A Go Transit phone app concept to create an easy way for customers to find their destination.
Prototype available at the link below
Client Background
A division of Metrolinx, GO Transit is the regional public transit service for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, with routes extending to communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. We carry over 70 million passengers a year.
Since May 1967, GO Transit has evolved from a single GO Train line along Lake Ontario’s shoreline into an extensive network of train lines and bus routes. Since service began, more than a billion riders have taken the GO Train or Bus – to work or school, to go home, or for leisure activities. GO provides its passengers with safe, fast, reliable, comfortable service to downtown Toronto and other urban centres.
Personal Background
I have been riding with GO for almost four years now and have always found it difficult to find times, delays, and possible route options. When I started school at Humber College in September of 2015 I had a hard time finding my way around Etobicoke and how I would travel to school by car, bus, and trains. Eventually I found a way to do so with the GO website although it may not be the quickest way. My normal routine is to use Safari on my iPhone to search up the following times.
I often find this process very time consuming and there could be an easier way for students and overall commuters to find GO Transit information. A few years back there was an app that displayed only times for the GO trains but did not connect with the TTC buses or streetcars which I found very frustrating. Unfortunately after a few months of using it the app has vanished from the app store and was no longer available for use.
The Circumstance
I felt that this was a great opportunity to practice my UI/UX design skills as my portfolio mostly consists of advertising and editorial design. I felt that this project has given me a larger point of view and also I was able to use my own personal experience to make something useful for not only myself but others as well. A designer like myself was needed for this concept because of the simplicity and effective design is what can make travelling a much easier experience.
The Brief
For this self directed project I wanted to create something that I could relate to and understand why it’s effective. I knew off the bat that I wanted to create something surrounding GO Transit and their train schedules and Presto card.
Research Process
During the research process I started to write down some ideas as to what needed to be changed and what needed to be done in this process. These ideas included a much more consistent and effective schedule, latest news section, various maps, and a way to add money to your Presto card right through your phone.
These are all things that I have struggled with over the years as I have spent countless minutes waiting in line to fill my card while waiting for the train. I have used countless Safari tabs to search for train schedules and delays. I realized that there needed to be a one stop destination for all this information. This made me decide to create a mobile app for GO Transit in connection with TTC, MiWay, and other transportation companies in Ontario.
The next step was to lay out what needed to be done within the app through sketches and roughs. This process was helpful as I was able to understand what was effective before even creating digital files. Once this was complete I began the digital process. The digital process began in Photoshop as I started to design the login page, homepage, and the hamburger menu. This then allowed me to create connecting pages throughout such as schedules, maps, Presto, and favourites. During the digital rough phases I was able to get feedback from various students, GO users and my professor, Cornelius Quiring, who gave me feedback to make positive changes.
The Solution
The overall solution was to create something effective and one easy place to find everything you need to know when commuting to work, school, or home. My app is effective because I included many things that users have been wanting but havent recieved. Here are the following screens and why they are effective.
Home Page
Starting with the homepage I wanted to make sure the first thing available was the question “Where are you travelling to today?”. This is because the question is the one most asked when travelling and commuters need to know how and when they will reach their destination. Below this question and connection to the options page I included serval quick touch icons to help you find personal information, ticket prices, purchases, maps, favourites, and an icon to add money to your Presto card. Lastly, I wanted to include a newsfeed on the homepage which will allow users to find the latest information on delays and issues regarding transportation.
The home page leads to two important pages that allow you to find multiple options of travel. Here these screens allow you to see your options and favourite you choices for further reference on other days. The map included gives you a view of your stops and how you will reach your destination on time.
Menu
I wanted to focus on five main areas within the menu bar these include the following. A profile section to include Presto card information and account history regarding your destinations. A maps section which includes GO system maps and TTC transit maps from their official websites. These maps are familiar with users and I felt they would be effective within the app. A favourites section to allow users to favorite their routes to have easier access. A schedule section to find future destinations and a list of times. Lastly, a Presto section that focuses more on your account balance and an area to add funds.
Presto Screens
These screens will focus on your Presto information and give you an easier way to load money onto your card. You will also be able to tap your Presto right from your phone rather than carrying a card every time you travel because let's face it you will lose a card but never your phone. These screens will also help you stay on track with how much you are spending on commuting.
Other Screens
These secondary screens will be focused more on things that users have been wanting GO users to provide through an app. Such as maps and schedules that give you a quick and easy way to find times and directions. For those who do not own a Presto card and travel once a month can purchase tickets through the app and transfer the ticket to the iPhone Wallet app.
The Why
I created this app based on what I believe myself and other GO users need at this point in time. I have had many experiences with GO, some are negative but for the most part they are positive. The staff always seem to make me smile and enjoy my rides home after a long day of school. Sometimes the representative who works in the middle of the train has nice stories to tell on the way home and some just enjoy seeing familiar faces.
One instinct that made me realize why I love GO was the day the representative announced his daughter had just taken her first steps and he was overjoyed with happiness. I felt happy for him and his family and enjoyed hearing something that affected him. The people who work for GO have always made me feel a connection through happiness and laughter.I wish more companies were like GO due to the fact that they take their job seriously and provide us with the care we need. At the end of the day we are all human and just want to come home to those who we love.
The Client
Although this was a project solely on the experience of creating an app I wanted to use GO Transit because it's something I am familiar with and use every day. The company has always been a positive and safe way for me to arrive to my destination. I want to thank GO staff for always being professional and kind during my trips. Commuting is never fun but doing it with GO will always be my number one choice.
“I've spent so many years commuting, I kind of prefer a home office.” - Hillary Clinton
