Human-Centered Design Team
The Human-Centered Design Team is putting the user experience at the forefront of
design considerations for the ATN. We aim to ensure that our public transit solution
provides a superior ridership experience and is able to be used efficiently by all
members of the population so that it is as universally accessible as possible. Our
team is made up of Mechanical Engineering students and mentored by a Human-Centered
designer. We are dedicated to understanding our users and prototyping the user experience
to inform the design of both the station and cabin teams. Our goal for the semester
is to identify user needs and requirements based on research and priorities we identify
by conducting one-on-one interviews and surveys.
User Survey Results
What do people think about Podcars as Public Transportation?
A user survey by the Spartan Superway at San Jose State University. Take in look at
this public transit system; it is an automated, nonstop, suspended pod system, for
1 to 4 people at a time that runs on solar energy. It is called an ATN and is a technology
that has been around for many years and is used in many other countries.
To gather insight from our potential users, people were shown an image like the one
to the left and given the above description, then asked a series of questions about
ATN technology and public teanspirtation. Demographics: 45% female, 55% male. 66%
own a car. 82% don't own a home. 44% take public transit every day, 22 1-2 times a
week, and 32% rarely ride public transit.
Have you ever heard at this type of system? No 78%; Yes 22%
What's your first impression? Futuristic. Great long-term investment. Scary because
of the height. Obviously effective in cities, what about suburbs? Cool . Like a ride
at disneyland. Innovative and exciting. Looks like fun. A lot of infrastructure to
maintian and build. How will they fit that around here. Pretty awesome as a new solution
to transportation using highter ground for more space, hopefully government will pursue
this technology. Wow, like Star Trek. Different than anything I've seen. Seems efficient.
Looks expensive. Like a skilift/airport. Futuristic, Why hasn't the US adopted this?
Convienient. Love a system using renewable energy. Don't like that it's automated.
Would you feel comfortable riding in a suspended vehicle like this one?No 10% YES
86%
How do you feel about having a rail system above the street? Don't mind it it's made
to be as safe as possible. Insecure...it could fall, l'll have to look left, right,
and up. Doesn't bother me. I love riding in trains where I can see the scenery below
me. I think it's the future. Convenient and fast. Great idea, won't interrupt traffic
below. I like that it's accommodating of an existing buildings and roads. Needs to
be super reliable. Cool and futuristic. Blocks the view for everyone. Looks like it
would fit downtown but I don't know about having it near my apartment. Not good, having
it up there is inconvenient for pecple living close to the rail. It would provide
a nice view ot the city. Scared.
If it were more reliable, efficient, and fast than current public transit, would you
be willing to support the building of it with an increase in taxes? Yes 67% No 23%
Maybe 8% Other 2%
How comfortable would you be using on automated public transportation system? Very
comfortable since BART trains practically drive themselves alreody.
ATNs at that height don't look like they'd hit anyone on the road like cars or buses.
I've used it already at an airport. Very comfortable as long as there are emergency
precautions. I feel like there would be potential for various criminal activities
in side the cars. People are unpredictable and anything can happen. A little skeptical,
I'd like to see proof.
