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Lafayette Shuttle

UX Research - UX Design - Visual Design

A mobile app interface that makes the booking and use of shuttle services to and from Purdue a simple process.

Roles

Researcher

Designer

​

Tools

Figma

Duration

16 weeks

This design is focused on the idea of creating a mobile app interface that makes the booking and use of shuttle services to and from Purdue a simple process, with features that reassure students that they booked a series of transfers that worked logistically, providing users with ease of access.

Target User Group

Purdue Students and staff who use shuttle services often.

The Problem

Students often use the shuttle services to and from Purdue quite frequently over the holidays each year. Most of them find it quite frustrating to go through the process of booking the right shuttle, available shuttles, time, and the number of stops, all the way until receiving the reservation confirmation from booking on the website(s). 

  • Users who travel for long holidays often rely on shuttle services.

  • The process is lengthy and cumbersome due to outdated websites.

  • Many websites lack proper reservation pages and notification systems for shuttle ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival).

The Goal

The goal was to redesign the shuttle booking experience for Purdue students and staff by creating a mobile app interface. The app aimed to simplify the process of booking and using shuttle services between Purdue and major travel hubs (like O'Hare and Indianapolis), addressing common frustrations with current shuttle service websites and apps

 

The Approach​​​

  • Conducting user research: including heuristic evaluations and interviews, to identify pain points with existing shuttle services.

  • Developing design concepts: concepts integrating various shuttle services into a single app to enhance usability.

  • Refining the designs based on user feedback: with a focus on accessibility, user-friendly interactions, and streamlined processes.

  • Incorporating features: such as a booking system, shuttle tracking, and reservation management to ensure a seamless and pleasant user experience.

Research Insights

​​​1. User Experience Challenges:

  • Users struggle with multiple outdated websites that are difficult to navigate.

  • Lack of a centralized platform leads to confusion and inefficiencies in booking.

3. Identified Pain Points:

  • Lengthy processes hinder quick and easy access to shuttle reservations or any information.

  • Existing shuttle service websites do not provide timely updates or clear booking options.

2. User Needs:

  • Users desire a more aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly shuttle service.

  • There is a strong need for an effective reservation and notification system to enhance convenience.

4. Opportunity:

  • A one-stop shop/unified app that integrates various shuttle services, which could improve the user experience significantly.

  • Users would benefit from features that simplify the booking processes and provide real-time updates.

Design Concept

Homepage

Booking

Reservation

Checkout

Challenges

  • Logo Representation: The current Purdue logo feels mainstream and indifferent; a more relevant logo representing shuttles would enhance brand identity.

  • Homepage Information: Displaying the number of passengers on the homepage is unnecessary and may clutter the user experience until after booking. 

  • Navigation Clarity: The navigation bar appears to be overcrowded; implementing a hamburger menu connected to the logo could streamline access to features.

  • Checkout Page Functionality: Including a tracker on the checkout page complicates the process; it should be a separate page focused solely on personal details and payment.

  • Tracking Method: Using QR codes is preferable to barcodes for ease of data embedding, allowing users to track shuttles through a simple hyperlink button.

Final Design

Take a look at this final design as a user of the Lafayette Shuttle app!

 

Maxi is a Junior at Purdue University, and she finds herself traveling home during long breaks to be with her family. However, she always found it pretty frustrating to go on the shuttle service website and make a reservation, since they are almost always down, unreliable, and complicated to find anything.

Selecting the Pick-Up and Drop-Off Locations

Scheduling the Shuttle

Reserving the Shuttle

Boarding the Shuttle

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