In previous posts we talked about discovering problems, defining the collected information into consumable bites and understanding the system that can impose changes. After having all the ingredients, it was time to come up with answers to the question: How can the government increase capacity and improve customer experience and safety, so no passengers or drivers have to be compromised?
Develop
We have used two brainstorming methods to come up with diverse ideas to solve each problem: Fast idea generator (to generate ideas by thinking differently), crazy 8 (to ideate 8 ideas in a minute). To evaluate generated ideas two criteria were used in assumption mapping:
- Implementation period – timing during a pandemic is a very important live-saving criterion.
- Efficiency – the government has to understand the most effective ways to fight the pandemic before taking any actions.
Implementing fast and effective ideas on a scale can help save many lives and keep the economical state of the country afloat, in contrast implementing long and effective ideas on a scale will ensure secure safety. Therefore, two plans were suggested. The first – a fast implementation plan and the second – long implementation plan with full coverage. Firstly, we need to ensure safety, while the second plan is executed.
After selecting proper solutions for each sector (infrastructure, information, control). We had to put the chosen solutions together into the user experience scenario. Scenarios helped to show a clear picture of how provided services work together to ensure safety to passengers and the workforce.
Scenarios
A scenario is a visual tool that helps to explore future use of service, product or experience from persona’s point of view.
This project is still going through prototypes, test and implementation process. These steps are crucial to filter through as they allow to identify the most effective solutions and ensuring the success of the project.
Conclusion
During the pandemic, the problem of safe mobility has accrued. To solve this problem, we had to approach the problem holistically and undertake immediate actions as people’s lives and the economical state of a country is at stake. As we know, COVID-19 is spreading through the air and surfaces. Our main task is to diminish people contacts to its minimum to provide safe transportation. Also, special care has to be provided to ensure the workforce as they are the key to maintaining transport mobility. Plus, information and control have to take place to ensure the rules would be followed and to give a feeling of safety and control to people.
All in all, a global pandemic put enormous pressure on our government and public systems. Designers can help. As a creative and innovative thinker, we are the experts at using design tools and methods to come up with innovative solutions to unknown problems. Moreover, with digital connectivity, designers can work as a collective to tackle complex-problems of the global pandemic and start building a better future for our communities.
Back to Introduction
A Design Thinking Case for Public Transportation during Pandemic – Introduction
