How we conducted UX Research and UI Redesign for Slow Streets in San Francisco, to improve Way-finding and safety, projecting a 40% increase in User Satisfaction and a 30% reduction in Traffic Incidents.
Project Overview
The "Slow Street" project was developed to create low-traffic, safe, and comfortable streets that prioritize community development and active transportation.
This case study details the research and envisioned activation efforts behind the Slow Street initiative, focusing on understanding personal and transportation experiences of residents and users, the role of local community groups, and the effectiveness of Slow Streets as third places.
Who uses a Slow Street?
Slow streets are shared spaces for people of all ages and abilities to walk, bike, scoot, use wheelchairs, and drive. They are designed to be low-traffic areas where everyone travels slowly and safely.
Slow streets are intended to make people feel safe, especially children, seniors, people with disabilities, and people who are less comfortable biking. They are also intended to encourage people to choose low-carbon ways to travel, such as walking and biking, for short trips.
My Role:
Lead UX Researcher and Designer (Team of 3) Duration: 8 Weeks (December 2023)
Design Toolkit:
AutoCAD | Dovetail | Figma | Google Analytics | Survey Monkey | Trello
So what’s the Problem here?
The current Slow Streets in SF lack intuitive wayfinding and clear communication, leading to user confusion and inconsistent engagement with the intended pedestrian-friendly spaces. Users struggle with navigation and understanding the street's purpose, resulting in decreased accessibility and overall effectiveness.
Filmore District : Page Slow Street
Golden Gate Avenue Slow Street
Why is it Important to look into this Problem?
25% decrease in the effectiveness of way-finding,
is caused due to the inconsistent use of signage, including standees, street art, and potted plants. This creates confusion among users, leading them to feel under-confident navigating the space.
(Source)
A 30% reduction in vehicle speeds and a 40% increase in perceived safety can be achieved,
with well-designed traffic calming measures and green spaces. The varying ambience on Slow Streets,directly impacts user satisfaction.
(Source)We Interviewed Residents, non-residing Users and the Leadership of SF Slow Streets to find out more about what wasn’t working.
Synthesizing these insights led us to our Problem Statement:
How might we enhance the usability and safety of Slow Streets for community interaction and active transportation?
The Slow Street experience
SF Slow Streets waveline shows Alex's experience intensity & desirability. Peaks & troughs identify positive & negative touchpoints: pedestrian priority, greenery, community engagement, bike-friendliness, public art, & accessibility.
Identified opportunity areas
(1) Enhanced Pedestrian Experience: Limited pedestrian space and sparse greenery.
Opportunity: Improve pedestrian experience by restricting vehicular traffic and adding more green spaces.
(2) Bike-Friendliness: Bike safety concerns and insufficient dedicated lanes.
Opportunity: Promote sustainable transportation and increase safety for cyclists.
(3) Public Art and Cultural Initiatives: Lack of public art and artistic engagement.
Opportunity: Establish the street as an artistic and cultural hub.
(4) Improved Public Transportation Access: Limited public transportation hubs and accessibility concerns.
Opportunity: Enhance connectivity with public transportation.
Solution Directions:
(1) Physical Solutions: To enhance the visual appeal, usability, and safety of Slow Streets, creating a more inviting and navigable environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
(2) Digital Solutions: To ensures broader accessibility and engagement, providing real-time information and guidance to diverse users.
(3) Strategic Solutions: To increasing public awareness and incentivizing sustainable transportation behaviors through targeted campaigns and reward systems integrated into the app.
(1) Physical Touch-points Signages
NEW
OLD
Uncluttered Iconography for better Legibility
Attention grabbing Signage
Having street paintings/Murals naturally slows down traffic,
it probes people to know you should not be driving on artwork! Here’s how we envisioned a well implemented Slow Street.
collared sitting bench installationInstalling bike lanes distinct from parking lanesClear Signages at intersectionsClear Signages at intersectionsFlower beds/additional landscaping to attract walkers and create additional barricadingRedirection Signages for tarfficSemi-permanentStreet Art
One-way only(2) Proposing a Digital App
(3) Activation Strategy
Personal Learning
The Slow Street project highlighted the importance of community engagement, consistent design elements, and strategic planning in creating safe and effective public spaces.
Key learnings include:
The need for clear, uniform signage to guide users and ensure safety.
The role of greenery and beautification in enhancing the user experience.
The importance of community feedback in shaping and refining public space initiatives.
Leveraging digital tools to enhance engagement and provide real-time information.