Kerb - An experiment to reduce traffic congestion in Munich

Team

Timeline

My Role

1 Interaction Designer

1 Product Manager

1 AI Engineer

2 Software Developers

3 Months

Interaction Designer - User Interviews, Insight Generation, User Flows, Interaction Design, Visual Design, Rapid Prototyping

Overview

BMW, in collaboration with Digital Product School is exploring improved driver experiences beyond the vehicle, focusing on the ease of finding on-street parking spots in Munich

As the sole Interaction Designer, I collaborated with my team to design, test and build an experience that Munich residents would not only accept but also find delightful

BMW's Sustainability Department is using our solution 'Kerb' to propose Dynamic Parking Pricing to the Munich City Council, with a goal to reduce congestion by 30%

Kerb - An experiment to reduce traffic congestion in Munich

Team

Timeline

My Role

1 Interaction Designer

1 Product Manager

1 AI Engineer

2 Software Developers

3 Months

Interaction Designer - User Interviews, Insight Generation, User Flows, Interaction Design, Visual Design, Rapid Prototyping

Overview

BMW, in collaboration with Digital Product School is exploring improved driver experiences beyond the vehicle, focusing on the ease of finding on-street parking spots in Munich

As the sole Interaction Designer, I collaborated with my team to design, test and build an experience that Munich residents would not only accept but also find delightful

BMW's Sustainability Department is using our solution 'Kerb' to propose Dynamic Parking Pricing to the Munich City Council, with a goal to reduce traffic congestion by 30%

The Problem

Problem Scenario

Despite Munich’s efficient public transport system, street congestion keeps rising yearly

Problem Scenario

Parking takes 15-20 minutes, with 30% of cars on the street just searching for a spot

The Problem

Problem Scenario

Despite having one of Europe's most efficient public transportation systems, street congestion in Munich continues to increase year over year

Problem Scenario

Finding a parking spot takes on average of

15-20 minutes. Studies indicate that 30% of cars on the street are just trying to find a spot

Research Insight

BMW says 'Dynamic Parking Pricing' reduces congestion by rewarding green behavior

Research Insight

Smaller vehicles consume less fuel & avoiding congested areas helps reduce CO2 emissions

Problem Scenario

Adjusting prices by availability and vehicle size, with lower fees in less crowded areas, creates an effective incentive system

Research Insight

BMW's Sustainability Department states that introducing 'Dynamic Parking Pricing' will reduce congestion by rewarding green behavior

Research Insight

Smaller vehicles consume less fuel & avoiding congested areas helps reduce CO2 emissions

Project Scope

Adjusting prices by parking availability and vehicle size, with lower fees for less crowded areas creates an effective incentive system

User Advocacy

User interviews reveal drivers prioritize spot certainty over proximity to the destination

User Advocacy

A Wizard of Oz Bot Test reinforced drivers' desire for access to parking information

User Advocacy

User interviews show that drivers prefer the certainty of finding a spot over proximity to their destination

User Advocacy

A Wizard of Oz Telegram Bot Test reinforced drivers' desire for ease of access to parking information

Agile Process

15+ Iterations and 60+ Usability Tests were conducted to perfect the experience

Agile Process

15+ Iterations and 60+ Usability Tests were conducted to perfect the experience

The Solution

Solution Impact

Discounted pricing and a seamless experience incentivize parking in less congested areas

The Solution

Solution Impact

Drivers are incentivized to park in less congested neighborhoods through discounted prices and a friction-less experience

Benefit 1

The Parking Availability Index guides drivers to make informed parking choices

Benefit 1

The Parking Availability Index helps drivers make an informed decision when selecting a parking spot

Benefit 2

Transparency in the pricing structure helps build trust among all city resident

Benefit 2

Transparency in the pricing structure helps build trust among all city residents

Benefit 2

The cost slider empowers drivers to intuitively visualize how vehicle size and parking availability influence pricing

Benefit 2

The cost slider helps to intuitively visualize how size and availability affect pricing

Benefit 4

The lock screen widget acts as a convenient reminder that the parking session is active

Benefit 3

Drivers are charged only for the actual time parked, instead of per parking session

Benefit 3

Drivers are charged only for the actual time parked, instead of per parking session

Benefit 4

The lock screen widget acts as a convenient reminder that the parking session is active

Benefit 5

Who doesn't like a quick, easy and seamless on-boarding process?

Benefit 5

Who doesn't like a quick, easy and seamless

on-boarding process?

Design System

Creation of a comprehensive design system enables the solution to scale cross platform

Design System

Creation of a comprehensive design system enables the solution to scale across platforms

Next Steps

Broader Impact

The project was transferred to BMW for presentation to the Munich City Council

Next Steps

Broader Impact

The project was transferred to BMW for presentation to the Munich City Council

Future Scoping

Navigation capabilities and integration with public transport will create a holistic solution

Future Scoping

Navigation capabilities and integration with public transport will create a holistic solution

Networking Message

Want the inside scoop on this project? Let's chat 😄

Networking Message

Want the inside scoop on this project? Let's chat 😄

Designed with some authentic Hefeweizen

Designed with some authentic Hefeweizen

Designed with some authentic Hefeweizen

hiremath.rishikesh@gmail.com

Problem Scenario

Added traffic congestion and air pollution in the city center disproportionately affects children and the elderly

Problem Scenario

Added traffic congestion and air pollution in the city center disproportionately affects children and the elderly