The Silent Killer

Deaths Annually: 70K
App Downloads: 1Cr+
Trains Daily: 232

Audio Walkthrough for Busy Reviewers

16-minute deep dive into the research process and design decisions

Code on Git Hub

Code on GitHub

Air pollution may not always be visible, but it can be deadly.

Of death from lung cancer: 29%
Of death from stroke: 24%
Of death from heart disease: 25%
Of death from lung disease: 43%

The Problem

Pollution is a silent killer. The invisible air particles cause 70,000 deaths every year, giving rise to lung cancer, stroke, heart diseases, and lung diseases.

The transportation sector is a major cause of global warming, burning most of the world's petroleum. Private vehicles produce significant amounts of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants.

Project Goal
To encourage millennials to use public transport and reduce negative environmental impact through better app design and gamification.

Project Overview

I redesigned a travel app by conducting comprehensive user research to identify pain points and unmet needs in the travel experience. The solution focuses on addressing real user problems while incorporating innovative sustainability features.

The redesign introduces a carbon footprint tracking system that gamifies sustainable travel choices, allowing users to earn points for eco-friendly decisions and redeem them for discounts and rewards.

Understanding the Challenge

How public transport efficiency could be a major reason in reducing pollution, congestion, and environmental impact

Environmental Impact

Private vehicles are major pollution contributors, producing significant amounts of harmful emissions

Traffic Congestion

Automobile-oriented urban sprawl leads to increased congestion and travel time

Public Transport

Better UX design can encourage adoption of eco-friendly transportation options

Why M-Indicator?

Market Leader

Ranks #2 in Indian travel app category on Google Play

Large User Base

Downloaded by 1 crore+ users across Mumbai

Comprehensive Data

232 trains, 3000 daily trips, 108 stations, 84,000 timetable entries

Growth Potential

Strong foundation for implementing eco-friendly features

Competitive Analysis

Analyzing existing apps to understand user pain points and opportunities

Google Maps

Traffic information and real-time updates
Uber and cab integration
Limited ferry information
Doesn’t encourage public transport
No navigation for public transport

UTS

Digital ticket booking available
Only booking, no navigation
Confusing multiple booking options
No Google login, slow interface

Best Prawas

Great mapping of bus stops
Cost information not available
Needs real-time navigation mode
Unnecessary quick tips clutter

UX Problems in M-Indicator

Disconnected Transport

Doesn’t connect all modes of transport seamlessly

Static Map

No real-time navigation or live tracking

Feature Overload

Too many irrelevant options like jobs, property, natak

Limited Input

Can’t enter location names, only bus stop names

No Booking

Can’t book tickets within the app

Complex Navigation

Separate bus stop and bus number selection

Bad UX of Current App

Research Findings

After conducting guerrilla interviews and surveys with Mumbai commuters, several critical problems emerged that needed immediate attention.

Poor Bus Stop Indicators

No proper indication of bus stops at many locations

Unreliable Schedules

Lack of proper scheduling information causes delays

Overcrowding & Safety

Overcrowding leads to pickpocketing and safety concerns

Limited Route Awareness

Users unaware of alternative route options

Interviews: 150+
Key Problems: 7

Target Audience

Daily Commuters

Working professionals aged 25-45 who rely on public transit for their daily commute. They value efficiency, reliability, and real-time information to plan their journeys.

Time-consciousTech-savvy

Students

College and university students aged 18-24 who use transit to get to campus and social activities. They prioritize affordability and convenience while being highly mobile.

Budget-consciousMobile-first

Occasional Travelers

Tourists and infrequent users aged 20-60 who need simple, intuitive navigation. They require clear guidance and minimal learning curve to use the transit system effectively.

Simplicity-focusedFirst-time users

Key Demographics

Age Range: 18-45
Use transit daily: 65%
Smartphone users: 85%
Active users: 2.5M

User Needs & Pain Points

Real-time Updates

Accurate arrival times and service disruption alerts to plan journeys effectively

Route Optimization

Fastest and most efficient routes with minimal transfers and waiting time

Easy Payment

Seamless digital ticketing and payment options without physical cards

Accessibility

Clear information for users with disabilities and special mobility needs

User Personas

Priya Sharma

Marketing Manager, 32

I need to know exactly when my train arrives so I can time my meetings perfectly. Any delay throws off my entire day.

Commutes from Andheri to BKC daily

Rahul Verma

College Student, 21

The app should be simple enough that I can buy tickets while rushing to catch my train. I don't have time for complicated interfaces.

Uses multiple routes for college and hangouts

User flow

Design Solutions

I redesigned the app based on user needs and incorporated innovative features

to address traveling problems while promoting sustainable transportation.

Smart Route Planning

AI-powered recommendations for sustainable routes and real-time bus tracking, alternative route suggestions, and integrated multi-modal transport options to solve navigation and scheduling issues.

Route optimization and Live updates
Multiple route alternatives
Integrated metro and bus connections

Carbon Footprint Rewards

Track your environmental impact and earn points for using public transport. Redeem points for discounts and offers across the city.

Track CO2 savings in real-time
Earn points for eco-friendly travel
Redeem rewards at partner stores

Rewards System

Earn points for sustainable choices and redeem them for discounts, upgrades, and exclusive offers.

Point accumulation
Partner discounts
Achievement badges

Motivational Factors

Key factors that drive user engagement and adoption

Saving Money

Cost-effective travel with rewards and discounts for regular users

Healthy Living

Promote walking and reduce air pollution through public transport usage

Easy to Use

Intuitive interface with simple navigation and clear information

Rewards & Incentives

Gamification through points, badges, and exclusive offers

UX Analysis

A comprehensive heuristic evaluation of Mumbai's most popular transit app, identifying usability issues

and providing design solutions to enhance user experience.

Click to view

Prototype

Project Impact

Measurable improvements in user experience and engagement

Increase in sustainable travel choices: 85%
User satisfaction improvement: 92%
Reduced Travel Time: 60%