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App design with search by destination and ai assistant

UX Design Contest

Winner of 6-hour Design contest combining and improving MTA and NJT 

mobile applications. Judged by

MTA logo
NJT logo

Overview

Challenge

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Create a mobile application that combines MTA & NJT's existing mobile applications. Integrate new functions or features to create a positive experience for transit users.

Parameters

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  • 6-hours to come up with and pitch an idea with mockups, technological feasibility, and marketing strategies

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  • 15 minutes to present

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  • 5-person team: Human Centered Design Major (me), Two Computer Science Majors, Marketing Major, Business Major

Judging​​​

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  • 4 panelists from MTA and 3 panelists from NJT judged the presentations

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  • Our team won the contest​​​, with positive comments including "Clearly addressed on the problem" and "Focused on the user"

Process

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  • Team Introductions

  • Personas & User Stories / Defining the problem

  • Team Ideation (Diverge)

  • Deciding on key features (Converge)

  • Designing Mockups 

  • Team Ideation on supplemental features (Diverge)

  • Deciding on supplemental features (Converge)

  • Designing Mockups 

  • Preparing Presentation

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User Stories

As a new yorker who doesn't leave the city much, Derek needs a quick and easy way to plan a trip based on his desired destination, so he can have a spontaneous getaway.
As a new yorker who isn't tech-savy, Denice needs a personal guide to plan her trip, so she can surprise her daughter with a visit.

Solution / Key Features

Find your train with one simple question: "Where do you want to go?"

 

Two Main Features:

  • Search by Destination

  • AI Assistant

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 Search by Destination​

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  • Enter destination

  • Chose when you want to leave/arrive by

  • View upcoming trains (on any train line)

  • Buy ticket for upcoming trains

  • View map for directions and trip progress

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AI Assistant

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  • Chat with AI Assistant to plan your trip

  • Switch to VUI mode by clicking on the speaker button

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Supplemental Features

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  • Popup for user feedback

  • Carbon footprint & rewards display for user motivation 

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Takeaways

Design Decisions

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  • Accessible: High contrast colors, bottom tab navigation, VUI,​ language options

  • Intuitive: Rounded buttons, universal icons, simple wording​

  • Consistent: Carry over MTA & NJT design systems for a seamless transition

Challenges​​

Since I was the only UX Designer working in a cross-functional team, my biggest challenge was persuading my teammates to spend some of our presentation time discussing our user personas & user stories. In the end I was able to show my teammates the benefits of this, and after the presentation 2 of my teammates told me they thought it helped us win the contest.

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