TransitBloom

Designing a sustainable and accessible travel app.

OVERVIEW

The Problem

Despite a growing interest in eco-friendly transit, many commuters still rely on unsustainable travel options. Difficult transit systems, unreliable schedules, and accessibility issues make greener choices feel unrealistic for everyday use.

The Solution

TransitBloom is a mobile app concept that helps commuters plan efficient and sustainable routes by using intuitive navigation, inclusive design, and rewards that make eco-friendly choices feel practical and achievable.

View Full Prototype

Timeline

Nov 2024 (48hr design challenge)

Eco-rewards tracking system

Sustainable travel is rewarded through carbon savings, eco-points, and process indicators. Points can be redeemed for transit discount or local deals, encouraging repeat consumer behaviour.

03. Design

04. Results

DESIGN PROCESS

01. Research

02. Define

Tools

Figma, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Procreate

DESIGN CHALLENGE

How might we design sustainable travel options that increase efficiency while enhancing the quality of life for daily commuters?

SOLUTIONS

Real-time route planning

Users receive up-to-date routes that account for delays, transit conditions, and sustainability impact— helping users to choose faster, greener options.

Role

Product Designer, UX Researcher

Accessibility-first navigation

TransitBloom highlights routes with elevators, ramps, and step-free access. Filters allow users with mobility needs to avoid inaccessible stations or transfers.

01. Research

Understanding why people don’t choose sustainable transit

We studied 2 key groups:

  1. Students who value speed and affordability; and

  2. Seniors who require accessible routes.

Through interviews, competitor analysis, and market research, we discovered some barriers shaping commuting behaviour.

Research Goals

  • Identify daily transit pain points, such as delays and accessibility

  • Understand what motivates or discourages greener choices

  • Evaluate how cost and incentives affect consumer choices

What We Heard

“Bus schedules are so confusing— I just never know when to leave.”

— M.L., UofT Student

“If I had a good reason to, I might actually stop driving.”

— K.V., Occasional User

02. Define

Turning barriers into clear design features

From user research, it became clear that commuters don’t dislike sustainable transit; they just feel unsupported by existing tools. Current apps solve navigation, but fail to address accessibility, motivation, and uncertainty.

We defined TransitBloom as a single, cohesive experience that connects real-time information, inclusive route planning, and eco-incentives to close the gap between intention and action.

Problem Statement

Commuters face unreliable, inaccessible, and uninspiring transit experiences that make sustainable travel feel inconvenient and uncertain.

Design Focus

  • Reduce uncertainty with real-time updating routes

  • Support diverse mobility needs

  • Motivate greener choices through rewards

03. Design

Low-Fidelity

High-Fidelity

04. Results

What I learned

01. Sustainability needs motivation

Many users already care about the environment, but awareness alone does not change behaviour. Pairing it with clear incentives and real-time reassurance is what turns intention into action.

02. Accessibility must be integrated from the start

Designing for seniors and users with mobility needs reinforced the idea that accessibility cannot be an afterthought. When accessibility options are built in from the start, the experience improves for everyone; not just those with specific needs.

03. Small UX decisions shape our everyday habits

TransitBloom showed me how details such as colour choices, icon clarity, and reward feedback can influence trust and engagement. Thoughtful UX decisions can make sustainable commuting feel easier, more rewarding, and part of a daily routine.