Week 13
Some add-ons we had for the interface in addition to what the current fare card machines have, is the ability to purchase unlimited passes. We also created the ability to let users choose a destination on a map. This would then provide them with an itinerary, or a list of where to go/what stops to go to.
We performed more user studies to continue to make changes to the interface.
To take this interface to the next step, we were thinking of having a completely integrated system. A system that connected fare card machines, to a website, to a mobile application, etc. To have one main system that connected everything together. One advantage of this would be to allow users to add money to their card whether they are on the website, on a mobile application, or at a fare card machine. A potential feature could be analysis of a user’s spending habits. This would allow the CTA to suggest a purchasing an unlimited pass. Another idea is to have smart phone integration with the bus or train stops. An individual with a visual disability could use headphones attached to their smartphones to hear what stop he/she is at via GPS location.