Metro Navigation

Metro Navigation

A navigation companion that makes travel easy

A navigation companion that makes travel easy

I led the design for Dubai Metro App - A navigation app that aids users in their travel experience


As the Design lead, my aim was to discover user experiences and couple them with the interface for ease and seamlessness.

I led the design for Dubai Metro App - A navigation app that aids users in their travel experience


As the Design lead, my aim was to discover user experiences and couple them with the interface for ease and seamlessness.

Skills

Product Design

Graphic Design

Interactive prototyping

User research and testing


Role

Design lead


Timeline

Q3 2022


Problem

Problem

In most countries with expansive metro stations, usually a companion app is created to help users create tickets and book seats. This helps users plan their journey and reduce the number of touch points they would have to go through. The Dubai metro can utilize this opportunity to enhance user experience.

In most countries with expansive metro stations, usually a companion app is created to help users create tickets and book seats. This helps users plan their journey and reduce the number of touch points they would have to go through. The Dubai metro can utilize this opportunity to enhance user experience.

Research

Uncovering the tracks

Research

Uncovering the tracks

After looking at adjacent applications such as Deutsche Bahn, Ixigo and some local transport applications, I conducted in-depth interviews with users to discern insights and find pain points in their journey. Using their valuable inputs were able to determine their typical user journey as well.

After looking at adjacent applications such as Deutsche Bahn, Ixigo and some local transport applications, I conducted in-depth interviews with users to discern insights and find pain points in their journey. Using their valuable inputs were able to determine their typical user journey as well.

In depth interviews

Users offered a comprehensive view on multiple features specifically mentioning pain points in their user journey, and individual interactions with each element of the application.













“Great for figuring out which lane to choose, but it would be even better if it had a map showing the metro station locations and the current station of the train. It would also be awesome if it could send a notification when it's time to get off at your stop.”

“The info for tourists is really confusing. There's no pricing or ticket details, and the journey and transfer explanations are confusing.”

“It would be great if we could get can get more info to help guide us like pricing, estimated time of arrival, and an option for NOL CARD recharge. Google Maps usually only tells how long it takes and how many stops.”

Mapping out journeys

Mapping out journeys

Information Architecture

Information Architecture

In understanding the requirements and the context by which the app needed to be used, the architecture of the app had to be defined. I realized we would have two types of ways to use the app. One, as a travel companion/guide and two, as an all-in-one experience.

Solution

Solution

The home screen was meant to be simplified as to encourage easier use across different users. I simplified the use of the app into navigation and top-up. Ultimately, most metro users were concerned with their destination, cost, and Nol card expenses. As such the home page was used quickly introduce users where they would like to go, whether they were new or frequent users. The navigation page served to show live updates as they travelled and finally card top up or purchase of a new card.

The home screen was meant to be simplified as to encourage easier use across different users. I simplified the use of the app into navigation and top-up. Ultimately, most metro users were concerned with their destination, cost, and Nol card expenses. As such the home page was used quickly introduce users where they would like to go, whether they were new or frequent users. The navigation page served to show live updates as they travelled and finally card top up or purchase of a new card.

Hand held companion

Plan wisely

Hand held companion

Plan wisely

The navigation screen provided a holistic overview of arrival time of different trains, capacity of trains and navigation to designated platforms The navigation screen was meant to provide live updates and alerts of a user’s travel, including how many stops they would have remaining and time before reaching destination. It was meant to be clear and easy to follow along, to make a user’s journey as seamless as possible.

The navigation screen provided a holistic overview of arrival time of different trains, capacity of trains and navigation to designated platforms The navigation screen was meant to provide live updates and alerts of a user’s travel, including how many stops they would have remaining and time before reaching destination. It was meant to be clear and easy to follow along, to make a user’s journey as seamless as possible.

Top up with a click

For seamless tap-and-go


Top up with a click

For seamless tap-and-go


An important feature that users wanted was to have a digital Nol card, that could also be topped up within the app itself. This option prevented the need for waiting in line to top of the card and reduce the number of touch points within the user journey. With a simple tap, users could proceed through the gate. With a single click, users could top up their Nol card anywhere, anytime.

An important feature that users wanted was to have a digital Nol card, that could also be topped up within the app itself. This option prevented the need for waiting in line to top of the card and reduce the number of touch points within the user journey. With a simple tap, users could proceed through the gate. With a single click, users could top up their Nol card anywhere, anytime.

Impact

Impact

85%

of users reported that the in-app digital card made travel easier

2,500+

downloads since the beta version of the app has been released

Next Project


Next Project


Emirates

Briefing Pack Manager

Emirates

Briefing Pack Manager