Designing an Inclusive Passenger Display System for the Deaf

all aboard

Angela Baney

Copyright 2011 Angie Baney

Written and Designed by Angela Baney

DAI 505 Culminating ExperienceSan Francisco State University

Fall 2011

ALL ABOARDDesigning an Inclusive Passenger Display System for the Deaf

tableof contents

RESEARCH

problem statement

introduction

purpose statement

scope of project

experts

research methodology

interviews

observations + information coding

alpha survey

revised survey

product comparision

design drivers

influence mapping

graphic influences

p.6

p.7

p.8

p.9

p.10

p.12

p.14

p.16

p.18

p.20

p.22

p.24

p.26

p.28

development

future expansion

appendix

ideations

graphic development

interface development

model development

application of design

functional flow diagram

conclusion

expansion within Muni

bibliography

advertisements

project schedule

p.30

p.42

p.46

p.50

p.54

p.56

p.58

p.62

p.68

p.64

p.70

research

research

8

While taking two semesters of Sign

Language at SFSU, the issue of people in the

deaf community using public transportation

often came up. My professor, who was born

deaf, told us about the many challenges that

she often faced when dealing with public

transit systems like Muni, more specifically

about that lack of visual information available

to passengers. If there was one lesson that my

professor wanted to teach her students, it was

that deaf people don’t want to feel disabled,

and want the same sort of independence that

everyone else has. When riding a train or bus

and it suddenly stops for no apparent reason, a

deaf person has no way of telling why and would

have to try and communicate with a hearing

passenger to get any information. The driver

may announce over the PA system the cause of

the delay, but that’s the extent of communicated

knowledge. In the event of an emergency on a

bus or train, a deaf passenger would have no

way of knowing the situation at hand, or how to

safely handle it.

This problem drove me to purse a

solution that would allow deaf passengers who

rode Muni busses and trains to receive visual

information on delays and interruptions.

introduction

9

There is a lack of visual communication systems that informs deaf passengers on delays and interruptions on Muni busses and trains.

problemstatement

10

Daily activities, like taking public transportation, are harder for those who are deaf or

who are hard of hearing, and denying them the right to any information that other passengers

have is a strike against basic human equality. By solving this problem, I would be helping the

deaf community by restoring a sense of independence and safety while using Muni busses

and trains. Deaf passengers would no longer have to rely on anyone else to receive valuable

information on delays or interruptions. Solving this problem may positively affect others

outside the deaf community as well. All passengers would have a greater sense of ease if

information regarding the vehicle they’re riding is clearly displayed. The solution may also

help non-english speakers who use public transit to easier understand instructions from the

driver though the use of symbols and icons.

purposestatement

11

To control the scope of this

project, I’ve decided to limit some

factors. Firstly, I will limit the location

to the bay area only, and specifically to

Muni’s transit system. I will be focusing

on Muni’s busses and light-rail trains,

excluding the trolly cars. Secondly, I’m

limiting my solution to inside Muni

busses and trains, rather than at the

platforms, stations, or bus stops. I feel

that there are already some means of

visual communication on delays in those

locations.

Since the execution of this

project would require advanced

knowledge in display technologies,

I have to take a realistic approach to

solving such a complex problem. I will

be designing the visual language for a

passenger display system, as well as the

interface to control the screen. I will also

build a full scale, non-working model of

what the screen would look like.

Scope of project

12

disabilitiesexpert

Todd Higgins is the Deaf and

Hard of Hearing Specialist at San

Francisco State’s Disability Program and

Resource Center. Being deaf himself, he

helped me understand the hardships and

inconveniences that occur when taking

public transportation.

ToddHiggins

13

technicalexpert

Ron Baney is a Technical Lead

within Intel’s Research and Development

department. His knowledge of video

display hardware, telecommunication

hardware, computer hardware, and

workstation have greatly helped me

to realize the technical potential of my

solution.

RonBaney

14

researchmethodology

In order to design a successful solution, I needed to gather research that was

mostly human based. This included many interviews with experts in the field of public

transportation, screen technology, and deaf accessibility. All of my literature based

research was found online and included looking at different deaf organizations to see

their thoughts and actions were on deaf accessibility.

Surveys were also very beneficial way to guide my design in a way that

would satisfy the needs of deaf passengers. An initial survey was sent to friends

and colleagues, and then a revised survey was sent out to some members of the deaf

community around the bay area.

I did a lot of shadowing and observation in order to get a good grasp of the

logistics of how Muni operates. This lead to me gather information about the most

frequent reasons for delays and interruptions, as well as how passengers respond in

those situations.

Although all these forms of research helped to give me a clear direction of how

to solve this problem, the most rewarding method of research were my interviews. Since

the heart of my problem involves a certain group of people, I knew that speaking with

them and getting their input would lead me to the most valuable information.

15

I started my research in the

obvious direction but looking into how

accessible Muni is to those who are deaf

or hard of hearing. The Muni website

doesn’t even have a section describing

their accessibility program for those with

disabilities. However, I did find some

very helpful information through the

Muni Accessibility Advisory Committee

(MAAC). They record their public forums

and publish them on their website. In

2 separate accounts Miro Keilbus, a

deaf passenger, brought up the issue of

visual information that’s being withheld

from those who can’t hear. In one of the

meetings he said;

“I’ve seen that you’ve changed the schedules for some

lines. The trains in the subway are confusing – there is

no way for the operator to communicate with riders who

are deaf. If the vehicle is changing direction, or switching

lines, people who can hear have access to driver

announcements. I cannot hear anything that the driver

says. It is very frustrating that there are no captions.”

(sfmta.com)

Online Research

16

The last source that I looked into

for help was the National Association of

the Deaf, or NAD. They’re committed

to ensuring the deaf community

with equal access to transportation,

“including equal access to information

and communication related to those

services.” (nad.org). What I found most

interesting is their active involvement

with the Department of Transportation.

NAD has been pushing the issue of

“[requiring] all transportation systems

(airline, train, bus, subway, etc.) to

make all audible information accessible

by providing the same information in a

visual (text) format” (nad.org).

In a separate meeting three

months later, Keilbus brought up these

two points to the committee: “The

public address system does not give

people who are deaf access to emergency

announcements. He requested written

captioned announcements regarding

any changes to service” and “In San

Francisco, there is not good access for

people who use video relay service.

This new technology should be utilized

instead of TTY to allow Muni customer

services to better communicate with

people who are deaf” (sfmta.com).

17

My first interview was with

one of my experts, Todd Higgins from

the Disability Program and Resource

Center. In this time I asked him about

he problems he faced when using

public transportation, and how he

thought it could be improved. His

insight influenced me to pursue the

idea of an onboard screen that would

display a message to all passengers,

rather than with updates and alerts on a

smartphone. He explained that because

of income differences and other factors,

not everyone has a smartphone, and

that an onboard system would benefit all

passengers, not just deaf ones.

Davide Puglisi is the Senior

Operations Manager in Transit Services

at Muni. My interview with him focused

on the most common reasons for

Muni delays, and the logistics of how

Muni could better their distribution of

information to their passengers. He told

me more about Muni’s Central Control,

where my solution would be utilized,

and the communication between those

working at Central Control and the

drivers of Muni vehicles. This interview

was extremely helpful and gave me a

great understanding of how to make my

solution fit Muni’s requirements.

-Todd Higgins -Davide Puglisi

Interviews

18

As part of my research

methodology, I wanted to engage in

shadowing people who use Muni , as

well as general observations of what

happens when a delay or interruption

occurs. I thought a good way to do so

was to keep a running list of the delays

or interruptions that I encounter and to

describe the reasons behind it, as well as

the sort of communication that occurred

to let passengers know what was going

on. I developed a simple, single paged

layout that lets the passenger fill out

the necessary information I need to

further my research. This information

includes when, where, and what train or

bus they were on when an interruption

occurred, and also a place to check off

the reason behind the interruption, such

as traffic, a schedule delay, weather, etc.

This tool helped to aid me in coming up

with a new visual language that will help

deaf passengers easily understand the

information that is provided to all other

passengers.

Observations +information coding

19

DATE:

TIME:

?

BUS TRAINOR

TRAIN LINE OR BUS NUMBER:

DID DRIVER ANNOUNCE CAUSE OF DELAY/INTERRUPTION:

IF YES, PLEASE INDICATE THE REASON: 

OTHER:

YES

EMERGENCY WEATHERVEHICLE BROKE 

DOWN SWITCH TRAINS

SWITCH BUSESTRAFFICSCHEDULE DELAYUNKNOWN

NO

I developed this tool to help

me record the reasons for delays and

interruptions every time I rode on a

Muni bus or train. With this research I

was able to pinpoint the cause of most

delays, therefore giving me clearer

direction as to what to include in my

final solution.

20

2. Do you use headphones while riding public transportation?

-Yes (62.5%)

-No

1. Have you ever used Muni or Bart for transportation?

-Yes (100%)

-No

3. How do you feel when a Muni or Bart train stops unexpectedly?

-Annoyed

-Curious

-Uneasy (62.5%)

alpha survey

With my initial survey, I wanted to get a general

idea of how people felt when it came to the information

that is given while riding a bus or train. This survey was

given to a handful of friends and family members, some

who live in the city and some who don’t. The results were

as I expected; many people feel that information on delays

need to be displayed visually for all passengers to see.

Although this survey was beneficial to my

research, I knew that in order to really understand the

problem and get the most rich information, I would have

to survey deaf people who have used Muni and Bart.

21

4. On what level are you satisfied with the way Muni and Bart visually communicate issues such as delays, interruptions, or emergencies?

-Very Satisfied

-Indifferent

-Satisfied

-Dissatisfied (62.5%)

-Very Dissatisfied

5. Do you agree it’s important for Muni and BART to provide passengers with visual information on delays/interruptions/emergencies while inside the vehicles?

-Strongly Agree (75%)

-Indifferent

-Agree

-Disagree

-Strongly Disagree

22

1. Do you rely on Muni or BART for transportation?

-Yes (84.6%)

-No

Revisedsurvey

2. On what level are you satisfied with the way Muni and Bart visually communicate issues such as delays, interruptions, or emergencies?

-Very Satisfied

-Indifferent

-Satisfied

-Dissatisfied (61.5%)

-Very Dissatisfied

My expert Todd Higgins was kind

enough to send forward my survey to deaf

students at SFSU, as well as others in the deaf

community who live in the Bay Area.

This revised survey really helped me

gain valuable insight directly from the source.

This survey heavily influenced my decision in

designing a solution that would be integrated

into Muni busses and trains, rather than

through a smartphone.

23

3. If dissatisfied, could you please briefly explain the

negative aspects of riding Muni or Bart?

” sometimes, I cannot hear well about some

problems like delay or technical problems. it

is very dissatisfied. in my country, South Korea,

the all subways have screen so everyone can

know it. it is very important to people who

cannot hear well and others.”

“They don’t always let you know what street

you’re on via the flashy sign in the bus. Bus

drivers are rude and not usually happy

to communicate with passengers asking

questions.”

“there are no communication in regard

to hard of hearing and deaf people. Also

the noise level down there make it hard to

understand what is happening.”

5. Do you own a smart phone that supports wifi?

-Yes (60%)

-No

6. Which method of receiving information on delays, interruptions, or emergencies would you prefer?

-With updates through a smart phone

-Displayed on a screen within the vehicle (80%)

-Other (please explain)

4. How do you feel when a Muni or Bart train stops unexpectedly?

-Annoyed

-Panicked

-Indifferent

-Uneasy (61.5%)

-Curious

-Other (please explain)

24

product comparison

At this point in my research I

wasn’t sure if my solution should be a

screen integrated within a train or bus,

or if the updates should be delivered via

cell phone, so I gathered some products

from both domains.

I wanted to compare them in a

way that showed me the pro’s and con’s

of each product, so I could then realize

the most successful aspects and apply

them to my solution.

25

Siemens SF Muni/Data Display Panasonic Avionics

Yes Yes Yes

-Not a working prototype

-May be costly

-Vandalizing on screens

-Displays map and information at eye level

-Multiple units on each train

-Provides information on upcoming stops

-No information about cause of delay/interruption

-No information about emergencies

-Proposed PIS idea from Siemens for a new �eet of trains

-LED system that displays information on upcoming stops.

-The signs all have a wireless integration system installed within the housing

for communication.

Seat back display system that not only provides entertainment, but information on �ight status,

and in-�ight communication.

Voyager application providesreal-time moving-map application, a

portfolio of interactive maps and detailed �ight status information.

-Personal system

-Costly

-Vulnerable to vandalism

-Wouldn’t �t with exisitng Muni/BART seats

http://www.mobility.siemens.com/mobility/global/en/urban-mobility/rail-solutions/

metros/inspiro/Pages/inspiro.aspx

http://www.datadisplayusa.com/led_bus_displays/bus_stop/sf_muni.php

http://www.mascorp.com/products/XSeries.aspx

SOLUTION

IMAGE

DESCRIPTION

INTEGRATEDWITHIN VEHICLE

PROS

CONS

SOURCE/WEBSITE

This exercised made me

realize that there is huge potential

for improvement within the area

of passenger display systems. I

wasn’t extremely impressed with the

systems that are in use today. The

one component that I think these

existing products lack is the use of

a visual language. This lead me to

the conclusion that my final product

will make use of icons and symbols,

therefore allowing the information

provided easier for passengers to

understand.

26

For the product I want to design,

the most important feature is to update

passengers with visual information

on delays and interruptions while

they’re riding Muni. The product will

incorporate some sort of screen, whether

it is a built in screen within busses or

trains, or if the information is accessed

through a passenger’s smartphone. If

the product ends up being integrated

within the vehicles, then there’s the

possibility to incorporate advertisement

or even entertainment when the system

is not being used for transit information.

Another important feature this product

will have is the ability to receive updates

from the driver or from a control center.

This idea came about when I interviewed

a deaf person who often rides BART,

and suggested that there could be a

change in the way Muni drivers could

communicate with passengers.

design drivers

Features

After looking at so many existing products, I had a better idea of

how my solution needed to look and function. I narrowed my criteria down

to the four most important elements; features, technology, form, and the

user of the solution.

27

This product must include

some sort of GPS technology that lets

passengers know the location of their

train or bus, and possibly the location

of nearby vehicles. As I mentioned

earlier, I would like the product to

include technology that would allow bus

or train drivers to have their messages

to the passengers displayed visually.

This may include a system in which the

driver could type a message that would

be displayed on a screen throughout

the vehicles, or if the driver’s audible

message could be translated onto a

screen.

Above all else, this product

needs to communicate to passengers in a

clear and easily understandable way. The

choice in fonts, colors, and layout will be

vital in communicating information in

the best way.

The user of this product will be

anyone who relies on Muni or BART for

transportation. More specifically the

product is designed for deaf passengers

looking for equal access to information.

Since information will be displayed in

other languages, passengers who first

language is not English will also be users

of this product.

technology form user

28

Continuing in my development of this solutions,

I was thinking more about the criteria that I want my

solution to follow. The three most important aspects of my

solution needed to be within technology, visual language,

and information design. Most importantly, I needed to pay

attention to where these areas overlap.

Within technology, I gathered images of existing

screens that would aid me in developing a product that

wasn’t far fetched.

In the visual language category, I wanted to focus

on semiotics, and the influence that symbols and icons

have on understanding information.

The last category that I needed influence from

would be information design. I focused mostly on maps to

see the necessary features in each of them, as well as the

differences in their design that make them aesthetically

unique.

Influence mapping

29

technology

visual languagein

format

ion d

esign

30

Eight Hour Day

Kyle Tezak

graphic influences In order to create a set of symbols that were highly refined and easy to

understand, I needed to look at examples that I thought encompassed these qualities.

The simplicity and boldness of these examples is what inspired the final design of my

graphics.

31

Celeste Prevost

Guillermo González Ruiz

32

IDEATION Keeping all the research I’ve gathered in mind, it was

now time to start the ideation process, and start to envision

what my final solution would look like. I came up with 50

ideas, and then narrowed them down to my top five.

33

The lightbox idea is the most basic of my ideas, but influenced my final design heavily. This

lightbox would be made out of glass or plastic, and would be positioned above the doors on Muni

trains, and mounted on the roof of Muni busses. The box would permanently display symbols of the

most common reasons for a delay, and would have a LED wrap-text positioned at the bottom. When

a delay occurred, the driver could simply press a button that would illuminate on or more symbols,

and could type a message to be displayed on the LED screen.

This solution would be inexpensive, and use simple technology, but the overall impact of

this idea is not what I had in mind. I think the final solution needs to be more informative and more

exciting.

Symbol Lightbox

34

INFORMATION KIOSK For one of my ideas, I though that I should part from traditional

passenger display screens and try something more like a kiosk. Passengers

could communitcate with the driver by using a touch-screen keyboard, or

could look up information about arrivals, delays, and directions.

After receiving some feedback about this idea, it was clear that

it would be very difficult to use this kiosk when a train is in motion. And

although it would fit in a Muni train, it might be too big for a Muni bus.

35

36

corning.com

37

Photovoltaic LCD Windows

After some research on LCD window technology, I came up with the idea to use the windows

of Muni busses and trains as a giant information screen. Photovoltaic glass converts solar energy into

electricity, there making this an energy effiencent solution. One or more windows in a Muni Bus or train

would be used to display information on delay, or arrival times.

This was one of my favorite ideas, but after thinking about it more it seems like too big of a risk

for vandalism. The windows on Muni vehicles are very scratched, even with a protective film on top.

The technology for these kinds of windows would be too expensive to have to replace if they were to get

damaged.

38

Switchable LCD Glass Display

Similar to the previous idea, I was looking again at using the windows on Muni vehicles

as a screen. This idea uses a switchable smart film on top of glass that goes from clear to opaque.

The film itself is easy to use–just peel and stick to any glass surface. This could be placed on any

window, or even glass that’s behind the driver’s seat. The would be use along with a small projector

that would display all the necessary information.

Again. this issue of vandalism came up during feedback about this idea. The film could get

scratched easily if on any of the windows.

39

prodisplay.com

40

sciencephoto.com

41

Hand-Gesture Recognition Screen

I was very excited to find out that hand-gesture recognition is now able to understand and interpret sign

language. I thought this amazing technology would be prefect to use for a solution for my problem. A

small camera and screen could be placed within a bus or train, and when a deaf person has a question

their sign language would be interpreted for the driver. They driver could then type a message that

would be displayed on the screen.

As exciting as this idea is, I don’t think it’s very practical for the driver to type messages while he

or she is supposed to be operating a vehicle. This added distraction could lead to even more delays, or

even accidents.

42

DEVELOPMENT

43

DEVELOPMENT

44

?

GRAPHICdevelopment

first graphics

My initial design for the graphics were inspired

by hazard signs that are often associated with traffic.

I wanted these icons to suggest an alert and grab

attention. I felt that the red triangle did this, but the

icons felt very lackluster and boring.

45

DOOR MALFUNCTION TRAFFIC DELAY WEATHER DELAY

SWITCH BUSSES

CONSTRUCTION DELAY UNEXPECTED DELAY

SWITCH TRAINS VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

second graphics

I felt the second attempt at designing the

graphics was more successful in clearly communicating

each specific delay. I refined the icons, and introduced

contrasting colors to further grab attention from

passengers. I still wanted to use some sort of red

boarder to enclose each icon, but I changed the shape to

a more subdued circle. I still felt these icons could use

more refinement, and look more cohesive.

46

DOOR MALFUNCTION

TRAFFIC DELAY

WEATHER DELAY

SWITCH BUSSES

CONSTRUCTION DELAYUNEXPECTED DELAY

SWITCH TRAINS

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

Final graphics

47

My final design for the graphics was a far

jump from where I first started. I wanted to keep the

circular shape, but added a second stroke that would

flash on screen to attract the attention of passengers.

I also amplified the use of color, but kept the overall

appearance soft. As a whole, I think these icons work

well to communicate their specific delay without being

overbearing.

48

icon development

*add keyboard*

EMERGENCY

SCHEDULE DELAY

SWITCH TRAINS

TRAFFIC

MATIENCE

INTERFACEdevelopment

first interface

This was my first attempt at designing an interface for my final

solution. I was aiming to make this interface as simple and easy to understand

as possible. At this point in my development, I was thinking that the driver of

the vehicle would be the one to use this interface, but after talking to a Muni

agent, I decided against this. It would be far too distracting for the driver to

type messages when they have to operate the vehicle.

49

second interface

The second interface was now designed for those working at central control, and not for

the driver. It allows for the user to select from the most common reasons for a delay, as well as

having the ability to type a more specific message for the passengers to see. I added the existing

map that central control uses now in order to get a clear view of where the trains/busses are.

I also thought it would be beneficial to have a “dispatch to all” button, in case of a wide spread

delay or emergency.

50

Wed 4:32 PM

J L

J L

LLL

K KM

EMLMOLPOLCCLVNL

VNA CCA POR MOA EMA

1 1 1

1

1Door Malfunction

Switch Train

Traffic Delay

Vehicle Maintenance

Weather Delay

Construction Delay Unexpected Delay

Vehicle Number

Current Location

Next Stop

Schedule Status

2436

Civic Center Station

Van Ness Station

-2:32

Switch Bus

Final Interface

51

The final interface has a much better flow of direction than the first versions that I

designed. With the addition of icons to the soft keys, the operate has a clear understanding

of which button to use. The same fundamental elements are in use, however I moved the

positioning of these elements in order to create a system that was easy to follow, and clear in it’s

direction. I’m very pleased with the final outcome of the interface, and could see it being applied

in real life situations.

52

first model

second model

model development

This first model was straight from my ideations. It’s a lightbox

system that would be positioned above the doors on Muni trains, and

mounted on the roof of Muni busses. The box would permanently display

symbols of the most common reasons for a delay, and would have a LED

wrap-text positioned at the bottom. When a delay occurred, the driver could

simply press a button that would illuminate on or more symbols, and could

type a message to be displayed on the LED screen.

This model, although inexpensive and practical, lacked the

excitement and innovation that I had in mind.

The second model I designed now was using a transparent OLED

screen. I came upon this technology while researching more about the

various screen technologies that are available today. The only other

development from the first model is the addition of GPS tracking, that

would display which stop you’re currently at.

I wanted to keep the transparent OLED screens for my final design,

but I knew my solution had to communicate more information that what’s

display with this model, and refine my visual language.

53

SWITCH TRAINSPlease Board Next Available Train

12:35pmNEXT STOP: West Portal Station

third model

actual model

For the third design of my model, I utilized a more polished

version of my icons, as well as more information that I thought was

necessary. The screen would now provide information on the time,

the next stop approaching, and of course specific delays with text

describing what passengers should do. This version still uses the

transparent OLED technology.

After discussing this model with my colleagues, there were

questions of readable this screen would really be. With so much

negative space, there was a concern that the symbols and text

wouldn’t be clear.

54

DOOR MALFUNCTION

Please Excuse the Delay

12:35pm NEXT STOP: West Portal Station M/Balboa Park Outbound

Final model

actual model

55

My final design for the model took into account all of the

feedback I received concerning all the previous versions. I now

broke up all of the different sections so the passengers could easily

distinguish one from the other. I also applied the latest icons that

were easier to see from a distance because of the blue fill. The red

stroke of the circles and of the symbols are eye catching, and easily

communicate whatever the delay is.

I believe this final model would work very well in clearly

communicating delays and interruptions to passengers onboard Muni

busses and trains.

56

DOOR MALFUNCTION

Please Excuse the Delay

12:35pm NEXT STOP: West Portal Station M/Balboa Park Outbound

application of design

57

SWITCH VEHICLESPlease Board Next Available Bus

12:35pm NEXT STOP: Divisadero 5 Fulton Outbound

58

Wed 4:32 PM

J L

J L

LLL

K KM

EMLMOLPOLCCLVNL

VNA CCA POR MOA EMA

1 1 1

1

1Door Malfunction

Switch Train

Traffic Delay

Vehicle Maintenance

Weather Delay

Construction Delay Unexpected Delay

Vehicle Number

Current Location

Next Stop

Schedule Status

2436

Civic Center Station

Van Ness Station

-2:32

Switch Bus

functionalflowdiagram

DOOR MALFUNCTION

Please Excuse the Delay

12:35pm NEXT STOP: West Portal Station M/Balboa Park Outbound

59

GPS continuously tracks train/bus position

ETA for next bus stop displayed on LED monitor

delay/interruption occurs

control center assesses

delay/interruption

control centeruses interfaceto choose the

reason for the delay

control center can type more specific

message

specific icon lights up

passengers see visual information

passengers respond

appropriately

typed message appears on LED screen

This functional flow diagram

explain step by step the way in which

I intended my solution to work. The

operator at central control would be the

one in control of what gets displayed on

the screens, while GPS technology would

continuously track each vehicle, giving

updates throughout each trip.

60

conclusion

DOOR MALFUNCTION

Please Excuse the Delay

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I’m very proud of the development my solution went though in order to reach this final

design. I think it embodies all the key drivers that I set out to address–the visual language is clear

and easily understandable, it displays all the necessary information for deaf passengers when a

delay or interruption occurs, and it uses innovative screen technology.

All the research put into this project has formed my decision making, and allowed me

to design a practical, functional, and engaging display system. I’m especially thankful for all the

human-based research that I gathered. Since the heart of this problem lies within a population of

people, my interviews and surveys with the deaf shaped the final outcome to meet their needs.

I would love to see this solution develop further–possible application this solution within

Muni’s existing busses and trains. I think the deaf population and all other Muni passengers

would greatly appreciate a visual display system like the one I created.

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FUTURE

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EXPANSION

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My solution has many opportunities for expansion at this point.

Adaptations for other public transportation agencies, including Bart, would be very

possible to achieve. There are so many possibilities for Muni to develop this soul ti

on into something way beyond my scope. This could be an opportunity to re brand

Muni based off of the visual language I’ve created. The display systems that Muni

uses now could be updated to create a unified and distinguished visual language.

EXPANSION WITHIN MUNI

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advertisements

The idea of advertisements came to mind

a lot throughout this project. Adds from various

sponsors could be running on the screens when

they were in an idle state.

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News updates, entertainment, San

Francisco tourism, and adds from local

businesses would be a great way to keep

passengers entertain on their ride, as well as

possibly making a profit for Muni.

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APPENDIX

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“Accessible Services.” CityRail. NSW Transport, n.d. Web. 3 Oct. 2011. <http://www.cityrail.info/trav elling_with/ accessible_services/>.

Dudley, Brier. “Future of Display is Here: Latest tech visions for touch screens, monitors of next-Gen gadgets.” The Seattle Times. N.p., 23 May 2010. Web. 20 Oct. 2011. <http://seattletimes. nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2011932372_brier24.html >.

“Future Touch Screen Technology.” Future Technology. N.p., 12 Mar. 2011. Web. 22 Oct. 2011. <http://itechfuture.com/future-touch-screen-technology/ >.

Johnson, Colin R. “In-Air Gestures Recognized by Smarter Touch Screns.” smarter technology. N.p., 18 Dec. 2009. Web. 13 Oct. 2011. <http://www.smartertechnology.com>.

Larsen, Rasmus. “Samsung Demonstrated 19-inch Transparent OLED.” Flatpanels HD. N.p., 25 May 2010. Web. 29 Oct. 2011. <http://www.flatpanelshd.com/news.php?subaction=showfull& id=1274769540>.

“MAAC February 15, 2007.” SFMTA. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Sept. 2011. <http://www.sfmta.com/cms/cmaac/MAACFebruary152007minutes.htm> “MAAC May 17, 2007.” SFMTA. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Sept. 2011. <http://www.sfmta.com/cms/cmaac/MAACMay172007minutes.htm>.

Miljkovic, Ljuba. Transporter. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Sept. 2011. <http://www.transporterapp.net/>.

“OLED.” AU Optronics Corp. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Nov. 2011. <http://auo.com/?sn=193〈=en-US>.

bibliography

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“Panasonic X Series: Simple to Sophisticated.” Panasonic. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Sept. 2011. <http:// www.mascorp.com/products/XSeries.aspx>

Railway Technology. Net Resources International, n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2011. <http://www.railway-tech nology.com/contractors/operation/tattile/>. Samuel, A. “DSTA supplies passenger information displays for new AVE high-speed train station in Valencia.” Rail.co. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 Nov. 2011. <http://www.rail.co/2011/01/06/dsta-supplies- passenger-information-displays-for-new-ave-high-speed-train-station-in-valencia/>.

“San Francisco Muni.” Data Display. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2011. <http://www.datadisplayusa.com/ led _bus_displays/bus_stop/sf_muni.php>.

“Siemens at UITP 2011.” Siemens. N.p., Apr. 2011. Web. 26 Oct. 2011. <http://www.siemens.com/ press/en/events/2011/industry/mobility/2011-02-uitp.php >.

“Spain: Telefonica and C-nario Deplay Digital Signage System in Madrid’s Public Busses.” Ooh-tv. N.p., 12 May. Web. 24 Oct. 2011. <http://en.ooh-tv.com/2011/05/12/spain-telefonica-and-c- nario-deploy-digital-signage-system-in-madrids-public-buses/>.

“Transportation and Travel.” National Association of the Deaf. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Sept. 2011. <http://www.nad.org/issues/transportation-and-travel>.

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Project Schedule

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