'JOINING THE DATA'
design phase
We began the design phase with concept workshops. Individually ideating and bring these to the group for feedback, we grouped ideas that shared similar aspects and were aimed at achieving similar results. This was a difficult part of the process as there were certain compromises that had to be made in order for us to be able to push forward with solid designs. As a group we discussed the possibility of producing individual designs and/or working on group designs. It was decided to break into 3 groups, each focusing on a concept of personal interest after ideas were pitched. Working in groups gave us a larger scope to achieve more and produce a higher quality of results.
The team that I was part of focused on providing a design for inner city cycists, as we saw these road users as the most vulnerable to ambient air pollutants.
Process video demonstrating how we developed the Dublin Bike: Clean Link prototypes of the mobile application and physical navigation tool for user testing.
Early iterations
initial pitch of 3 concepts
Concept 1: Physical map unit + navigational tool
Concept 2: Bike helmet- Heads up display
Concept 3: Mobile app + bike mount
Early iterations
body storming & user testing
This early concept was inspired by the 1930's Paris underground interactive map units. We hoped to develop large scale maps to exist at Dublin Bike stations. These maps would allow for cyclists to plot their route from station to station. Simple pressing a button that corresponds to their desired destination, an LED display show the fastest route to the station and also the cleanest route based on the EPA's city wide real-time dataset. This encourages the cyclist to take cleaner routes, while also engaging them with te topic of air quality. The oversized nature of the design would allow passers-by to also become aware of air pollution in the city. The tactile nature of the unit would be a fun and interesting way of introducing the public to the ambient air quality monitoring network. With further development we invisaged the map unit being a touch screen, which would allow users to recieve more information. We ultimately ran into difficult with the idea as a platform for Dublin Bike users to discharge the bikes from as it added steps to the process and it did not fit the nature of city cyclists who would generally be in a rush. Aspects of the design were carried forward to Clean Link and there was a large learning curve in exploring this idea
Early in the design phase our team explored the idea of a helmet heads-up display, which could be rolled out in conjunction with Dublin City Bikes. The helmet which would act as a piece of safety equipment would also be fitted with a visor that could be used as a navigational tool, while relaying live information on air quality to the cyclist as they moved through the city. We imagined that based on the EPA's real-time dataset the heads up display could alert users when they are passing through an air of poor air quality. This would be shown through the use of colour, supplemented with information on the type of pollutant in the air.
We body stormed this idea through quick paper prototyping and user testing. This was a very insightful experience, as we quickly discovered the issues that might arise from such a product. A heads-up this play could be very distracting to a cyclist while they are trying to focus on the road. Also inner city cyclists usually are making short journeys and at low speeds so helmets are generally seen as unnecessary, therefore the public may not engage with the product.
Aspects of the navigational tool idea within the helmet were carried forward to final design, but they had to be implemented in a more seamless and subtle manner.
Clean Link
revised concept
Bollard swipe technology
We finalled merged a lot of the positive aspects of the early concepts in to a coherent design that engaged members of the public with the ambient air quality network, the product meaningfully presents the data in such a way that empowers citizens to take healthier routes. We see this product improving users health and the display of air quality will establish a knowledge in the publics conscience that air quality changes and must be maintained at a high standard.
We explored a swipe technology as part of the system to create and easier more seamless method of riders getting their bikes.
Design tools
Stakeholder map
Service blueprint
Heuristic evaluation
