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In the process of Obtaining a driving license here in Dubai, During my final test, I encountered an unusual route near the driving school that inspired me to make a proposal comprised of some solutions and suggestions that led to a complete transformation of that particular road!
Obtaining a driving license in Dubai is difficult. The rigorous process involves five stages, each with its own demanding test. Despite my extensive experience, over a decade of driving manual cars in my home country and a couple of months with automatic cars (which are much simpler) in Dubai, I faced unexpected difficulties during my final test. While I won't dwell on the fairness of those experiences, I want to share the whole process that led to the road transformation
Previous Design Description
Confusing U-turn
I made a simple animation to show how the road is supposed to work.
If you are in the right lane (Green Car), you have to go straight and cross the other road that has cars coming from the right, and then complete your turn!
It is mandatory to come to a full stop before the stop line (even if there are no upcoming vehicles). Vigilantly observe for any oncoming traffic. If the road is clear, proceed straight ahead, and then finalize your turn
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My Personal Experience
Navigating a Confusing U-Turn Point
1. Lack of Clear Markings
As I approached the U-turn area, confusion set in. Although I knew I was at the right place (thanks to my instructor’s guidance), I couldn’t recognize the outer lines of the road.
This lack of clear markings led me to complete my U-turn in the left lane, which turned out to be the wrong lane. I had expected it to be like any other U-turn.
2. Missing Signage
Surprisingly, there were no signboards. I expected to see at least a stop sign.
The absence of clear road markings compounded the challenge, leaving me uncertain about the correct path.
3. Navigating an Unfamiliar Double U-Turn
To make matters more confusing, this location featured a double U-turn. I struggled to choose the right path.
4. Missed the Stop Line
I unintentionally missed the stop line while attempting the U-turn. Despite my best efforts, I failed to notice it in time
After finishing my test, I found myself reviewing my driving exam experience. I realized I had completed a U-turn from an incorrect lane, despite my instructor’s previous caution. He had specifically mentioned an unusual route that when making a U-turn from the right lane, one must ensure to complete the turn within the farthest right lane designated for their direction of travel.
How did I make this mistake despite my instructor’s caution?!
There must be something wrong!
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Designing for Real-Life Scenarios
Insights from Driving Tests
I was in the car with two other students and the examiner.
I Unintentionally became an observer. My designer's eye kicked in, and I started analyzing how students as road users interacted with the environment.
The road itself became my canvas, a living usability test. How did people approach it? What cues did they follow? Where did confusion arise?
Just like an existing product, one that needed a usability overhaul.
Just as designers conduct usability tests, I found myself immersed in a similar process. I observed, noted, and empathized with other students' struggles.
My own failed attempts at the final test made me aware of the road's flaws. I could describe the frustration and confusion.
Perhaps, as a designer, I could be the catalyst for change. I envisioned ideation sessions, research dives, and innovative solutions.
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My observations
Challenges Faced by Road Users at the U-Turn Point
1. Confusion Regarding Directions
A common problem was confusion about the correct direction to take at the U-turn. Some road users hesitated, unsure of where to go next.
2. Incorrect Lane
Some drivers completed U-turns in the incorrect lane. This behavior posed safety risks and disrupted the flow of traffic also led to failed driving tests.
3. Missed Stop Lines
Road users frequently missed the stop line at the U-turn point. This oversight not only created hazardous situations but also led to failed driving tests.
4. Stopped in the Middle of U-Turn Lanes
One road user struggled to choose between the left and right lanes during their U-turn. As a result, they ended up stopping midway in between, causing hazardous situations and delays for other vehicles also led to failed driving tests.
5. Unnecessary Stops Caused Slow Traffic Flow
Despite no oncoming vehicles from the right side, traffic flow was slow. Road users had to stop because they needed to have a complete stop before every stop line.
6. Missed Stop Lines Despite Lane Change
Interestingly, even when road users were instructed to change to the left lane before the U-turn, some still missed the stop line but they didn’t have a problem completing their U-turn in the correct lane.
The road was not only confusing but also hazardous for road users leading to the slowdown of traffic and the failure of many skilled drivers and students in their driving tests, myself included. This was particularly dangerous because it’s an industrial area full of heavy vehicles.
However, I passed my test (4th attempt) already but I couldn’t be aware and do nothing about that road.
Now I needed to dig into the industry, do some research and check their best practices and solutions to be able to solve the problem in the best way I can.
What I discovered was quite valuable. This manual provided the insight I needed.
Photo taken for reference
It looks like an unusual T junction with a double U-turn and no traffic light, Stop sign or enough signboard, road marking and painting
Intuitive Design
Ensuring Clarity and Safety in User Interfaces and Roadways
User interface design should aim to create intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. If we want to experiment with new and unconventional ideas, we have to be very careful to provide clear and helpful guidance to our users throughout their experience so they don't get lost. This is even more crucial for road design because if our users get confused, it can be fatal.
That's why road markings and paintings are very important. They should be clear and visible.
That's why road markings and paintings are very important. They should be clear and visible.
Grasped problems according to my personal experience and my observations
Analysis
Understanding The Problem
Confused Road Users
Road users often face confusion and uncertainty due to:
1. Lack of Guidance: The absence of signboards and road markings leads to uncertainty in navigation.
2. Complex U-turn: The presence of double U-turns complicates the driving experience.
3. Unconventional Layout: An unfamiliar road design can disorient even the most attentive drivers.
This often results in drivers overlooking U-turn signs painted on the road surface and missing the crucial stop line.
Safety Risks
The combination of an unneeded intersection with a double U-turn can lead to disorientation among drivers, increasing the risk of accidents.
Slow Traffic Flow
The presence of unnecessary double U-turns and poorly placed stop lines slows down traffic.
Drivers are not anticipating a stop line in such a location, which contributes to traffic congestion.
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Accident scenario
Confused driver
Imagine a heavy truck navigating this road, its driver scanning for directions with uncertainty. Abruptly, a blue car speeds along the same path, coming towards the truck that’s now caught in the intersection’s halfway. Of course, it's not the worst scenario!
It's an industrial area full of heavy vehicles and this unusual double U-turn intersection can cause hazardous or deadly situations
Design Declaration
Considerations For New Solutions
1. Minimize Intersections
Streamline traffic by reducing unnecessary crossroads.
2. Simplify Interfaces
Avoid unfamiliar interfaces, such as combining double U-turns with T intersections.
3. Enhance Traffic Flow
Eliminate needless stops to facilitate smoother traffic flow.
4. Improve Signage
Implement more intuitive signs and visual indicators.
5. Amplify Road Markings
Prioritize the visibility of road markings, particularly in complex junction areas.
External factor
Road user's behavior and stop lines
In all these years of having my license in my country and even after moving to Dubai, it's obvious that road users do not obey to have a complete stop before stop lines
Relying only on a stop line in this confusing design can cause hazardous situations
We had 4 roads that went and merged into 2 roads, and their solution was to make an intersection with a double U-turn
As I was digging into the ideation process, I crafted these strategies and soon realized that the ideal approach, which resonates with my design principles and considerations, would require modifications to both sides of the roadway. However, upon reviewing the geometric design manual, I’m aware that such changes might increase challenges and potentially cause higher costs.
I don’t know the reason but I just stopped myself from developing this option to change both sides and removed it completely from my list, probably because I considered a small chance for this road transformation
I was thinking that I need to fix this road and be careful not to go too far by making some big changes and costly solutions. they are not going to listen to me!
Anyway, I crafted a proposal with four redesign options, prioritizing affordability.
I ranked my suggestions from the lowest to the highest cost, so the most economical option simply needs the removal of certain blocks and new road markings.
This is a conceptual design that illustrates some possible ways to improve the existing road layout. It does not reflect the exact dimensions or geometry of the road. The actual measurements and distances should be determined by following the standards and procedures of the road engineers.
The first solution aims for minimal changes, enhancing clarity with additional road markings. The second solution is more strategic, addressing the specific challenge of easing tension at a potential conflict point for vehicles.
The third solution incorporates a stop sign and a designated safe distance for U-turns in the middle of the boulevard, offering a familiar and safer design. The fourth solution further improves upon this by simplifying the design, merging two lanes into a single lane for the U-turn, thereby reducing confusion and enhancing the flow of traffic
Final Result
The Redesigned Road
However, I cannot be certain if I led them to the comprehensive solution or if they
independently chose it, I’m genuinely pleased with the outcome. the most important thing
is that the road was fixed with an effective solution.
Before / After
Graphical Design
Before / After
Photos
Usability Testing
In-Vehicle Observation
During the usability testing phase, I observed 8 student's interactions and performance personally in the vehicle while they completing their final test and also a couple of other students and road users while standing at the roadside to gather comprehensive data on user experience.
Target Audience
Road users of Industrial area location
The primary users of this road are employees and laborers from various companies and factories, many driving heavy vehicles. Additionally, this includes students and staff of the local driving school.
Duration
Design process and execution
The entire design process except the observation and research phase, was finalized within an impressive period of just three days.
Remarkably, the authorities began to work on the road just a day after receiving my design proposal.
Before / After
Graphical Animations
Here's a simple animation to show how safer and smoother is the traffic flow after the road design transformation.
The redesigned road has not only enhanced safety but also significantly improved traffic flow, making it approximately four times more efficient (Based on this particular scenario).
The comparison is demonstrated through animations, all six vehicles driving through the intersection at identical speeds and in the same sequence for both the 'Before' and 'After' animations. In the previous design, it took vehicles about 40 seconds to complete their journey, while it takes 10 seconds in the new design.
In my initial sketches, I considered a solution that has merging on both sides of the road. However, I excluded it from my proposal, fearing that the high cost of calculating the necessary angles and geometry might deter attention from my suggestions. To my surprise, the authorities opted for this comprehensive approach and started to work on the road after one day! resulting in a transformation of both sides of the road. I couldn’t imagine that they would change even both roadsides to achieve the best and safest solution and I’m glad that they did it.
The result is impressive. the road looks much better and safer and the traffic flows more smoothly. I'm very happy that I could make a good change.
A big shoutout to the authorities for their rapid and exceptional work in fixing the road.
If you ever come to Dubai, I can show you the location and you can drive your car on that road I changed! ;)
