Duration
September 2019 - December 2019
Role
Visual Designer
Disciplines
Human-centered Design
Location
Davis, CA
Overview
This social car concept was designed for a future model of the Capitol Corridor (Amtrak) train in order to create a space where riders can feel comfortable making connections with other passengers.
Project Brief
We met with an Amtrak representative who spoke about working to improve the experience for riders on the Capitol Corridor. We were challenged to do our own research and find out what kind of problems riders have with their current riding experience and design a solution to fix this problem in the future.
Research
Field Research
In order to better understand the train’s environment, we rode on the Capitol Corridor and took pictures of the space.
Photographic Typology
User Interviews
We interviewed nine different riders starting with the following questions:
1 Can you tell me about your experience riding the Capitol Corridor today?
2 How often do you ride this train?
3 With whom do you normally ride the Capitol Corridor?
4 How would you describe how riding this train makes you feel?
5 What is your relationship like with other passengers on the Capitol Corridor?
Meet Bruce
Bruce is a longtime Capitol Corridor rider who has taken countless train trips throughout Northern California. Some of his favorite train memories involve exchanging stories with strangers he has met on long rides. With the rise of technology, he feels that other riders are so distracted by their phones that they miss out connecting with others.
“I wish people would feel more comfortable to talk with other riders...”
“I sometimes feel irrelevant...”
“It felt so wonderful to be able to share stories over good food…”
Bruce’s POV Statement
In a world where communication has gone digital, Bruce, an elderly man, has to initiate conversations with strangers in order to fulfill his desire to feel relevant in today’s society. But that’s all about to change because Bruce is about to go from feeling unheard and unwanted to feeling like he belongs and is appreciated for his worth.
Brainstorm
Based on the information we collected from our interviews, we approached solving Bruce’s problem of feeling unwanted and unheard by breaking down the behavior and actions of all Capitol Corridor riders.
First Idea - Conversation Cards
Conversation Cards
Conversation cards with pre-written questions would be placed throughout the train. Riders could pick up a card and start a conversation with someone around them, without the stress of having to think of how to start.
Prototype Testing
We created a physical prototype of the conversation cards and placed them down in different public spaces. We waited to see if anyone would be willing to try them out.
Feedback
After the first round of user testing, we asked people what their thoughts were on the conversation card concept. We found that most people enjoyed the idea of making the train a more social experience, but some expressed concern.
Most Common User Concerns
1 Fear of Rejection
2 Initiating a Conversation
3 Time Constraints
4 Social Anxiety
5 Age Discomfort
6 Scared to Bother Others
We came to the conclusion that creating a social experience on the train was worth pursuing, as long as we allowed those who did not want that to have a comfortable quiet space.
Final Concept
Social Car
A designated social car on the Capitol Corridor would give rides the option to take a seat in a space where socializing and having conversations with strangers is welcome. A bar, game lounge, and conversation stations provides riders, like Bruce, the opportunity to make connections with other passengers.
Andrew Wach 2024