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Metro audio guide enables passengers to discover local favorite spots along their route and to receive the information to return to them. In this one-month project for the Copenhagen Metro, one of the world’s most sophisticated and reliable public transportation, we investigated ways to enhance the travel experience for passengers through iterative prototypes.
Research
We started our research with a number of in-depth interviews of tourists and non-Danish-speaking residents of Copenhagen in the surrounding area, to learn about their travel habits, preferences, and obstacles.
We found many travelers are looking forward to a way that allows them have connection to the outside world. Specifically to the first-time visitors who are unaware of alternative attractions and local favorite spots, especially along the trip from the airport to the city.
Hearing the cityscape
We created the museum-style audio guides on the Metro that would enable travelers to discover unexpected destinations along their journey by creating a connection between inside of the train and outside environment. We designed a service that combined audio, print, and digital information system. Along with prototypes, we tested it on the train with guerrilla style of interviewing real travelers, and then iterated the design. The final solution is an audio guide service that broadcasts the information, story, recommendation for visiting which is related to the place the train are going to stop next. And all the contents are curated by local residents. So the passengers could pick up one of the earpieces mounted on the windows and follow along with the audio guide in the brochures. A QR code and sms service, along with a map on the brochure, provide the information to find the described locations at a later time.
First iteration
Second iteration
Third iteration
Final Testing
We found passengers become more engaged on the train, with the audio guides often sparking conversations and causing smiles. Visitors learn about new destinations off the beaten path, while locals discover some history or new aspects of their city.
The Metro benefits from digital customer engagement and tracking, the possibility for dozens of new partnerships with local businesses, and increased ticket purchases as passengers take the Metro again to visit their new destinations.