EFFECIENT PARKING SPACES A UX DESIGN PROJECT
PROJECT OVERVIEW The following document is for a UX project focusing on creating more efficient public multi-storey parking spaces (like in malls, grocery stores, theatres, and independent public parking), by incorporating principles of multisensory design. The project follows the User-Centric Design framework and makes use of both primary and secondary research.
INDEX 01
02
03
Constraints
Problem statement
Framework used
About the project Duration of the project
About UCD Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
CONSTRAINTS
THE PROJECT WILL BE LIMITED TO Indian multi-storey parking spaces.
Indian demographic
Public multi-storey parking spaces (like in malls, grocery stores, theatres, and independent public parking), and will not be taking into consideration privatised multi-storey parking spaces (like in corporate offices, residential apartments, and housing societies).
PROBLEM STATEMENT AND DURATION.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
WHAT ARE WE CREATING?
WHERE CAN IT BE USED?
We are trying to create more efficient multi-storey parking spaces, by incorporating principles of multisensory design.
It can be used in multi-storey parking spaces of Indian malls, grocery stores, theatres, and independent public parking.
WHOM ARE WE CREATING FOR?
WHY THIS TOPIC?
The project will focus on Indian two-wheeler and four-wheeler drivers, using multi-storey parking spaces regularly or occasionally.
The topic was inspired by personal experience. As a frequent user of public multi-storey parking spaces, I have found them time-consuming and hard to navigate through.
DURATION OF THE PROJECT - 2 MONTHS
FRAMEWORK USED
KEY STEPS OF THE USER-CENTRIC DESIGN FRAMEWORK 01
UNDERSTANDING THE CONTEXT OF THE USE
02
SPECIFYING USER'S REQUIREMENTS
03
DESIGN SOLUTIONS
04
EVALUATE AGAINST REQUIREMENTS
01 UNDERSTANDING CONTEXT OF THE USER
SECONDARY RESEARCH WHAT ARE PUBLIC MULTI-STOREY PARKING SPACES A multi-storey car parking is a stacked car park that has multi ple levels, may be enclosed and can be an independent building. When such parking spaces are accessible to the general public for parking purposes, with or without a fee then they can be considered as public-multi-storey parking spaces. Examples of these could be seen in malls, grocery stores, theatres, etc. (Designing Buildings, 6 Nov. 2020)
COMMON PROBLEMS
A lot of malls, theatres and grocery stores in India like Dmarts, Big Bazars have multiple levels of indoor parking for four-wheelers and two-wheelers. These public parking spaces are often huge and allow a large number of vehicles to be parked together in an organized fashion. But they also come with their own issues for the users, especially in India. These issues are some of the main reasons this topic was picked.
A lot of these parking spaces are not well lit and ventilated, creating a problem of lack of safety and visibility. (Kumar, 2019)
The navigation from the entry to the exit of such parking spaces is generally unmarked and confusing to follow. (Rayn, Kumal, 2017)
Most of the public indoor parking spaces (for malls and grocery stores) in India are spread on multiple floors all of which tend to look architecturally similar if not the same. This generally leads to a lot of confusion when individuals try to find their vehicles or look for the floor they have parked on. (Rayn, Kumal, 2017)
Most of such parking spaces try to link a parking area with an alphanumeric code (eg - 13A, 14G, etc.). This method of identification can be confusing or even frustrating if an individual doesn’t remember the alphanumeric code corresponding to their parking spot. (Kumar, 2019)
A large majority of Indian vehicles (cars and two-wheelers) do not have key sensors that can visually and auditorily help people in identifying their vehicles from a distance. This identification process becomes even harder when such vehicles are parked in multi-floor indoor parking spaces. (Kumar, 2019)
THINGS BEING DONE IN INDIA QUEST MALL KOLKATA Uses Chip Coin Automated Pay and - Visitors can collect the coin from the chip coin dispenser at the entry of the parking individually and park the vehicle. For ‘Express Exit’, the customer has to pay the due amount in cash, calculated on the number of hours of stay. The activated chip needs to be inserted in the chip coin collector which opens the barrier at the exit. An app-based parking system to ensure digitisation for the payment process. (Kumar, 2019)
AMBIENCE MALL, DELHI Ambience Mall App - can be used by people to mark or book their parking spots beforehand. Automated ticketing system at the entry. 24*7 well-lit parking spaces with LEDs to ensure visibility along with less power consumption. Reflective signages. (Kumar, 2019)
VIVIAN MALL, THANE Uses LED direction signage. Dedicated pathways for customers and zebra crossings near the lobby. Colour codes, clear, and bold warning and direction signage. (Kumar, 2019)
PRIMARY RESEARCH Primary data collection and research was done through an academic survey.
THE AIM OF THE SURVEY Understanding if respondents are facing issues with indoor, public multilevel parking.
EXPECTED RESPONDENTS 1. Regular two-wheeler and four-wheeler drivers. 2. People who have used and experienced indoor, public multilevel parking.
Link to the full questionnaire - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1glX4LU3aM0UwNpjlctPZYIgi-u1zcy7kJgf94EK2W3o/edit? usp=sharing
RESULTS OF THE SURVEY The survey was done with 74 participants who were regular two-wheeler or four-wheeler drivers and had used indoor multi-storey parking for public spaces like malls, grocery stores, cinema halls. The age of the respondents is between 18 years to 59 years, mostly living in tire two cities and metros.
02 SPECIFYING USER'S NEEDS
DATA ANALYSIS The analysis of the primary data collection was done through affinity mapping. The similar responses were arranged and grouped together to create common patterns.
Link to the full affinity map https://www.figma.com/file/2f lsJJTImWBeCJixLV8wmv/Affini ty-map-link?node-id=0%3A1
THE PAIN POINTS OF THE USERS PAIN POINTS Lack of assistance for parking, makes the drivers feel frustrated and helpless. Lack of clear demarcation of parking spaces and directional parking instructions. Looking for a place to park should be made quicker and less stressful (highlight empty parking spots on each floor). Limited and uncommon signages are confusing.
GOALS OF THE USERS GOALS Having a brighter and well lit indoor parking space. Wider and more spacious lanes to navigate within the indoor parking. Moving away from diagonal parking spaces. Option for faster payment methods. Easily distinguishable parking floors and parking spots. Bold signages and boards. Prominent entry and exit gates.
PERSONA 1 Link to the full personas and journey maps https://www.figma.com/file/Fq3Cjc kKFG695XJcZvcdZk/Untitled?nodeid=0%3A1
JOURNEY MAP 1 Link to the full personas and journey maps https://www.figma.com/file/F q3CjckKFG695XJcZvcdZk/Unt itled?node-id=0%3A1
PERSONA 2 Link to the full personas and journey maps https://www.figma.com/file/Fq3Cjck KFG695XJcZvcdZk/Untitled?nodeid=0%3A1
JOURNEY MAP 2 Link to the full personas and journey maps https://www.figma.com/file/Fq 3CjckKFG695XJcZvcdZk/Untitle d?node-id=0%3A1
FINAL PROBLEM AREAS TO WORK ON AS OF NOW, WE CAN UNDERSTAND THAT THE USERS ARE LOOKING FOR -
Faster means finding an empty parking spot.
Availability of assistance. Easier means of remembering a parking spot.
Faster payment methods.
03 DESIGN SOLUTIONS
BRAINSTORMING Link to Brainstorming file https://www.figma.com/file/BEZ8t hKQ5Z885ClFGmVGdS/Brainstorm ingfile?node-id=0%3A1
POSSIBLE PRODUCT Based on the prioritised problems and brainstorming for their possible solutions, the following product idea could be derived -
A MOBILE WEBSITE, SCANNABLE BY QR CODE
CREATING ARCHITECTURAL DIFFERENCES IN EXISTING PARKING SPACE
Creating a mobile website, connected through a scannable QR code to help users solve their parking issues. Being a mobile website and not an app, it will be more accessible and efficient for all users as the hassle of downloading be will be eliminated.
Creating superficial architectural differences in the parking lot, visible to the users on the mobile website as well. Thus helping the users to differentiate and remember different parking spots.
&
POSSIBLE FEATURES The app along with the architectural differences in the parking lot will be solving the following 4 issues.
I. FIND ME A SPOT This feature will allow users to find the empty parking spots in the parking lot and navigate to them in just one click. This feature will work through wireless electromagnetic sensors installed on the base of each parking spot. These sensors can identify when something is placed over them and thus can be used for marking empty spots.
HOW WILL IT WORK Will take your location into count. Will offer you a map of the parking lot along with your location. Will highlight all the empty parking spots near you. With the map, the users can directly navigate to the nearest empty parking spot.
II. FIND MY VEHICLE This feature will help users to find their parked vehicles. It will work by presenting architectural differences in physical space and showcasing them in a digital domain to create landmarks and make the identification process of different sections of the parking lot, easier for users.
HOW WILL IT WORK Creating differences in physical spaces which can then be visible in the digital map of the parking lot. Color coding parking lanes and giving columns common names of everyday things. The user can be asked to tell their closest landmark to identify the approximate location of their vehicle.
III. ASK FOR ASSISTANCE
HOW WILL IT WORK
Will allow users to ask for assistance or help from a parking assistant by connecting with them through the previously mentioned mobile website.
The app will offer users a feature to connect with a parking assistant. It will allow users to connect one on one with a parking assistant through text or call.
IV. PAYMENT TRACKER This feature will eliminate the need for a parking ticket and will allow users to keep a note of how much they need to pay, based on how long they have parked their vehicle.
HOW WILL IT WORK This will be done through a number plate reader at the entry and exit, which can keep a note of how long a vehicle was in the parking lot. Thus eliminating the need for physical parking tickets The users can then check their digital ticket through the payment tracked feature by putting in their vehicle's licence number.
WIREFRAMES
DESIGN ELEMENTS #0F0C29
REASONS FOR USING A GRADIENT Throughout the app solid colors have been used in parking lot maps and and segregation of different parking spots. Thus to prevent class between the UI of the website and the color codes on the parking spots we decided to go with a gradient for the mobile website.
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#B3B4B4 #302B63 #BE202E
##FFFFFF
#24243E
REASONS FOR USING BLUE As per IRIS statistics, blue is the only color detectable to those suffering from color blindness. Hues of blue have a calming effect on the eyes and are well rendered on most of the mobile devices.
DESIGNS
SCREENS https://www.figma.com/file/LdMJzAXp Lkd9ZOuisUifUu/Untitled?nodeid=0%3A1
04 EVALUATE AGAINST REQUIREMENT
USABILITY STUDY The 1st usability study was done with the prototype of the mobile website. The study had 3 participants and they were tasked to find and navigate to an empty parking spot by using the mobile website.
ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS Regular two-wheelers and four-wheeler drivers. People who have used and experienced indoor multistory parking. The respondents will include 1 male and 2 drivers. The age group of the participants varies from 21 to 50 years.
FINDINGS Adding a back button to each page Adding a separate "next" button to the "I am looking for" page on the website.
CONCLUSION By looking at the project till now we have been able to understand the users, along with their key pain points and goals about the subject of the project. We have also been able to come up with a viable solution by creating architectural differences in parking lots, along with a scannable mobile website.
FUTURE SCOOP The project can be further extended to Privatised multi-storey parking spaces. Global demographic of two-wheeler and four-wheeler drivers.
REFERENCES https://www.indiaretailing.com/2019/09/20/shopping-centre/driving-thechange-malls-use-technology-for-smart-parking-solutions/ https://retailwire.com/discussion/tech-tries-to-end-the-annoying-searchfor-mall-parking-spots/ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/a-year-on-multi-levelparking-still-plagued-by-maintenance-safetyissues/articleshow/60470098.cms https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235214652030661X