Stephan Hörold

Analyzing varying environmental contexts in public transport

The basis for user-centered design is the knowledge of users and tasks. Developing systems, e.g. mobile applications, which are used at varying locations, requires knowledge of the environmental context as well. This paper describes an approach for the analysis of varying environmental contexts in public transport. The results are presented as context templates to derive information needs of users in public transport dependent on influencing context factors and can serve as a communication tool for interdisciplinary groups.

Model of Mobility Oriented Agenda Planning

Today people have a wide range of choices in their means of transportation and their mobility options that it offers. Usability and flexibility are paramount in the application to individualized lifestyles. At the same time however, the provision of information and the planning process has become more complex and the users must collect information from a wide range of different systems. In order to reduce the workload of the planning processes, the task structures of different system must be analyzed and tried to combine. This paper describes how the mobility planning process can be integrated into the agenda planning process.

Towards Paperless Mobility Information in Public Transport

Following the integration of mobile applications into the mobility information system of public transport, public transport companies seek new opportunities to reduce paper-based information. A common example for these new opportunities is the so called ‘paperless stop point’. This paper describes different expansion stages of public displays for mobility information at stop points, based on empirical evaluations with users and experts. Four stages are discussed, which range from static information screens to individual interactive displays. In addition, the widespread expectations of users and transport companies are described, which provide the base for the stage development, are described. As a result, this paper provides insight into typical challenges towards paperless mobility information at stop points in public transport.

Evaluating Methods and Equipment for Usability Field Tests in Public Transport

Usability experts require high quality of evaluation data, in order to achieve detailed and meaningful results. In particular, evaluation in public environment, e.g. in public transport, involves influences of different contexts. In order to observe these context factors, a wide range of technical test equipment, for instance eye-tracking or video glasses, are available. This paper describes the evaluation of different combinations of test methods and equipment for a field test in public transport. The goal of this study is to identify a test setup which enables a natural behavior of the test persons and a high quality of data.

Using customer feedback in public transportation systems

As recent studies have shown, compared to other sectors the customers of public transportation services are unsatisfied with regard to the service quality. One mayor source of the dissatisfaction is caused by missing or inconsistent information about the duration and route of planned trips in case of disruptions. Existing possibilities to interact with the transportation company generally does not lead to changes in the disruption management process. To overcome these limitations, we propose to use mobile communication techniques to transfer bi-directional information between the customer and the transportation company via an information platform. This allows to include on-site information from customers in operational decisions as well as fast and consistent information in case of plan changes. Therefore, our proposed solution allows structural process changes which would increase the customer satisfaction by means.

Guidelines for Usability Field Tests in the Dynamic Contexts of Public Transport

Public transport is one of many fields of application where a system is not used in only one context of use, but in different and varying contexts. Evaluating these systems in lab-based tests can only cover a small part of the real context. This paper describes a usability field test of a mobile passenger information application in public transport, the challenges of testing in a highly dynamic context, and also solutions to overcome these challenges. As a result, a classification of the variety of dynamic factors in public transport and guidelines for typical test contexts in public transport are derived from the gained experiences and empirical findings.

Evaluation of Dispatcher Requirements on Automated Customer Feedback in Public Transport

This paper presents a study to analyze fundamental requirements for dispatching systems in public transport, integrating the new technical possibilities of automated customer feedback. Dispatchers in German transport companies are surveyed on their acceptance and expectations, regarding the integration of automated customer feedback in their dispatching decisions. The results serve as a basis for the user-oriented development of dispatching and mobile information systems in public transport with bi-directional communication.

Extending the information of activity diagrams with a user input classification

This paper presents an extended notation of actions in activity diagrams. The suggested method combines activity diagrams with a user input classification in order to support interdisciplinary teams, particularly in the early phases of development. In this way, the user input classification serves as a communication basis for user requirements, which is adapted to the needs of software engineers. The method is evaluated within a case study in a nationwide research project for public transport.

Service and Usability Engineering Based Approach for Flexible Mobility

Changing general conditions, e.g. demographic change, rural flight and diminishing funds, and new expectations from mass transit users are compelling transportation companies, especially mass transit authorities, to develop new and flexible mobility services. This paper describes an approach that combines methods of service and usability engineering and also presents the initial results of analyses and specifications. The findings reveal the different views of companies and users and serve to identify the challenges of and opportunities for new flexible and user-centered mobility services.

Knowledge-Oriented Selection of Usability Engineering Methods for Mobility Scenarios

Different areas of application and scenarios necessitate different sets of usability engineering methods. The selection of these methods depends on a variety of conditions. This paper presents a new approach for selecting and combining usability engineering methods, dependent on individual conditions of the corresponding method, company-based and product-specific measures as well as an analysis of the knowledge in the area of application. The approach is exemplarily presented for the mobility and transportation sector, focusing on the knowledge-based selection of methods for mobility scenarios.