Rest Stop
Rest Stops aim for accessibility at any time of day by the greatest number of people, to the largest extent possible, regardless of age or ability.
The goal to aim is to provide accessible designated waiting areas on public transit platforms usable at any time of day by the greatest number of people, to the largest extent possible, regardless of their age or ability.
With research, this is where we needed to make decisions and start our prototype. By doing Crazy 8’s and mapping all 60+ ideas on a cost/feasibility map. This is where we collectively chose to focus on the presence and service of transit platforms.
On transit platforms, people can find the space by following distinct contrasted blue lines to the Rest Stop’s blue walls and floors. With no additional obstructions, the Rest Stop maintains AODA standards. Transit riders will always know where they are relative to the area. When someone departs on a subway cart from the Rest Stop area they will arrive at another station’s Rest Stop area.
Challenge
To find a creative solution for navigation of an Ontario public space that is accessible to the greatest number of people.
Schedule
The project was split into two teams, there was the core group which were the directors and a group of 12 designers throughout 5 stages who were tasked with a specific role based on their diverse skills.
Stage 1 - Kick-Off
We wanted our team to be empathetic and educated on accessibility. We had the core group do primary and secondary research. This research done was through observation, user research, watching blogs, interviewing staff, competitor analysis, and set nomenclatures.
Stage 2 - Research
This stage included observational research, surveys, interviews, and user journey. Our findings showed that there was a lack of presence in Toronto transit designated waiting areas.
Stage 3 - Diverging and Converging
At this stage, both designers and directors collaborated to make a decision and start a prototype. We started with crazy 8’s mapping all 60+ ideas and organising them on a cost/ feasibility map. It was at this stage that we focused on transit platforms since this was at a low cost and high feasibility.
The designers were tasked to create a prototype and have testing done for signage.
Stage 4 - Design and Production
In this stage, we focused on refining the prototype based on the testing results. We specifically chose designers who could brand and create a 3D model. In the branding stage, we had proposed the name “SafeWait”.
Stage 5 - Final Outcome
After receiving feedback about the colour of choice and the name, we had the directors refine and add visual elements to convey a story.
The name was changed to “Rest Stop” since the word “safe” gives an impression that everything else is not safe. We made the wall and floor blue with no additional obstruction which makes sure that Rest Stop is maintaining AODA Standards.
