How can design research improve public transportation?

I think that, objectively identifying the problem(s) with the aim to understand it should be the first step. The general mistake is usually assumption, especially if you've been a commuter yourself. And what we fail to realize many times is that the moment you begin to want to solve a problem that you had been experiencing for other people, you are introduced to perspectives you didn't know existed. So the fact that you also have been experiencing the problem doesn't automatically mean that you would proffer a great user-centric solution for others. The commuting problem of a nursing mother is quite different from that of an elderly man. So it is pertinent that you conduct interviews or focus groups with different types of users.

Design research plays a crucial role in improving public transportation by providing insights into user needs, behaviors, and preferences Conduct user interviews, surveys, and observations to understand the needs and pain points of public transportation users. Identify pain points and areas for improvement to streamline the entire journey. Implement features and designs that make public transportation inclusive for all, such as accessible boarding options, clear signage, and assistance services.Research and implement safety features in transportation design Design solutions that respect and accommodate cultural differences, ensuring a positive experience for passengers from various backgrounds.

A pesquisa em design é essencial para entender profundamente como as pessoas usam e interagem com o transporte público. O Design permite criar solu??es que atendam às necessidades dos usuários, melhorando a experiência de viagem. Isso envolve desde a cria??o de interfaces mais amigáveis até a otimiza??o de rotas e horários para tornar o sistema mais eficiente. Além disso, essa pesquisa impulsiona a inova??o tecnológica para oferecer um transporte mais acessível e sustentável, melhorando a qualidade de vida dos passageiros e contribuindo para cidades mais conectadas e eficientes.

The public transportation system in many countries is just a necessary evil, so you find that many commuters have created some sort of pseudo-solutions for themselves over time to deal with the problems in the sector. And for design researchers, that's quite useful. By analyzing the user journey, and how they interact with the existing system, we can identify the various aspects that need overhauling, improvement, and the ones that should be left unchanged, because for a system that has been used by a large populace for over 5 years, there should be aspects that shouldn't be changed at all so it doesn't defeat the whole purpose of a redesign (which of course is a better user experience.)

To fail fast is one of the approach in design thinking. So develop some ideas and put them into test with Sample users. But be careful enough to choose your sample Users across the length and breadth of all users.

Collaborate with stakeholders and communities: Design research can significantly enhance public transportation by engaging in collaborative efforts with stakeholders and communities. By involving the perspectives of commuters, local residents, urban planners, and other relevant parties, the design process becomes more holistic and inclusive. This collaborative approach ensures that the solutions address not only the identified user needs and pain points but also the broader community context. It fosters a sense of ownership and ensures that the implemented ideas align with the diverse requirements of the public, making public transportation more effective, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the community.

Design research can enhance public transportation by understanding user needs, identifying pain points, and proposing user-centric solutions. Through in-depth analysis, it can optimize route planning, station layouts, and accessibility features. User feedback integration ensures tailored improvements, fostering a more efficient and user-friendly public transportation system.