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Designing the Future of Campus Transit: Autonomous Electric Shuttles Enhanced by App and Interactive HMI Screens for an Optimized Commute Experience

CampusAuto introduces an autonomous electric shuttles that provide efficient, comfortable, and on-demand travel between office buildings on the campus. An intuitive mobile app with features such as real-time shuttle tracking, estimated pick-up times, and route optimization helps employees to instantly book a shuttle, while HMI screens on each shuttle allow passengers to control their environment, select entertainment options, or engage with work-related functions during their ride. 

Project Type

Mobile Application,

In-Shuttle HMI

(Human-Machine Interface)

My Contribution

UX research, Prototyping,

UI design,

Design Iteration

Duration

Nov 2023 - Feb 2024

Problem Statement

Employees are unable to either relax or engage in work-related tasks under traditional commuting methods between office buildings.

The traditional methods of commuting between various office buildings can be time-consuming due to the wait times for public shuttles or the inconvenience of walking long distances, particularly in inclement weather or when carrying work materials. Moreover, the lack of readily available transportation can lead to delays in meetings, reduced productivity, and a decrease in opportunities for informal collaboration among employees from different buildings.

 

Without access to technology and comfort, employees are unable to either relax or engage in work-related tasks while transitioning from one location to another. This gap in time management can be crucial, especially in a fast-paced, innovative environment where every minute counts.

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Final Design

Solution - Final Design

Booking a ride on phone

We designed the colleague ride-sharing feature for ride booking on our App. Our research indicated that many users need to commute to other buildings on campus with colleagues. By facilitating ride-sharing with colleagues, we address the need for a more connected and communal travel experience, where users can socialize, collaborate, or simply enjoy the company of their peers.

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Shuttle Unlock Process

During our interview, many interviewees mentioned that they have packed schedules so they do not want to waste time navigating through screens to unlock the shuttle. 

As a result, we design a simple unlock process, users can unlock the shuttle with one tap in the App or the can tap their badge on the car to unlock. 

Major HMI Interfaces

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Rating System & User Engagement : 

A simple start rating and pre-defined comment tags invites users to engage with the service by giving feedback, making them feel heard and valued.

Environmental & Financial Awareness: 

By quantifying the savings in carbon emissions and costs, it incentivizes continued use of the service.

Trip Summary & Feedback

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Night Time Theme

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Acknowledging that not all users commute during the day, a nighttime view caters to those who may be traveling late or working night shifts, showing consideration for the diverse routines of the campus community.

Discover

User Research

Why autonomous shuttle?

Employee Satisfaction: According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), job satisfaction can be heavily influenced by the ease of commute.

Market Trends: The autonomous vehicle market is rapidly growing, with Allied Market Research forecasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39.5% from 2019 to 2026. Being an early adopter in this space could provide competitive advantages.

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User Insights - Persona & User Journey Map

However, today's commute system does not meet the workers' need for an efficient and comfortable transportation experience.

By interviewing 10+ workers, we uncover common behaviors and pain points that these commuters share. These insights are crystallized in the map, which identifies key emotional and procedural moments where workers who need to commute to different buildings feel frustrated due to the inadequacy of the current system to provide a streamlined, informative, and flexible commuting experience.

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Define

KEY INSIGHTS

Through the in-depth interviews, participants shared insights regarding their experiences, the data allowed us to gain a deep understanding of user behaviors & perceptions. also helped in identifying the challenges they face when it comes to commuting between campus. 

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Inside the shuttle, it's about personal space. I'd want adjustable seats, personalized AC control, and the quiet I need to focus on work or relax.

I have a packed schedule and every minute counts, so when I have to navigate through several screens just to book a ride, it's wasting time I don't have.

When I'm on the ride, I'm kind of stuck. It's not comfortable enough to do work or even just relax and listen to music. 

Jamal Adams

Alex Johnson

Chen Wei

PRODUCT GOALS

Based on the interview, we identify four major product goals of our self-driving EV shuttle service: create an onboard environment that enables riders to unwind or stay productive; making sure the shuttle's safety and reliability; enhancing workers' working efficiency; and making shuttle service should be deeply integrated with other campus services and schedules.

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Operational Efficiency

Promoting Relaxation & Productivity

Safety and Reliability

Integration with Campus Life

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How might we craft an app and In-Shuttle HMI (Human-Machine Interface) that offer safe, efficient, and relaxing commutes, perfectly in tune with campus life?

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Set a "call for support" feature that users can click on anytime

Flexible Booking Options

​    users can choose group          booking, recurring                  booking, etc.

Personalized In-Shuttle Activity

                 HMI that can be                           personalized or work or               leisure, offering calming               visuals, music options, or             productivity apps

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Use company badge or work card to unlock shuttle

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Show the shuttle state (leaving time, estimated arrival time, current position, target location)

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In-Shuttle Safety Support

Integration with Campus Life

Efficient Shuttle Unlock Process

HMI displaying campus news, updates, and social feeds, helping passengers stay connected with campus life on the go

Show the shuttle state (leaving time, estimated arrival time, current position, target location)

Clear Shuttle Information on App

Ideate

Affinity Map Diagram

User Flow Diagram

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Book a ride, review riding experience

Mobile App

Shuttle HMI (interactive screen on shuttle)

Activities that passengers can explore on shuttle

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Wireframe

In our design process, the wireframes provide the visual roadmap that guide decisions and layout and functionality of both mobile app and in-shuttle HMI.

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Reflections

Reflections

Solution Overview:

CampusAuto is designed to meet the commute needs of workers. We aims to cater to workers to seek an efficient, eco-friendly, and tech-forward means of navigating the campus landscape. CampusAuto's core offering is a fleet of autonomous electric shuttles that integrate cutting-edge navigation systems, robust safety features, and a user-friendly mobile app for seamless ride scheduling and real-time vehicle tracking.

What Can be Improved In the Future?

Expand User Experience Research

  • Conducting extensive interviews and surveys to gather more nuanced data.

  • Utilizing focus groups from various demographics to ensure inclusivity.

Scalable Tech Integration

  • Integrate with smart campus infrastructure for more harmonious operation within the campus ecosystem.

  • Explore V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication capabilities for enhanced safety and efficiency.

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