GO Transit App
Overview
This project focuses on creating a GO Transit app to reduce commuter confusion and stress, especially for young adults. Through research and usability testing, the UX prototype provides clear guidance, intuitive navigation, and accessible trip information to help users navigate stations and plan trips with confidence.
Role
UX Designer
Project Manager
Scope
UX/ Research & Prototype
Timeline
4 Months
Tools
Figma
Illustrator
Photoshop
TEam Members
Jenna, G.
Kezia, E.
Mekhi, B.
Drake, H.
Problem
GO Transit riders, especially young adults commuting to school or work struggle with unclear station navigation, platform confusion, and a lack of accessible real-time updates. These issues often lead to missed trains, uncertainty, and increased commuter stress.
Goal
The purpose of this project is to design a clearer, more intuitive transit app experience that helps GO Transit riders navigate stations, select routes and platforms, and access real-time updates with confidence.
Strategy
Our group focused on creating a user-centered design based in real commuter behavior. Key points of friction during the commute were identified using research insights, with a priority on lowering mental strain in high-stress scenarios. In order to ensure that the app could accommodate both beginner and seasoned riders, design choices placed a higher priority on guidance, clarity, and simplicity than information density.
Research & Insights
We conducted interviews and observations with GO Transit riders aged 18–28 who regularly commute using the system.
Key Insights
Users often don’t know which line their station belongs to
Platform numbers are not accessible through the current GO Transit website
Experienced users wanted quick schedules, while newer users needed guidance planning their commute
Newer users were unsure of acceptable methods of payment and ticket options
Users found other transit apps too overwhelming and confusing
Competitive Analysis
App
Transit
Pros
Lots of information available
Great mix of visuals and text
Ability to see when next trains are coming for your route: 20 min, 30 min, etc
Alerts section, and ability to receive notifications of alerts
Cons
Interface is too busy, with too much information on the page at once
Colour coded routes; great but can make it look more confusing with so many different colours
Horizontal timeline is a bit confusing
User Frustrations
"There are too many visuals happening and not enough information that will benefit what I’m looking for, and I also find it inaccurate."
- Alexus, D. (Interviewee)
Process
01 - User Research
Conducted user interviews and observations with GO Transit riders between the ages of 18-28.
02 - User Research Analysis
Identified key pain points related to station navigation, various trip information including platform details, and ticket information.
03 - Competitive Analysis
Completed a competitive analysis of existing transit apps, including GoTrack and Transit.
04 - User Journeys
Mapped user journeys and common commuting scenarios.
05 - User Flows
Designed task-based user flows using Figma to replicate time-sensitive decisions.
06 - Low-Fidelity Wireframes
Create low-fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes in Figma.
07 - Usability Testing
Conducted usability testing using realistic commuter tasks.
08 - Wireframe Iterations
Made iterations on designs based on feedback gathered during testing to improve clairty and reduce friction throughout the user journey.
Usability Testing
Users were asked to complete tasks such as:
Finding a route to Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto
Finding platform numbers
Viewing schedules and alternate routes depending on preference
Purchase and activate a ticket of your choice
Observed challenges:
Repeated scrolling and hesitation
Users tapping incorrect buttons
Confusion around navigation labels and dropdowns
Solution
With simplified navigation, clearer station and platform information, real-time updates, and enhanced access to ticketing and payment details, the final prototype offers a more guided and convenient transit experience. The project successfully demonstrates how careful UX design can boost confidence and lessen commuter stress when navigating complex transit systems.
Takeaway
This project demonstrated how user research can direct more successful iterations and emphasized the significance of research to ensure that design decisions are focused on the primary user. I improved my abilities in usability testing, user research, and converting qualitative input into practical design enhancements, especially in time-sensitive, high-pressure situations.
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