Septa App Redesign

The concept for this project was born from an unexpected conversation with a stranger about the challenges they faced when navigating the new SEPTA update. This app aims to enhance Philadelphia’s primary transportation app by making its navigation more intuitive, accessible, and easy to understand at a glance.

Process

  • 1. How Might We?

    I knew I wanted to improve the app, but wasn’t sure what I was looking for yet.

    I started by keeping my own perspective open to make sure I was staying away from any confirmation bias.

    I got 3 people with different perspectives to add to my board.

  • 2. Find the Problems and Create User Peronas

    I chose which HMW’s to focus on.

    I interviewed 2 current users.

    I researched Google Map’s public transit feature and Amtrak + numerous other applications to see what was working and what wasn’t.

    I read app reviews that highlighted pain points and positive feedback.

  • 3. Define Solutions

    The homepage needed to have the most important info so it’s easy to find in a rush.

    User’s need the next to arrive feature back.

    The stop for each transit mode needed to be accessible not only to locals, but to users who have never used Septa.

  • 4. Wireframe and Prototype

    I fleshed out the final solutions into wireframes, then a prototype that aims to supports users that are in a rush, no matter who they are.

    I kept the design simple and stress free to eliminate added confusion for users.

  • 5. Test

    I let 4 users from different background and ages to complete a task on the current Septa app. Then, I asked each user to complete the same task on my prototype, and analyzed any problem areas they had.

    100% out of 4 users thought the redesign was easier to navigate, and found it less stressful than the original version.

    I recorded areas of improvement as well to implement.

“100% out of 4 users thought the redesign was easier to navigate, and found it less stressful than the original version.”

Septa

My Solution

Improvements

A streamlined homepage with the most used next to arrive feature being the largest and easiest to find.

Moving the account button to the top right to allow the task bar room to breathe

Septa

My Solution

Improvements

Allowing the user to view the next to arrive based on stations alone (a majority of users don’t know the line and only want to pick stops quickly)

Letting the user know which subway line is closest to them

Color coordinated station graphics to ensure accessibility, and connect digital to in person stations

Septa

My Solution

Improvements

A comprehensible map of the broad street line that will help users understand directions, where they are, and stops.

Adding “lingo” underneath the Broad Street Line title to guide the user affiliate signage