IMPROVING THE USER EXPERIENCE OF THE LAWRENCE TRANSIT SYSTEM: A FOCUS ON MAP USABILITY AND ROUTE PLANNING

Abstract

The purpose of the Lawrence Transit System thesis is to design a route system with improved coverage and convenience, and to improve the usability of the route map. I use a user-centered, participatory approach to generate ideas by examining the interaction between human, object, and environment within a situation. The situation is evaluated against theoretical frameworks and then synthesized using methods of representation. The route system is improved by defining route priorities which reduce the number of transfers to one or less and increase coverage without adding to the current amount of routes or buses used. Furthermore, the study finds that users identify their position easier on the map when: it is correctly orientated in the environment; it represents their mental model; and the user can identify familiar markers. In conclusion, the user experience is improved with a usable map designed around an efficient route system.