Overview
This project was focused on identifying everyday challenges through observation and designing an innovative solution using structured design methodologies. We explored how people experience non-life-threatening emergency situations, specifically long stagnant traffic jams, and created a solution to keep users informed, engaged, and stress-free.
Problem Statement
People stuck in traffic often experience frustration and boredom. While navigation apps focus on rerouting, there is no dedicated solution to provide real-time engagement, infotainment, and collaboration options for people in such situations.
Key Challenges Identified:
Users lack a way to stay updated about the traffic situation.
There is no structured infotainment system to help pass the time.
Collaboration between people stuck in traffic is limited.
Users may need a quick way to reach emergency contacts or services.
Research & Discovery
1. Observation & AEIOU Framework
We clicked multiple images of people in their everyday environments and used the AEIOU framework to systematically analyze Activities, Environments, Interactions, Objects, and Users in the photos. This helped uncover hidden problems and frame better insights.
Key Findings:
People in traffic often seek distractions such as music or mobile browsing.
Many try to find alternative routes but lack real-time collaboration.
Some drivers get anxious or frustrated, worsening the experience.
2. Defining the Problem
Based on these observations, we refined the problem to:
"How might we help people stuck in traffic jams stay informed, engaged, and connected while ensuring safety?"
Ideation & Concept Development
We explored potential solutions using two ideation techniques:
Yes And… Technique – Building on initial ideas to refine and enhance them.
Crazy Ideas to Practical Solutions – Starting with extreme ideas and scaling them to feasible implementations.
Key HMW Statements:
How might we help users get out of the jam faster?
How might we keep users entertained?
How might we create a sense of collaboration among people stuck in the same jam?
How might we provide real-time updates to keep users informed?
After brainstorming, we shortlisted the Traffic Jam Infotainment App as our solution.
Final Solution: Traffic Jam Infotainment App
A mobile application that provides real-time traffic updates, entertainment options, and collaborative activities to make the experience of being stuck in traffic more bearable.
Key Features:
Jam Detection Screen – Alerts users when they enter a jam, providing cause updates and alternate routes.
Infotainment Hub – Allows users to watch videos, listen to music, play games, or join voice rooms.
Single & Collaborative Mode – Users can enjoy activities alone or connect with others in the jam.
Voice Rooms – People in the same jam can chat and share updates.
SOS & Emergency Contacts – Quick access to emergency services or starred contacts.
My Contribution
Clicking Images – Assisted in gathering photos for problem discovery.
Crazy Ideas Ideation – Contributed to generating unconventional ideas that were later refined.
Infotainment Screen Design – Created UI mockups for the entertainment section of the app.
Storyboard Illustration – Designed images to demonstrate how the solution would work in real-life scenarios.
Outcome & Impact
Provided a structured approach to enhancing user experience in non-life-threatening emergency situations.
Explored the use of infotainment in high-stress environments.
Introduced collaborative traffic experiences as a way to make being stuck in jams more engaging.
Learnings & Challenges
Key Learnings:
Applying the AEIOU framework helps uncover design challenges in everyday situations.
The Yes And technique refines ideas better than traditional brainstorming.
Using a pros and cons evaluation method helps in filtering and selecting feasible solutions.
Challenges Faced:
Thinking beyond the obvious – It was initially difficult to spot problems in normal scenarios.
Generating ‘crazy’ ideas – Required time to get comfortable with unconventional ideation.
This project reinforced how observational research, structured ideation, and creative problem-solving can lead to impactful design solutions. The Traffic Jam Infotainment App presents a novel way to keep users engaged and informed while stuck in traffic.
