2023
UX design, UX research
Duration: 4 months
Tools: Figma, Adobe CC
Collaborators: Lilian Hao, Michael Kim, Abby Chen, Julia Liu
Smart Loading Zones aim to create more efficient and safe use of our curbs by automating payments and analyzing real-time usage. We created an SLZ website to introduce the smart parking system to drivers; for them to get familiar and to locate their nearest loading zones.
Background Research
Data Analysis Report
Reframe & Define
Research Report
Here is the full official research report
Storyboarding + Crazy 8s
low-fidelity
User Testing
High-fidelity
Heuristic Evaluation Report
The study of "Pittsburgh Smart Loading Zones" started with initial Google searches, leading to city press releases and news articles, followed by Reddit discussions. It then moved to academic articles for more in-depth understanding. Field observations were conducted in the Squirrel Hill Smart Loading Zones, including an attempt to download the related app.
Research from the City of Pittsburgh and Automotus websites revealed that the smart loading zones have variable rates based on time intervals, unlike standard hourly rates in normal zones. Despite expectations of reduced emissions and increased safety, there's no concrete data supporting these impacts. Personal observation showed that smart loading zones had significantly shorter parking durations and less traffic congestion compared to regular zones. However, some business owners expressed dissatisfaction with the smart loading zones in news articles, citing increased delivery costs and access issues for customers.
Pittsburgh's Smart Loading Zones have improved efficiency and safety, increasing turnover by 40% and reducing stays by 23%, while cutting greenhouse emissions and double-parking. The system streamlines payments and registration, promising increased city revenue and better compliance.
Heuristic evaluation report, analyzing the pre-existing website/application and the physical signs.
From creating empathy maps to walking the wall, and even coming up with the worst possible ideas, with the goal of enhancing the utilization of SLZs, we set our focus on improving communication with drivers and SLZ users. The challenge is to find effective ways to raise general awareness among these users about the correct usage of SLZs, including parking practices and web app functionalities.
Research indicated limited awareness and interest in Smart Loading Zones among key users, hindered by obstacles in comprehending government projects. Preferred information channels included personal networks, media, and social platforms, with a focus on local news. Future steps involve consolidating these findings, sharing them with stakeholders, and further research for solution development.
Playing Crazy 8s to quickly identify new ideas
Through our usability testing, we discovered that participants appreciated the engaging user interface and zone map of our prototype, but found its text-heavy layout and limited interactivity challenging. Our team aims to blend the original page's strengths with our prototype, improving areas of weakness.
By employing affinity diagramming and the UFT method, we have transformed our test data into actionable insights for the prototype's future development, prioritizing key solutions and thoroughly exploring necessary compromises.
The dotted line and gradient effectively illustrate the exact location of the painted purple curb. This visual representation aids in precisely identifying the specific side of the road where the zone is situated, ensuring users can easily determine its position
Final Mock-up