Sweep

In many train stations in The Netherlands, train platforms are located higher than ground level. Passengers access the trains by using stairs or escalators, neither of which provide a view of the train until the top of the stairs have been reached. This can lead to unnecessary fatigue when passengers run for the train and realise it is not leaving for a while, or embarrassing situations like having the doors shut right before their noses. All these events contribute to a stressful traveling experience. 

Sweep is a responsive stairway rail that was designed to give passengers playful control over these situations. Using the progress bar metaphor, the stairway rail communicates the departure time of the first next train on the platform above. This results both in a visually pleasing and an easy to estimate source of information. Additionally, passengers can 'catch' the moving light source and sweep it backwards along the time continuum. This will delay the train's departure for a brief period, allowing passengers to gain time.

Role : Interaction Designer, Usability Tester.

Academic, TU Delft    |    Sep - Dec 2010.