Question

Below is an image of a typical Bus Stop in India. 

Instructions: 
Identify five unique problems from the point of view of bus stop users (e.g., passengers, pedestrians, elderly). 
For each problem: 
(a) Write a brief description of the problem. 
(b) Illustrate your solution with a neat sketch in the space provided. 

 

Hint:

When observing the image, don't just focus on the structure. Also, analyze how the human element interacts with the physical environment. Look for issues related to crowding, access, safety (both traffic and personal), and comfort to ensure your five identified problems are truly unique and user-centric (i.e., not just structural flaws, but user experience flaws).

Answer 1

Sketch / Solution: 
1. Problem: There is a significant lack of a clear and organized seating arrangement, which often leads to discomfort and confusion among users. The current seating setup fails to provide adequate personal space and support, resulting in an unsatisfactory experience. 
Conceptual Solution: To address this issue, the implementation of individual, ergonomically molded seats is proposed. These seats would feature contoured backrests designed to offer proper lumbar support, ensuring comfort during extended periods of sitting. Additionally, vertical dividers between each seat would create a sense of personal space and privacy, reducing distractions and promoting a more orderly seating arrangement. Incorporating armrests on either side of the seats would further enhance comfort and provide physical support, helping users maintain a relaxed posture. This combination of design elements aims to improve both the clarity of seating organization and the overall comfort for each individual. 

Problem 2: Sketch / Solution: Problem: The existing layout causes significant pedestrian obstruction, resulting in cramped and unsafe walking conditions. Narrow pathways and poorly placed structures limit the available walking space, increasing the risk of accidents and making movement uncomfortable, especially during peak times. 
Conceptual Solution: To alleviate these issues, the design proposes a recessed or cantilevered shelter structure that extends overhead without encroaching on the ground space. This approach frees up the floor area beneath the shelter, creating a more open and unobstructed pedestrian walkway. Additionally, integrating vertical bench seating along the edges of the shelter optimizes the use of space by providing seating without compromising walking zones. This seating design not only maintains clear floor space but also offers convenient rest spots, ensuring a safer and more comfortable environment for pedestrians while enhancing overall flow and accessibility. 

Problem 3: 
Sketch / Solution:
Problem: There is a noticeable absence of real-time information and clear route guidance at the location, leaving users uncertain about bus or train arrival times and their travel options. This lack of timely updates and visual aids can cause confusion, delays, and frustration, especially for first-time or infrequent passengers. 
Conceptual Solution: To improve user experience and navigation, the installation of a dedicated digital display panel is proposed. This panel would provide real-time arrival estimates for upcoming buses or trains, allowing passengers to plan their wait times more efficiently. Alongside the dynamic information, a clearly visible static route map would be included to offer a comprehensive overview of available routes, stops, and connections. Together, these elements would enhance clarity, reduce uncertainty, and empower users to make informed travel decisions quickly and confidently. 

Problem 4: 
Sketch / Solution:
Problem: The current area suffers from poor illumination during nighttime, which not only diminishes visibility but also compromises the overall sense of security for users. Insufficient lighting creates dark spots and shadows, increasing the risk of accidents and making the space feel unsafe, especially after hours. 
Conceptual Solution: To address these concerns, the design proposes the integration of energy-efficient LED strip lighting embedded within the shelter’s roof structure. This would provide uniform, ambient lighting across the entire seating and waiting area, ensuring clear visibility without harsh glare. Complementing this, solar-powered motion-sensor lights would be installed on the rear wall to offer additional targeted illumination only when movement is detected, conserving energy while enhancing security. This dual lighting strategy not only improves safety and comfort during night-time use but also promotes sustainability through the use of solar energy and smart lighting technology.

Problem 5: 
Sketch / Solution: Problem: The current shelter provides limited protection against weather elements such as rain and intense sunlight. This leaves users exposed and uncomfortable during adverse weather conditions, reducing the overall usability and appeal of the space. 
Conceptual Solution: To enhance weather protection, the design incorporates an extended roof overhang that projects further beyond the seating area, effectively shielding users from rain and direct sun exposure. Additionally, the installation of partial, slanted louvers or translucent panels on the side walls will serve as adjustable barriers against wind, rain, and glare while still allowing natural light to filter through. These elements work together to create a more comfortable and sheltered environment, improving usability throughout various weather conditions without sacrificing openness or ventilation.