Metro Bus Stop Pole

SORTA (Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority) and Metro are in the process of redesigning their bus stop poles. They have collaborated with DAAP to bring our Collaborative Design class this project on what could potentially go on to those poles.

Our group consisted of Guy Mueller (Industrial Design), Tess Polo (Communication Design), Eli Shust (Communication Design), and myself (Communication Design).

Conducted stop observations at several locations for around 30 min intervals. Notes were taken based on the AEIOU (Activity, Environment, Interaction, Objects, User) framework.

Created behavioral maps based on user patterns. Our maps show the general user flows, time passed, as well as activities of the users.

Engaged in intercept interviews with bus stop users, asking them important questions about their bus stop experience.

Insight 1

Several users mentioned bus stop visibility. Oftentimes bus drivers will miss people because they are not standing right at the stop, or there is something blocking the view of the users, causing frustrations.

Insight 2

Users sometimes don’t understand how to use the bus amenities such as bike racks. How could we educate them about useful bus info?

Published an online survey and posted it around several bus stop locations to gather insights and data on user preferences.

Our idea was to create a cylindrical and modular system that would allow users to interact directly with the bus stop pole.

The modules would contain a variety of information that could appeal to different users, such as bus info, neighborhood facts, and interactive games. We wanted to create a hierarchy of information, with the most useful info being at the top.

The purpose of the info module is to be able to display different types of content to users in a clear and engaging format. The design allows the users to spin the module and switch between the content they are viewing.

The purpose of the hook module is to add a functional element to our modular system. This would give users a place to hang their bags and items while keeping them off the ground.

The purpose of the game module is to give users a fun and engaging activity while they wait for the bus.

We wanted to create a visual identity that was compatible with Metro, but also expanded upon their brand by adding elements that create a sense of culture and pride for the neighborhoods of Cincinnati.

We chose Obviously as our main typeface to be paired with Navigo, due to its bold but fun characteristics that are emblematic of Cincinnati’s neighborhoods.

We also chose to use colors from Metros existing color palette, with the addition of “Porkopolis Pink” to help broaden the system and add more depth.

We created a system of crowns inspired by Cincinnati’s nickname “The Queen City”. The different crown types represent the different aspects of Cincinnati’s neighborhoods that make up the Cincinnati area.

Our final info module design features a 3 part system that includes the crown, the outer sleeve, and the inner sleeve. This allows for easy interchangeability of the parts.

Our final design for the game module is split into 3 rotating sections that utilize ball bearings. This allows users to interact and interchange the faces as they please. We also included an outer sleeve to encourage users to only interact with one side of the pole, keeping them away from traffic.

Our final graphics feature a fun and inspired set of facial features and crowns consistent with the rest of the visual identity. We made sure that no two features were too similar, allowing users up to 27 unique face combinations. 

Our final hook module design features a 3 pronged system allowing for plenty of space for bags. We decided to remove the hook on the backside to avoid users from interacting with the pole too close to the road.