Challenge
As part of the Design Research class at California College of the Arts, the proposed challenge to the class was to improve the user experience of Elon Musk’s HyperLoop transportation system.
We were split into teams and given 14 weeks to figure out what a positive HyperLoop experience needs to offer – As a team, we specifically developed a new financial transaction system that streamlined purchases through a whole travel journey. As we imagined what a typical journey would be like on the HyperLoop, we thought through where it would fail to impress or fall flat for a rider.
Insights
We interviewed potential users and helped them imagine riding the HyperLoop, without biasing them one way or the other. We had to help them make relevant comparisons, perhaps to BART or air travel, and then help them project their feelings to the HyperLoop.
Our primary focus was:
How can we streamline financial transactions for ticketing and other amenities at the Hyperloop station?
Key Findings
1. Evidence. People want evidence. They are more likely to use a new payment technology if someone has recommended it to them or it has been proven to work well first.
2. Unique. People want an unique experience in Hyperloop.
3. Spending. People are conscious of spending too much money if they are using new technology. People like control and feedback when paying.
4. Safety. People feel their information is unsafe when technology becomes too advanced regardless if transaction efficiency is increased.
Prototyping
After interviewing potential users and non-users, we moved on to the next challenge: prototype a solution to any pain points or problems we discovered from our insights. We asked and tested three prototypes on fellow design students:
Band pay– a wearable device
Sticker pay– a wearable device that was connected to an app on your smart phone
App pay– a downloaded app on the traveler's smart phone.
Solution
A safe, easy, and exclusive payment experience any traveler could use on HyperLoop.
