Validator device

The device offers an automated validation solution for passenger boarding. With advanced scanning capabilities, it streamlines driver workflows, reducing manual tasks, shortening boarding times, and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Role

Product Designer

Industry

Transportation, shuttle service, tech

Duration

3 months

Stage 1. Research & Discovery

  • Problem identification: examined existing boarding processes, identifying manual task that slowed down operations and created bottlenecks.

  • Benchmarking: studied how other transportation systems handle passenger validation and explored potential hardware and software solutions.

  • Stakeholder interviews: gathered input from drivers, operations managers, and IT specialists to understand pain points and opportunities.

Key deliverables:

  • Documented requirements capturing operational needs and desired device capabilities.

  • Comparative analysis of different validation hardware options.

Stage 2. Proposal & Strategy

  • Solution drafting: presented a plan outlining device choices (rugged industrial readers) and the integration roadmap for GPS/cellular communications.

  • Cost-Benefit analysis: illustrated ROI by projecting faster boarding and fewer driver-related bottlenecks, offsetting initial hardware investment.

  • Stakeholder engagement: secured buy-in from management, operations, and technical teams, refining project timelines and budget allocation.

Key deliverables:

  1. Detailed proposal covering hardware selection, deployment timeline, and estimated costs.

  2. Approval and allocation of resources to move forward with the recommended solution.

Stage 3. Prototyping & Proof of Concept

  • Device testing: obtained sample units from selected vendors to assess read rates (QR/barcode/NFC), reliability, and ease of installation in various vehicle types.

  • Connectivity integration: collaborated with the IT team to ensure seamless data transfer via cellular networks and GPS tracking.

  • Pilot program: deployed devices in a limited number of vehicles, tracking boarding times, driver workload, and any operational issues.

Key deliverables:

  1. Functional prototypes tested in real-world transport conditions.

  2. Pilot feedback report highlighting boarding speed improvements and potential areas for device refinement.

Stage 1. Research & Discovery

  • Problem identification: examined existing boarding processes, identifying manual task that slowed down operations and created bottlenecks.

  • Benchmarking: studied how other transportation systems handle passenger validation and explored potential hardware and software solutions.

  • Stakeholder interviews: gathered input from drivers, operations managers, and IT specialists to understand pain points and opportunities.

Key deliverables:

  • Documented requirements capturing operational needs and desired device capabilities.

  • Comparative analysis of different validation hardware options.

Stage 2. Proposal & Strategy

  • Solution drafting: presented a plan outlining device choices (rugged industrial readers) and the integration roadmap for GPS/cellular communications.

  • Cost-Benefit analysis: illustrated ROI by projecting faster boarding and fewer driver-related bottlenecks, offsetting initial hardware investment.

  • Stakeholder engagement: secured buy-in from management, operations, and technical teams, refining project timelines and budget allocation.

Key deliverables:

  1. Detailed proposal covering hardware selection, deployment timeline, and estimated costs.

  2. Approval and allocation of resources to move forward with the recommended solution.

Stage 3. Prototyping & Proof of Concept

  • Device testing: obtained sample units from selected vendors to assess read rates (QR/barcode/NFC), reliability, and ease of installation in various vehicle types.

  • Connectivity integration: collaborated with the IT team to ensure seamless data transfer via cellular networks and GPS tracking.

  • Pilot program: deployed devices in a limited number of vehicles, tracking boarding times, driver workload, and any operational issues.

Key deliverables:

  1. Functional prototypes tested in real-world transport conditions.

  2. Pilot feedback report highlighting boarding speed improvements and potential areas for device refinement.

Stage 4. Implementation & Training

  • Fleet-Wide rollout: installed validated devices across the 10% fleet, coordinating schedules to minimize service disruptions.

  • Driver & Staff education: created concise training materials on basic maintenance, troubleshooting, and best practices for quick, independent usage.

  • Ongoing support: established a dedicated support channel to address any hardware or software concerns promptly.

Key deliverables:

  1. Fully operational system with enhanced boarding processes.

  2. Training guides and helpdesk resources to maintain efficient operations.

Stage 5. Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

  • Performance analysis: gathered metrics on average boarding times, device uptime, and driver satisfaction post-deployment.

  • Iterative enhancements: used data insights to refine device settings, kiosk mode to lock the device interface, preventing accidental app exits and minimizing driver interaction, device and software configurations (scanning sensitivity, connectivity options) to optimize speed and accuracy further.

Key deliverables:

  1. Comprehensive performance review showcasing improvements in boarding efficiency and driver workload reduction.

  2. A roadmap for new features, including kiosk mode updates and advanced settings to maintain optimal performance.

Outcomes

  1. Streamlined boarding process: automated validation reduced manual steps and minimized boarding delays.

  2. Higher driver efficiency: drivers spent less time checking tickets and more time focusing on safe, punctual service.

  3. Scalable infrastructure: the device can be adapted or expanded for new routes, systems, or functionalities, ensuring long-term organizational value.

Outcomes

  1. Streamlined boarding process: automated validation reduced manual steps and minimized boarding delays.

  2. Higher driver efficiency: drivers spent less time checking tickets and more time focusing on safe, punctual service.

  3. Scalable infrastructure: the device can be adapted or expanded for new routes, systems, or functionalities, ensuring long-term organizational value.

Other projects

Copyright 2024 by Fabian Rubio

Copyright 2024 by Fabian Rubio

Copyright 2024 by Fabian Rubio