UTransit: UX Research & Product Design

User Experience Design | February–May 2024

Project Overview

UTransit is a mobile app concept created to promote public transit usage among University of Texas at Austin students. Our goal was to design a digital solution that makes riding the bus more intuitive, accessible, and appealing to college students who often default to driving or rideshares.

My Role

• Team Lead
• UX Researcher & Designer
• Wireframing & Mockup Development

Problem Statement

Students at UT Austin often overlook public transit as a reliable commuting option. Many perceive it as inconvenient or confusing to use, especially when compared to faster (but more expensive and less sustainable) alternatives like rideshare apps or personal cars.

Research

• Conducted user interviews to understand commuting pain points
• Performed a competitive analysis of popular transit and navigation apps
• Created journey maps and personas based on insights from students

Key Insights

• Students prioritize convenience and clarity in their commuting tools
• Real-time tracking and simplified route planning were frequently requested
• Many students avoid transit due to past confusion or negative experiences

Design Process

• Mapped user flows and key scenarios (e.g., finding routes, locating stops)
• Designed wireframes and mockups using Canva and Figma-style layout tools
• Incorporated intuitive icons, color coding, and call-to-actions for navigation
• Prioritized accessibility through contrast, text hierarchy, and tap targets

Final Mockup

Our final design features an interactive, student-friendly interface for real-time bus tracking, personalized route suggestions, and quick access to campus-specific information.

Reflection

This project taught me how to translate research insights into concrete design decisions. It deepened my understanding of how environmental goals can be paired with user-centered thinking to create meaningful behavior change. It also reinforced my leadership skills as I helped guide my team through the entire UX process.

Supporting Materials