The Hyperloop is a new mode of transportation that carries passengers in pods via tubes. The Hyperloop has yet to be built but there is already hype surrounding the first portal. This project focuses on the onboarding and ticketing process in the app.
This app is a concept project.
Hyperloop
UX Designer
iOS App
People aren’t really sure how the Hyperloop works. There are many pain points in the transportation industry that the Hyperloop needs to address to set itself apart from the competition.
Create a simple onboarding process so users can understand how the Hyperloop works. Design a convenient mobile ticketing experience for on the go travelers.
I conducted user interviews to identify pain points in the existing transportation industry so the Hyperloop app could address them. I also researched information on Hyperloop’s website to get a better idea of how it works so I could create an effective user flow for onboarding. Here are some pain points:
Some trains such as Amtrak don't offer monthly passes. Because the Hyperloop shortens commutes, commuters will want to be able to purchase monthly passes to save money.
Users dislike the surge pricing that ride-sharing apps like Uber employ because they are difficult to anticipate. I designed the Hyperloop to have 3 ticket options with fixed pricing: single, round-trip, and monthly.
Mobile e-tickets that airline companies use are often awkward to scan. I designed the LoopCards with a “tap to board” function for easy scanning.
Airplanes and trains run on schedules. A new Hyperloop pod arrives every few seconds so there is no schedule.
There was some confusion over how the Hyperloop works in the initial research interviews. Users were concerned with the scheduling and pricing so I made sure to call those out in the onboarding. I added animations so users would feel engaged when viewing it.
Originally, I put a map on the homepage in the paper prototype but removed it after an overall negative reaction to it. It kept disappearing and reappearing in subsequent design iterations. I replaced the map with a location dropdown in the mid-fi prototype but it was missing that visual interaction that previewing your trip on a map gives you. I added it back in the hi-fi prototype and implemented user feedback (trip preview, address fields) to make it work. Sometimes functions can be confusing and difficult to test for in the paper prototype but can actually work well in real life after some adjustments.
Map was difficult to navigate so replaced it with dropdowns for location selection.
Added map back with address fields and directions to improve usability.
Originally, I resisted labeling the icons because I wanted a minimal navigation. It was confusing for users so I added labels after testing in the mid-fi prototype. I went through a few icon variations before landing on my final set.
Switch between viewing directions to a portal and tracking the pod as it travels to your destination. I added directions to the portal so users wouldn’t have to search for the directions again on the Homepage.
Just tap your phone on the kiosk to board. No need to fumble with clunky QR codes that only scan 50% of the time.
I did find it challenging to create an app for something that doesn’t exist yet. It was fun to imagine how it would be because the possibilities were endless. If I had more time, I would’ve wanted to conduct more user testing in the hi-fi prototype to see if my map was intuitive for users. For next steps, I want to integrate a way for users to get to their final destination after they ride the Hyperloop. This way, the entire trip is planned for them. I’d also want to explore how it is to book an Uber, Bird, etc from the Hyperloop app and how to make that a seamless transition.
