🏆 Best UI/UX - UXL Designathon
Designing a sustainable and accessible travel app.
Despite a growing interest in eco-friendly transit, many commuters still rely on unsustainable travel options. Difficult transit systems, unreliable schedules, and accessibility issues make greener choices feel more difficult for everyday use.
TLDR
TOOLS
Figma, Photoshop, Procreate, Adobe After Effects
MY ROLE
Product Designer, UX Researcher
TIMELINE
Mar 2025 (48hr design challenge)
TEAM
Laura Lam
Michael Quach
Derek Song
Kristine Luong
DESIGN CHALLENGE
How might we leverage technology to enhance the connection between global artists and audiences, while fostering meaningful and engaging experiences?
RESEARCH
Competitor Analysis
We first looked at what our competitors do well:
Clean, minimal interface
Competitors prioritize simplicity and lets users plan trips without visual clutter.
Detailed transit directions
Competitors provide detailed guidance that walk users through their journey and reduce uncertainty for first-time riders.
Reliable real-time updates
Competitors pull live data across buses, trains, and other transit modes, keeping arrival times as accurate as possible.
PROCESS
Why aren’t there more sustainable-forward transit apps?
We studied 2 key groups:
01
Students who value speed and affordability
02
Seniors who require accessible routes
The real problem behind daily commuting
Speaking with commuters showed that the challenge was more about uncertainty, stress, and lack of control. Students felt overwhelmed by unreliable transit systems, often relying more on Uber or driving because it felt more predictable. Seniors and users with mobility needs shared how inaccessible stations made many trips feel frustrating.
After, we figured out that commuting decisions were heavily shaped by convenience, and whether the transit system feels like it supports you.
SUMMARY OF INSIGHTS
Reliability and convenience are more important than simply having sustainable options available. If transit feels confusing or inconsistent, people are far less likely to choose it regardless of environmental benefits.
FINAL DESIGN
Redesigning Transit Around Real Barriers
Commuters don’t dislike sustainable transit— they just feel unsupported by already existing tools. Current apps do not address these three things: accessibility, motivation, and uncertainty. So, we defined TransitBloom as an experience that connects real-time information, inclusive route planning, and eco-incentives.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
“Commuters face unreliable, inaccessible, and uninspiring transit experiences that make sustainable travel feel inconvenient and uncertain.”
DESIGN FOCUS
Reduce uncertainty with real-time updating routes
Support diverse mobility needs
Motivate greener choices through rewards
RESULTS
What I learned
01. Sustainability needs motivation
Clear incentives and real-time reassurance is what drives intention from action.
02. Accessibility must be integrated from the start
Designing for seniors and users with mobility needs helped reinforce the idea that accessibility cannot be ignored. The experience should improve for everyone and not just those with specific needs.
03. Small UX decisions help shape our everyday habits
Thoughtful UX decisions, such as colour choices and reward feedback can influence trust in users.