Enhancing the Public Transport Experience with WatchOS
Enhancing the Public Transport Experience with WatchOS
Enhancing the Public Transport Experience with WatchOS
WatchOS Adaptation
Prototype
WatchOS Adaptation
Prototype
Duration
Duration
4 months
4 months
4 months
Tools
Tools
Figma, FigJam, Notion, Whiteboard
Figma, FigJam, Notion, Whiteboard
Figma, FigJam, Notion, Whiteboard
My Role
My Role
User Researcher, UX & UI Designer
User Researcher, UX & UI Designer
User Researcher, UX & UI Designer
2 mins to skim
2 mins to skim
5 mins to read
5 mins to read
The Problem
The Problem
The Problem
Busy Auckland Transport users who rely on smartwatches cannot easily access journey planning on their Apple Watches, because the current app is only available on mobile and desktop. This limits their ability to quickly check transit information on the go.
Busy Auckland Transport users who rely on smartwatches cannot easily access journey planning on their Apple Watches, because the current app is only available on mobile and desktop. This limits their ability to quickly check transit information on the go.
Busy Auckland Transport users who rely on smartwatches cannot easily access journey planning on their Apple Watches, because the current app is only available on mobile and desktop. This limits their ability to quickly check transit information on the go.
Why would this help users?
Why would this help users?
Why would this help users?
Real-time updates on a smartwatch help users feel safer and reduce stress by letting them check arrivals and plan journeys at a glance. Features like trip alerts and favourite routes make travel more reliable, while quick access on the wrist encourages ridership and eases pressure on drivers.
Real-time updates on a smartwatch help users feel safer and reduce stress by letting them check arrivals and plan journeys at a glance. Features like trip alerts and favourite routes make travel more reliable, while quick access on the wrist encourages ridership and eases pressure on drivers.
Real-time updates on a smartwatch help users feel safer and reduce stress by letting them check arrivals and plan journeys at a glance. Features like trip alerts and favourite routes make travel more reliable, while quick access on the wrist encourages ridership and eases pressure on drivers.
Goals
Goals
Goals
Help users access transit information quickly and easily
Help users access transit information quickly and easily
Help users access transit information quickly and easily
This reduces stress or anxiety regarding travel planning with public transport.
This reduces stress or anxiety regarding travel planning with public transport.
This reduces stress or anxiety regarding travel planning with public transport.
Support confident travel planning
Support confident travel planning
Support confident travel planning
Give users glanceable updates, trip alerts, and favourite route information to plan journeys with confidence.
Give users glanceable updates, trip alerts, and favourite route information to plan journeys with confidence.
Give users glanceable updates, trip alerts, and favourite route information to plan journeys with confidence.
Make public transport more convenient and reliable
Make public transport more convenient and reliable
Make public transport more convenient and reliable
Enable smoother, stress-free travel by making essential route information easily accessible on the wrist.
Enable smoother, stress-free travel by making essential route information easily accessible on the wrist.
Enable smoother, stress-free travel by making essential route information easily accessible on the wrist.
A Look at the Solution
A Look at the Solution
A Look at the Solution
The prototype introduces an Apple Watch extension of the AT Mobile app, designed to give users quick, glanceable access to public transport information. It allows users to check real-time arrivals, receive trip alerts, and view favourite routes directly on their smartwatch. The goal is to make travel easier, reduce stress, and support confident, hands-free planning for busy commuters.
Take a look at the prototype showcasing the main user flow for journey planning, including the onboarding steps.
The prototype introduces an Apple Watch extension of the AT Mobile app, designed to give users quick, glanceable access to public transport information. It allows users to check real-time arrivals, receive trip alerts, and view favourite routes directly on their smartwatch. The goal is to make travel easier, reduce stress, and support confident, hands-free planning for busy commuters.
Take a look at the prototype showcasing the main user flow for journey planning, including the onboarding steps.
The prototype introduces an Apple Watch extension of the AT Mobile app, designed to give users quick, glanceable access to public transport information. It allows users to check real-time arrivals, receive trip alerts, and view favourite routes directly on their smartwatch. The goal is to make travel easier, reduce stress, and support confident, hands-free planning for busy commuters.
Take a look at the prototype showcasing the main user flow for journey planning, including the onboarding steps.
User Research
User Research
User Research
How are users interacting with the AT Journey Planner app on mobile?
How are users interacting with the AT Journey Planner app on mobile?
The main user flow focuses on journey planning, letting users plan trips on the go, track buses and trains in real time, and see walking times along their route. Real-time notifications keep them updated, while saved journeys and stops provide quick access for frequent travel.
The main user flow focuses on journey planning, letting users plan trips on the go, track buses and trains in real time, and see walking times along their route. Real-time notifications keep them updated, while saved journeys and stops provide quick access for frequent travel.
The main user flow focuses on journey planning, letting users plan trips on the go, track buses and trains in real time, and see walking times along their route. Real-time notifications keep them updated, while saved journeys and stops provide quick access for frequent travel.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the mobile app?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the mobile app?
Using detailed reviews from users on the App Store and Google Play, I was able to identify the key strengths and weaknesses.
Using detailed reviews from users on the App Store and Google Play, I was able to identify the key strengths and weaknesses.
Using detailed reviews from users on the App Store and Google Play, I was able to identify the key strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths:
6 mentions - Live departures feature, showing where the bus/train is.
4 mentions - Updates on incidents that may affect travel times
3 mentions - Journey Planner function, showing the route and times.
2 mentions - Real time notifications when the bus/train is 5 mins away and arrived at the stop.
Strengths:
6 mentions - Live departures feature, showing where the bus/train is.
4 mentions - Updates on incidents that may affect travel times
3 mentions - Journey Planner function, showing the route and times.
2 mentions - Real time notifications when the bus/train is 5 mins away and arrived at the stop.
Strengths:
6 mentions - Live departures feature, showing where the bus/train is.
4 mentions - Updates on incidents that may affect travel times
3 mentions - Journey Planner function, showing the route and times.
2 mentions - Real time notifications when the bus/train is 5 mins away and arrived at the stop.
Weaknesses:
2 mentions - Hard to read the timetables for busses and trains.
2 mentions - Can't top up their AT Hop Card through the app.
2 mentions - Unable to view general timetables for bus and train routes
1 mention - Unable to join a trip in progress.
Weaknesses:
2 mentions - Hard to read the timetables for busses and trains.
2 mentions - Can't top up their AT Hop Card through the app.
2 mentions - Unable to view general timetables for bus and train routes
1 mention - Unable to join a trip in progress.
Weaknesses:
2 mentions - Hard to read the timetables for busses and trains.
2 mentions - Can't top up their AT Hop Card through the app.
2 mentions - Unable to view general timetables for bus and train routes
1 mention - Unable to join a trip in progress.
Why do users enjoy using public transport?
Why do users enjoy using public transport?
Cost savings and discounts
Cost savings and discounts
Cost savings and discounts
Offers financial benefits, like a 10% discount on off-peak travel with a HOP card, a $50 weekly fare cap, free travel for selected events and discounted fares for secondary and tertiary students, SuperGold cardholders, and children.
Offers financial benefits, like a 10% discount on off-peak travel with a HOP card, a $50 weekly fare cap, free travel for selected events and discounted fares for secondary and tertiary students, SuperGold cardholders, and children.
Offers financial benefits, like a 10% discount on off-peak travel with a HOP card, a $50 weekly fare cap, free travel for selected events and discounted fares for secondary and tertiary students, SuperGold cardholders, and children.
Potential faster travel times
Potential faster travel times
Potential faster travel times
Trains operate on dedicated tracks and are unaffected by road traffic, while bus lanes on most motorways and main roads around Auckland help buses bypass congestion, allowing for quicker trips during rush hours.
Trains operate on dedicated tracks and are unaffected by road traffic, while bus lanes on most motorways and main roads around Auckland help buses bypass congestion, allowing for quicker trips during rush hours.
Trains operate on dedicated tracks and are unaffected by road traffic, while bus lanes on most motorways and main roads around Auckland help buses bypass congestion, allowing for quicker trips during rush hours.
High frequency and convienience
High frequency and convienience
High frequency and convienience
During peak hours, public transport is highly frequent, with buses and trains to and from the city arriving every 10 to 30 minutes, making it easier for users to plan flexible journeys.
During peak hours, public transport is highly frequent, with buses and trains to and from the city arriving every 10 to 30 minutes, making it easier for users to plan flexible journeys.
During peak hours, public transport is highly frequent, with buses and trains to and from the city arriving every 10 to 30 minutes, making it easier for users to plan flexible journeys.
Who are our users and how do they travel?
Who are our users and how do they travel?
Through the quantitative data shown below, our main users are between the ages of 15-24 and use public transport for around 6 hours per week.
Through the quantitative data shown below, our main users are between the ages of 15-24 and use public transport for around 6 hours per week.
Through the quantitative data shown below, our main users are between the ages of 15-24 and use public transport for around 6 hours per week.
Smartwatch Research
Smartwatch Research
Smartwatch Research
Why do users prefer a smartwatch over a smartphone?
Why do users prefer a smartwatch over a smartphone?
Smartwatches offer greater convenience than smartphones by providing instant access to notifications and features with just a wrist flip. You can check the time, use a voice assistant, or play a game without needing to pull out your phone. Additionally, you can quickly view notifications on your watch and decide whether to handle them there, saving you from constantly reaching for your phone.
Smartwatches offer greater convenience than smartphones by providing instant access to notifications and features with just a wrist flip. You can check the time, use a voice assistant, or play a game without needing to pull out your phone. Additionally, you can quickly view notifications on your watch and decide whether to handle them there, saving you from constantly reaching for your phone.
Smartwatches offer greater convenience than smartphones by providing instant access to notifications and features with just a wrist flip. You can check the time, use a voice assistant, or play a game without needing to pull out your phone. Additionally, you can quickly view notifications on your watch and decide whether to handle them there, saving you from constantly reaching for your phone.
How to design for smartwatch?
How to design for smartwatch?
Advantages:
Designing for smartwatches is an advantage because it focuses on users’ core needs. The small screen ensures only essential information and actions are shown, making interactions quick, clear, and user-centered. Another advantage of designing for smartwatches is that interactions are quick and glanceable, letting users access key information instantly without reaching for their phone.
Advantages:
Designing for smartwatches is an advantage because it focuses on users’ core needs. The small screen ensures only essential information and actions are shown, making interactions quick, clear, and user-centered. Another advantage of designing for smartwatches is that interactions are quick and glanceable, letting users access key information instantly without reaching for their phone.
Advantages:
Designing for smartwatches is an advantage because it focuses on users’ core needs. The small screen ensures only essential information and actions are shown, making interactions quick, clear, and user-centered. Another advantage of designing for smartwatches is that interactions are quick and glanceable, letting users access key information instantly without reaching for their phone.
Limitations:
Smartwatch design must be simple due to the small screen. Icons need to be large and easy to tap, and gesture-based navigation should be avoided. Interactions are brief, so only essential information should be displayed, with more complex tasks reserved for phones.
Limitations:
Smartwatch design must be simple due to the small screen. Icons need to be large and easy to tap, and gesture-based navigation should be avoided. Interactions are brief, so only essential information should be displayed, with more complex tasks reserved for phones.
Limitations:
Smartwatch design must be simple due to the small screen. Icons need to be large and easy to tap, and gesture-based navigation should be avoided. Interactions are brief, so only essential information should be displayed, with more complex tasks reserved for phones.
Having a look at how apps perform and look on the Apple Watch.
Having a look at how apps perform and look on the Apple Watch.
Competitive Audit
Competitive Audit
Competitive Audit
I conducted a competitive audit comparing AT Mobile App with their direct and indirect competitors.
I conducted a competitive audit comparing AT Mobile App with their direct and indirect competitors.
I conducted a competitive audit comparing AT Mobile App with their direct and indirect competitors.
Personas
Personas
Personas
Through the quantitative and qualitative research, I created two personas to help further my understanding of the user.
Through the quantitative and qualitative research, I created two personas to help further my understanding of the user.
Through the quantitative and qualitative research, I created two personas to help further my understanding of the user.
Storyboards
Storyboards
Storyboards
Using my personas, I created storyboards about their user journey to discover more insights about how they would use this app in their daily environments.
Using my personas, I created storyboards about their user journey to discover more insights about how they would use this app in their daily environments.
Using my personas, I created storyboards about their user journey to discover more insights about how they would use this app in their daily environments.
User Journey Maps
User Journey Maps
User Journey Maps
With the storyboards as a reference, I created user journey maps to identify potential pain points and highlight positive moments users might experience.
Ideation
Ideation
Ideation
With research completed, i was able to start brainstorming ideas on how to tackle this project. Starting with a sitemap and a look at the brand identity of Auckland Transport.
Wireframes and Lo-Fi Prototypes
Wireframes and Lo-Fi Prototypes
Wireframes and Lo-Fi Prototypes
Creating the wireframes to get an idea of how the app will be laid out and interact, then moving onto the Lo-Fi prototypes.
Creating the wireframes to get an idea of how the app will be laid out and interact, then moving onto the Lo-Fi prototypes.
Creating the wireframes to get an idea of how the app will be laid out and interact, then moving onto the Lo-Fi prototypes.
Wireframes
Lo-Fi Prototypes
Usability Testing with Lo-Fi Prototypes
Usability Testing with Lo-Fi Prototypes
Usability Testing with Lo-Fi Prototypes
I completed an unmoderated remote usability study with 4 tech-savvy participants between the ages of 19-25 that are familiar with the AT Mobile app.
I completed an unmoderated remote usability study with 4 tech-savvy participants between the ages of 19-25 that are familiar with the AT Mobile app.
I completed an unmoderated remote usability study with 4 tech-savvy participants between the ages of 19-25 that are familiar with the AT Mobile app.
Task 1: Check the timetable for the bus stop named 'Work Bus Stop' and check the live location of the upcoming bus.
Task 1: Check the timetable for the bus stop named 'Work Bus Stop' and check the live location of the upcoming bus.
Task 1: Check the timetable for the bus stop named 'Work Bus Stop' and check the live location of the upcoming bus.
Task 2: You plan to leave your current location in ten minutes and travel to Quay Street Dental, Please use this app to create this journey.
Task 2: You plan to leave your current location in ten minutes and travel to Quay Street Dental, Please use this app to create this journey.
Task 2: You plan to leave your current location in ten minutes and travel to Quay Street Dental, Please use this app to create this journey.
Task 3: Check your AT Hop Card and tell me the balance on your active card.
Task 3: Check your AT Hop Card and tell me the balance on your active card.
Task 3: Check your AT Hop Card and tell me the balance on your active card.
Task 4: Please search for stop 7702 and save it as 'Gym'
Task 4: Please search for stop 7702 and save it as 'Gym'
Task 4: Please search for stop 7702 and save it as 'Gym'
I followed up with some post study questions such as; "Were any tasks particularly challenging for you? and why?", "Was it easy to navigate throughout the app?", How likely would you be to use a public transport app on your Apple Watch again?"
I followed up with some post study questions such as; "Were any tasks particularly challenging for you? and why?", "Was it easy to navigate throughout the app?", How likely would you be to use a public transport app on your Apple Watch again?"
I followed up with some post study questions such as; "Were any tasks particularly challenging for you? and why?", "Was it easy to navigate throughout the app?", How likely would you be to use a public transport app on your Apple Watch again?"
Conclusion: The goal of this usability study was to understand how users navigated the app. I tracked time, success rates, and errors to spot key issues. Users struggled with an overcrowded homepage, unclear confirmations, and confusion when adjusting journey times. I plan to simplify navigation and reduce homepage clutter to improve usability.
Conclusion: The goal of this usability study was to understand how users navigated the app. I tracked time, success rates, and errors to spot key issues. Users struggled with an overcrowded homepage, unclear confirmations, and confusion when adjusting journey times. I plan to simplify navigation and reduce homepage clutter to improve usability.
Conclusion: The goal of this usability study was to understand how users navigated the app. I tracked time, success rates, and errors to spot key issues. Users struggled with an overcrowded homepage, unclear confirmations, and confusion when adjusting journey times. I plan to simplify navigation and reduce homepage clutter to improve usability.
Hi-Fi Prototypes
Hi-Fi Prototypes
Hi-Fi Prototypes
With the knowledge of areas to improve from my usability testing, I set out to make the Hi-Fi Prototypes. As Auckland Transport has an existing design system and brand identity, I made sure to keep that consistent onto the Watch App.
With the knowledge of areas to improve from my usability testing, I set out to make the Hi-Fi Prototypes. As Auckland Transport has an existing design system and brand identity, I made sure to keep that consistent onto the Watch App.
With the knowledge of areas to improve from my usability testing, I set out to make the Hi-Fi Prototypes. As Auckland Transport has an existing design system and brand identity, I made sure to keep that consistent onto the Watch App.
Usability Testing with Hi-Fi Prototypes
Usability Testing with Hi-Fi Prototypes
Usability Testing with Hi-Fi Prototypes
I completed a second unmoderated remote usability study with the same participants.
I completed a second unmoderated remote usability study with the same participants.
I completed a second unmoderated remote usability study with the same participants.
Task 1: Can you please check the timetable for the bus stop named ‘Work bus stop’? What do you think about how this information is presented?
Task 1: Can you please check the timetable for the bus stop named ‘Work bus stop’? What do you think about how this information is presented?
Task 1: Can you please check the timetable for the bus stop named ‘Work bus stop’? What do you think about how this information is presented?
Task 2: You plan to leave your current location in ten minutes and travel to Quay Street Dental. Please use the app to create this journey. What was the experience with the visual design during this process. This can include colours, buttons, text sizing etc.
Task 2: You plan to leave your current location in ten minutes and travel to Quay Street Dental. Please use the app to create this journey. What was the experience with the visual design during this process. This can include colours, buttons, text sizing etc.
Task 2: You plan to leave your current location in ten minutes and travel to Quay Street Dental. Please use the app to create this journey. What was the experience with the visual design during this process. This can include colours, buttons, text sizing etc.
Task 3: Please check your AT Hop Card and tell me the balance on your active card. Did the design of this section make it easy to confirm that you were in the right area and find what you needed? If not, what could be improved?
Task 3: Please check your AT Hop Card and tell me the balance on your active card. Did the design of this section make it easy to confirm that you were in the right area and find what you needed? If not, what could be improved?
Task 3: Please check your AT Hop Card and tell me the balance on your active card. Did the design of this section make it easy to confirm that you were in the right area and find what you needed? If not, what could be improved?
Task 4: Please search for stop 7702 and save it as ‘Gym.’ How did this process feel for you and were you confident that you had completed the task?
Task 4: Please search for stop 7702 and save it as ‘Gym.’ How did this process feel for you and were you confident that you had completed the task?
Task 4: Please search for stop 7702 and save it as ‘Gym.’ How did this process feel for you and were you confident that you had completed the task?
Conclusion: With the Hi-Fi Prototypes I focused on the user feedback regarding issues with a crowded homepage and unclear messaging. The goal of this usability study was to focus on if the user needs are achieved: Quick and simple way to access public transport information and support confident travel planning. Through these results, we can see that users feel confident in the app and appreciate the familiar visual branding across platforms.
Conclusion: With the Hi-Fi Prototypes I focused on the user feedback regarding issues with a crowded homepage and unclear messaging. The goal of this usability study was to focus on if the user needs are achieved: Quick and simple way to access public transport information and support confident travel planning. Through these results, we can see that users feel confident in the app and appreciate the familiar visual branding across platforms.
Conclusion: With the Hi-Fi Prototypes I focused on the user feedback regarding issues with a crowded homepage and unclear messaging. The goal of this usability study was to focus on if the user needs are achieved: Quick and simple way to access public transport information and support confident travel planning. Through these results, we can see that users feel confident in the app and appreciate the familiar visual branding across platforms.
Final Thoughts and Prototypes
Final Thoughts and Prototypes
Final Thoughts and Prototypes
Designing for a smartwatch was a really interesting challenge because it forced me to think differently and focus only on what the user truly needs to see on the screen. Following an existing design system was actually freeing, as it kept me from getting carried away with too many ideas. While building the hi-fi prototype, I constantly compared the screens to the mobile app to make sure everything felt familiar and intuitive for users. If this were to be implemented, I’d love to explore adding offline functionality and better error handling, so users could feel confident using the app no matter the situation.
Designing for a smartwatch was a really interesting challenge because it forced me to think differently and focus only on what the user truly needs to see on the screen. Following an existing design system was actually freeing, as it kept me from getting carried away with too many ideas. While building the hi-fi prototype, I constantly compared the screens to the mobile app to make sure everything felt familiar and intuitive for users. If this were to be implemented, I’d love to explore adding offline functionality and better error handling, so users could feel confident using the app no matter the situation.
Designing for a smartwatch was a really interesting challenge because it forced me to think differently and focus only on what the user truly needs to see on the screen. Following an existing design system was actually freeing, as it kept me from getting carried away with too many ideas. While building the hi-fi prototype, I constantly compared the screens to the mobile app to make sure everything felt familiar and intuitive for users. If this were to be implemented, I’d love to explore adding offline functionality and better error handling, so users could feel confident using the app no matter the situation.
Take a look at the prototypes below!
Take a look at the prototypes below!
Take a look at the prototypes below!
Below, you can see the final prototypes in action performing key user tasks.
Below, you can see the final prototypes in action performing key user tasks.
Below, you can see the final prototypes in action performing key user tasks.
Journey Planner
Journey Planner
Journey Planner
Departures
Departures
Departures
AT Hop Card
AT Hop Card
AT Hop Card
Favourites
Favourites
Favourites
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