent CrossBtowards Brent CrossSTOP REQUESTEDSTOP REQUESTED

A

Brent Cross Shopping Centre1stMaximum capacityMaximum capacityPlease board the following bus if possible

C

D

102


184

299


2 mins


3 mins


7 mins


5 mins

Southgate11 mins

The Fairway16 mins

Bramley Road20 mins

FromCockfosters

23 mins

102 End of route

184 End of route

299End of route

FromEdmonton Green

23 mins


17 mins


13 mins


11 mins






24 minsNew Barnet

30 minsHigh Barnet


37 minsFrom Barnet

Chesterfield Road




3 mins









Wood Green12 mins


MAYOR OF LONDON

Next buses arriving

Route map

London Buses


299


Bus to due in







STOP REQUESTED

102


Bus to due in



towards Brent Cross




STOP REQUESTED

184


Bus to due in









To DueBus











Few seats available

299


available

184


available

102


available

102 towards Brent CrossB. Space is available to show any route announcements, such as the current traffi c status and whether delays might be expected.

102


184

299


2 mins


3 mins


7 mins


5 mins

Southgate11 mins

The Fairway16 mins

Bramley Road20 mins

FromCockfosters

23 mins

102 End of route

184 End of route

299End of route

FromEdmonton Green

23 mins


17 mins


13 mins


11 mins






24 minsNew Barnet

30 minsHigh Barnet


37 minsFrom Barnet

Chesterfield Road




3 mins









Wood Green12 mins


MAYOR OF LONDON

Next buses arriving

Route map

London Buses


299


Bus to due in







STOP REQUESTED

102


Bus to due in



towards Brent Cross




STOP REQUESTED

184


Bus to due in









To DueBus











Few seats available

299


available

184


available

102


available



C. Bus occupancy levels and seating availability is indicated below each bus, so that passengers can know what to expect and take appropriate measures (such as deciding to wait for the second bus).

D. The only timetable information which does not relate to immediate travel is shown here: fi rst and last buses and an indication of frequency. Other information may be displayed in any shelter or would be available to access online (when planning travel).

102


184

299


2 mins


3 mins


7 mins


5 mins

Southgate11 mins

The Fairway16 mins

Bramley Road20 mins

FromCockfosters

23 mins

102 End of route

184 End of route

299End of route

FromEdmonton Green

23 mins


17 mins


13 mins


11 mins






24 minsNew Barnet

30 minsHigh Barnet


37 minsFrom Barnet

Chesterfield Road




3 mins









Wood Green12 mins


MAYOR OF LONDON

Next buses arriving

Route map

London Buses


299


Bus to due in







STOP REQUESTED

102


Bus to due in



towards Brent Cross




STOP REQUESTED

184


Bus to due in









To DueBus











Few seats available

299


available

184


available

102


available

14

Display features

4. At-a-glance indicator of nearest buses

5. Other display options

102


available

299

duestanding only

occupied

299


available

This bus stop is not in use.

The bottom of the display features a fun, visual indicator of buses en route to the stop. Buses closest to the left side of the screen are due to arrive next, with space to show all buses arriving in the next ten-minute period. Salient information is shown again: expected arrival times, and seat availability including wheelchair (or buggy) spaces (this is positioned at the bottom of the display where it is easiest to read by users in wheelchairs).

3. ‘Spider’ map with actual times and bus locations

TfL’s familiar ‘spider’-style map is reinvented with estimated arrival times now based on actual road conditions.

102


184

299


2 mins


3 mins


7 mins


5 mins

Southgate11 mins

The Fairway16 mins

Bramley Road20 mins

FromCockfosters

23 mins

102 End of route

184 End of route

299End of route

FromEdmonton Green

23 mins


17 mins


13 mins


11 mins






24 minsNew Barnet

30 minsHigh Barnet


37 minsFrom Barnet

Chesterfield Road




3 mins









Wood Green12 mins


MAYOR OF LONDON

Next buses arriving

Route map

London Buses


299


Bus to due in







STOP REQUESTED

102


Bus to due in



towards Brent Cross




STOP REQUESTED

184


Bus to due in









To DueBus











Few seats available

299


available

184


available

102


available

102


184

299


2 mins


3 mins


7 mins


5 mins

Southgate11 mins

The Fairway16 mins

Bramley Road20 mins

FromCockfosters

23 mins

102 End of route

184 End of route

299End of route

FromEdmonton Green

23 mins


17 mins


13 mins


11 mins






24 minsNew Barnet

30 minsHigh Barnet


37 minsFrom Barnet

Chesterfield Road




3 mins









Wood Green12 mins


MAYOR OF LONDON

Next buses arriving

Route map

London Buses


299


Bus to due in







STOP REQUESTED

102


Bus to due in



towards Brent Cross




STOP REQUESTED

184


Bus to due in









To DueBus











Few seats available

299


available

184


available

102


available

Unlike existing maps, greater detail of the route to the stop is now displayed, with visual indicators showing approximate bus locations and times until arrival.

The display is one unit, and therefore screen contents can be easily changed according to requirements. For example, if roadworks require the stop to be temporarily put out of service, the screen can be quickly and remotely updated to inform passengers, and a map of alternate bus stops could be displayed.

15

Next steps

Design considerations

Further iterations based on user testing and stakeholder feedback would be expected next steps but this was not in our original scope.

Some work refining the modularisation and scalability of the timetable and the number of displayable routes is recommended; with some tweaking we believe the timetable could accommodate up to 9 routes but it would be necessary to ensure additional complexity does not reduce at-a-glance ease of understanding.

With a larger number of routes displayed, better button configuration on the post would also be required to make sure buttons are logically placed and reachable by all users.

Technology

Our timetable design relies on colour e-ink screen technology which is not currently commercially available at this size. However, high resolution and high contrast 3-colour e-ink displays are now being used in several applications from digital price tags in supermarkets [1] to electronic billboards [2]. While full-colour displays are also available in commercial products such as e-readers [3] and smart watches [4], colours currently appear washed out compared to paper or LCD alternatives.

Companies like Amazon Liquavista [5], however, are aiming to change this and product demonstrations indicate improvements are progressing at a rapid pace; it is only a matter of time before large-scale commercial deployment.

We believe this project highlights one area where use of e-ink displays could bring huge improvements in service and user experience.

[1] ‘Here’s the flexible E Ink screen that could be in the 2014 Kindle.’ http://www.cnet.com/uk/news/heres-the-flexible-e-ink-screen-that-could-be-in-the-2014-kindle/

[2] ‘The Digital Ink billboard.’ http://www.gizmag.com/go/5655/

[3] E-ink Triton ePaper displays http://www.eink.com/display_products_triton.html

[4] Pebble smartwatches https://www.pebble.com

[5] Amazon Liquavista http://www.liquavista.com

Thank you for your interest in our project!

For more information please get in touch:

Bhavna Godhwani ([email protected])

Roey Izhaki ([email protected])

James Whittaker ([email protected])

2015-09

rethinking london’s local buses bus stop ﬂ ag 01 and post...

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