Designing the Future of Campus Transit: App and Interactive HMI Screens for Autonomous Electric Shuttles
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.
Solution - Final Design
01
Colleague Ride-Sharing
Enable users to share rides with peers traveling to nearby buildings, making campus commutes more social, efficient, and collaborative
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02
Shuttle Unlock Process
Users can unlock the shuttle with one tap in the App or the can tap their badge on the car to unlock
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We promoted sustainability and user engagement by showing carbon and cost savings, and encouraging feedback through a simple rating and tag-based comment system.
Trip Summary & Feedback
03
Major HMI Interfaces
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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.
User Research
User Journey Map - Understanding the Users' Actions & Pain Points
By interviewing 10+ workers, we map the end-to-end user journey, highlighting key actions, pain points, and opportunities for design intervention.
Digging Deeper: User Insights from Interviews
With the user journey mapped out, we conducted interviews to validate our findings and uncover deeper motivations, frustrations, and opportunities that shaped our design direction.
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
From Insights to Action – Define 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.
Operational Efficiency
Promoting Relaxation & Productivity
Safety and Reliability
Integration with Campus Life
Bringing Goals to Life - Ideation & Affinity Mapping
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
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​ users can choose group booking, recurring booking, etc.
Personalized In-Shuttle Activity
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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)
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
Book a ride, review riding experience
Mobile App
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Shuttle HMI (interactive screen on shuttle)
Activities that passengers can explore on shuttle
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From Features to Flow – User Flow Diagram
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
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
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Conducting extensive interviews and surveys to gather more nuanced data.
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Utilizing focus groups from various demographics to ensure inclusivity.
Scalable Tech Integration
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Integrate with smart campus infrastructure for more harmonious operation within the campus ecosystem.
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Explore V2X (vehicle-to-everything) communication capabilities for enhanced safety and efficiency.
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