SMRT STARis display redesign
No more squinting. This is the glow-up your commute needed.
The SMRT STARiS Display Redesign Project was a collaborative effort between a team of designers as part of one of our User Research modules. The goal was to provide a more user-friendly and efficient display system that will improve the overall user experience and make it easier for commuters to access information.
Problem
As seen in the picture above, the current SMRT STARiS displays present several challenges for commuters, including small text size, poor contrast, inconsistent font usage, and ineffective split screen layouts. These issues lead to confusion and frustration, especially during busy transit periods. The outdated interface and disjointed font styles, combined with poorly utilized split screens, make it difficult for users to quickly read and understand important information.
Solution
To enhance the user experience and accessibility, the SMRT STARiS display needs a comprehensive redesign that addresses these readability problems, standardizes font usage, and optimizes split screen functionality, delivering a modern, intuitive, and user-friendly interface.
Split-Screen Layout
Issue: Poorly designed split screens divide information in a way that can be confusing or disorganized, making it hard for users to find relevant details.
Impact: Inefficient use of screen space can lead to information overload or missing critical updates, impacting user navigation and experience.
Inconsistent Font Usage
Issue: The use of multiple fonts creates a disjointed visual experience and can confuse users about the hierarchy and importance of information.
Impact: Inconsistency in fonts makes it harder for users to quickly interpret and prioritize information, affecting overall comprehension.
Limited Stop Information
Issue: Only a few stops are displayed, making it hard for users to gauge how many stops they have left on their journey.
Impact: This lack of comprehensive information can lead to uncertainty and anxiety about their remaining travel time and stops.
Missing SMRT Branding
Issue: The display lacks SMRT’s distinctive font branding and color palette, resulting in a disconnect from the company's visual identity.
Impact: This absence of branding diminishes the cohesiveness and recognition of SMRT’s identity, potentially affecting brand perception and user trust.
After the project kickoff, we defined our research strategy and objectives. Understanding the target audience and their challenges were our priority. We interviewed users through google forms about the current SMRT STARiS Display to find out what can be improved on the current design. We managed to interview a total of 18 users and gotten some feedback from them which were useful towards our research.
Many users have reported that the SMRT STARiS Display is challenging to understand. They also find that the information provided is often unclear, making it difficult for them to navigate effectively when exiting the train. Overall, our interviews reveal that a significant number of users are dissatisfied with the current SMRT STARiS Display.
To gain a deeper understanding of our users' goals, needs, experiences, and behaviors, we developed 4 distinct personas representing different age groups and demographics, reflecting the diverse range of individuals who use the SMRT STARiS Display.
These personas were created based on comprehensive user interviews and surveys, and were continually refined throughout the project as we collected additional data. We utilized these personas to gain perspective, challenge our initial assumptions, and ensure that our design solutions addressed the needs of all user segments effectively.
User Flow
User Journey Map
Final Prototype:
Note: For the best experience, please interact with the prototype by clicking full screen.