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As a precursor to future public transportation, automated shuttle buses can already be experienced in some test regions, but the general public still has reservations and may not yet be ready for this change. For example, the fact that such vehicles might operate independently (without a human driver) creates a barrier of uncertainty and mistrust among people. In this work, we aim to identify and classify the prevailing reservations and propose solutions. We followed the User Centered Design (UCD) process to design concepts that are specifically tailored to the needs of future public transport users. After related work analysis, on-site research, and pre-studies, two main studies were conducted specifically to address communication in the exterior (n = 24) and interior/service design (n = 21). For both studies, we applied a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative measures. Our results indicate that, in general, existing ways of communication in the exterior are insufficient to meet future needs. The two visualization concepts for external communication developed in this work were rated (significantly) better in most dimensions of the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ), when compared to the baseline condition with no additional visualization. Furthermore, preferences among the study participants towards simple, highly visible, and well-known lighting concepts could be observed. As for the interior, the results show that participants rated attractiveness highly for the two design concepts (closer, further in the future) as compared to current, state-of-the-art solutions (automated buses currently in operation). For the “near future” concept, the pragmatic quality dominated, while in the other (the “far future”) concept the hedonic quality was in the foreground. From the results, design recommendations in different categories were derived, which reflect the general openness of the public towards new technologies and interior approaches, but also point out the importance for privacy and designated personal spaces inside an (automated) shuttle bus. Some of the results do not strictly apply to automated shuttle buses, and can serve as valuable suggestions for improving conventional shuttle buses.
Digital Memories
(2023)
"Digital Memories - Designing an interactive wellbeing concept for people with dementia and their family members" is a master’s thesis that investigates how to design an interactive wellbeing concept for people with dementia and their family members. Qualitative and quantitative research was conducted to study the needs and experiences of people with dementia and their family members.
Based on the results, a prototypical concept was developed that offers various functions and tools that promotes shared remembering and communication. These includes a memory section, activities, and a individual home-screen. The concept was successfully tested in a study with family members and an expert and received positive feedback.
The results of this thesis shows that the concept can be a valuable approach to supporting the wellbeing of people with dementia and their family members. It offers the opportunity to share joint memories and experiences and promote communication and interaction. The developed prototypical application could serve as a basis for further research and the development of wellbeing concepts for people with dementia.
The use of technology to improve the wellbeing of persons with dementia and their family members is a growing focus in the field. This master thesis explores the design of an interactive concept called "Digital Memories" that aims to support the physical, emotional, and social wellbeing of dementia patients and their loved ones through the use of digital memories. Through a combination of theoretical analysis and practical design research, the study aims to contribute to the understanding of how digital technologies can be used to support the well-being of individuals with dementia and their families. The focus of the study is on the family members of dementia patients and seeks to answer the research question of how an interactive application can be designed to support the well-being of these individuals. The study will explore current approaches in the field, identify key challenges and opportunities for design, and examine various design strategies for creating effective and meaningful interventions.