{project; personal} The Green Train
{description} This project represents a comprehensive integration of various research methodologies, design principles, ideation, and execution strategies - centered around the thematic focus of "Nature and Well-Being". It is simply a detailed idea for a potential real-life project - made for an Experience Design course I took at Northeastern University.
{tools} Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Google Forms, Mural, Milanote, and more.
Please click here to see the entire process presentation: The Green Train Presentation
Establishing the foundation
The Green Train is a tangible art installation designed to enhance the well-being of busy individuals. Proposed as a cosmetic upgrade to existing rail lines, its window design incorporates a cell-like pattern to simulate nature and maximize exposure to natural light for passengers. Abundant natural greenery, including vines, trees, and flowers, adorns the interior, offering the therapeutic benefits of outdoor environments without requiring additional time from individuals with hectic schedules.
The Mobile App
The concept behind our Green Train App is to provide a comprehensive platform for accessing information and resources related to the Green Train. Within the app, users can conveniently find the train schedule, live maps, details about active stations, information about the train, insights into the featured plants and their benefits, and more. While not mandatory for riding the Green Train, the app serves as an additional, complimentary accessory, enriching the interactive experience for users at no extra cost.
Key Benefits
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+Enhances memory
+Boosts happiness
+Promotes healing
+Improves concentration
+Facilitates better Vitamin D absorption
+Reduces stress
+Decreases the risk of depression
+Contributes to maintaining youthfulness
+Strengthens the immune system
+Elevates mood
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+Provides green space without requiring additional real estate allocation.
+High ridership on public transportation ensures widespread exposure to the benefits of greenery at no extra cost.
+Requires no additional time commitment for participants.
+Highly scalable for broader implementation.
Human Centered Research Synthesis
By participating in a day-long human-centered research synthesis, I engaged directly with users to understand their needs. Analyzing the data revealed key insights, informing a more user-centric Green Train project. This hands-on approach ensured the design was closely aligned with user expectations, enhancing the user experience significantly.
User Research & Data Analysis
We distributed a diverse survey focused on outdoor experiences to gather insights for the Green Train project. Understanding varied preferences ensured an inclusive approach, enhancing the overall user experience.
Continuing the process
Key takeaways from initial data
The consensus is that a robust link exists between the natural world and psychological well-being.
A significant majority expresses dissatisfaction with the amount of time spent in nature, longing for more.
Yellow and green emerge as the most commonly associated colors with happiness among respondents.
People predominantly associate the outdoors with recreation rather than productivity.
Slight favoritism is observed towards wild green spaces over more manicured environments.
Solution Statement
There's a perceived shortfall in daily connections with the natural world, often attributed to a lack of time. Our solution addresses the challenge of limited outdoor exposure by bringing the essence of nature directly to the user.
Exploring
Ideation Sketching
Sketching is vital for rapid ideation and iteration in design, fostering creativity and facilitating collaborative discussions. It provides a tangible foundation for visually compelling solutions.
Solution Statement
Storyboarding guides intuitive design by mapping user experiences, fostering early collaboration, and identifying challenges.
Prototyping
The process of developing digital prototypes for the Green Train project involved translating design objectives into visual representations, with a specific focus on creating a digital mockup prototype of the actual train. Utilizing design tools, we iteratively refined the interface, incorporating essential features like the train schedule, live maps, station details, and information about onboard plant life. User feedback guided continuous adjustments, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience. These digital mockups provided a realistic preview of the comprehensive platform, offering users an interactive experience to enhance their journey aboard the Green Train.
Project Summary
The Green Train is designed to enhance the well-being of individuals with busy lifestyles. We are confident that the idea of this train's exciting, comforting, and aesthetically pleasing features would attract a diverse audience, positively impacting the lives of all who use it. Beyond offering green space for commuters, the train ensures ample natural light exposure for increased Vitamin D absorption. Our unwavering passion for improving user well-being fuels our belief that the Green Train would effectively contribute to enhancing the overall health and happiness of its passengers.