AIR EASE

Product Experience

Problem Space 

In the context of addressing the challenges related to airport navigation, the target demographic users or customers can be broadly categorized as follows:

1. Senior Travelers: This group includes individuals aged 65 and older who may have reduced mobility, visual impairments, or other age-related challenges. They may require additional support and accessible facilities when navigating through airports.
2. Travelers Requiring Assistance: This category encompasses a diverse range of passengers, including individuals with disabilities (physical or sensory), families with young children, or people with medical conditions that require assistance or accommodations during their airport journey. It also includes international travelers who may face language and cultural barriers, infrequent flyers, tech-savvy travelers, and those who may need guidance and support in various ways.

By categorizing users into these two primary groups, we can better tailor solutions and services to address the needs and challenges specific to each category. It allows for a more focused approach to improving airport navigation for these demographics.

Problem Statement  

How might we address the challenges faced by international travellers, especially senior travellers and those requiring assistance, as they frequently encounter difficulties navigating complex airport layouts, including issues with finding departure gates, connecting flights, and essential amenities? Additionally, how might we mitigate language barriers and Flight Information Disparity to reduce the increased stress and inefficiency experienced during their travel journeys?"

Problem Background  

Modern airports serve as critical transportation hubs, connecting millions of passengers with their destinations daily. Efficient navigation within airport facilities is essential for ensuring a seamless travel experience. However, the ever-expanding size and complexity of airports present several challenges for passengers, airport authorities, and airlines. In light of these challenges, there is a growing need for innovative solutions and technologies that enhance the ease and efficiency of airport navigation. These solutions should prioritize inclusivity, accessibility, and improved communication to cater to the diverse needs of travellers, regardless of their age or physical abilities. Addressing these challenges can lead to a more pleasant and stress-free travel experience for all passengers, which, in turn, benefits both airport authorities and the aviation industry as a whole. Challenges Faced: Our recent research survey, conducted with [72.5%] participants, unveiled the multifaceted challenges faced by passengers during their airport navigation experience

Research Insights

User Pain Points and Supporting Data

Using Random selection Survery and phone call interview. We indemtified differnebt categories of prospective users and their painpoints :

Challenges Faced by Senior Travelers

Communication and Navigation Challenges:

• 54.5% of senior travelers reported challenges related to communication about boarding gates and times.
• 72.5% expressed difficulty navigating large airports, especially when moving between different gates.
• Clear and accessible information is crucial to enhancing the travel experience for senior travelers.

Missed Connecting Flights:

• 72.5% of senior travelers often experienced missed connecting flights, primarily due to delays by partner airlines.
• Airlines' refusal to take responsibility or provide accommodations in case of missed flights exacerbates the situation.
• Improved coordination and support are necessary for senior travelers, especially those with connecting flights.

Language Barrier and Elevated Stress:

• 54.5% of senior travelers encountered a language barrier, leading to elevated stress levels during their journeys.
• Enhanced language assistance and communication support can alleviate these difficulties.

Unfamiliar/Luggage Issues:

• 50.5% of senior travelers reported instances of unfamiliar/luggage loss.
• This issue highlights the need for better handling and tracking of luggage to ensure a smoother travel experience.

Challenges Faced by Travelers Requiring Assistance:

Elevated Stress and Language Barrier:

• 54.5% of travelers requiring assistance faced elevated stress levels, often due to language barriers.
• Providing language support and assistance is crucial for this user group.

Inefficient Layovers and No Assistance:

• 54.5% of travelers requiring assistance experienced inefficient layovers without necessary support.
• Improved coordination and assistance during layovers can enhance the travel experience for this user group.

Difficulty in Navigating Gates:

• 72.5% of travelers requiring assistance found navigating airport gates challenging.
• Enhanced guidance and support systems can effectively address this issue.

In summary, addressing communication and navigation challenges, providing smoother connections for senior travelers with missed flights, offering language assistance, and enhancing luggage handling are crucial for improving the overall travel experience. Additionally, comprehensive assistance and support during layovers and when navigating airport gates are essential for travelers requiring assistance. These findings provide valuable insights for designing solutions that cater to the specific needs of both senior travelers and those requiring assistance in airports.

Feedback

Our preliminary user research to validate this problem with international travellers, particularly focusing on senior travellers and those requiring assistance, has uncovered significant feedback. The challenges highlighted include communication and navigation difficulties, missed connecting flights, language barriers, elevated stress levels, inefficient layovers, and problems navigating airport gates. These findings emphasize the urgent need to address these pain points and enhance the overall airport experience for these user groups

Landing on the Solution 

AirEase is an innovative mobile application designed to address the diverse challenges faced by senior travelers and individuals requiring assistance, ensuring a seamless and stress-free airport navigation experience. By integrating advanced features, personalized assistance, and real-time information, AirEase aims to enhance communication, ease of navigation, and overall satisfaction for users with unique needs.

Key Features:

Intuitive Navigation:

• Interactive airport maps with step-by-step directions to guide users from check-in to boarding gates, customized for ease of use by seniors and those requiring assistance.

• Voice-guided navigation with adjustable speed and language preferences to overcome language barriers.

Personalized Travel Dashboard:

• Customized dashboards for users to input personal preferences, accessibility needs, and flight details.

• Real-time updates on flight statuses, gate changes, and boarding times.

Communication Hub:

• In-app chat support for instant communication with airport staff, providing language assistance and answering queries.

• Push notifications for critical information, such as boarding announcements and gate changes.

Explanation of Solution

AirEase Mobile Application Prototype Showcase

Welcome Screen:

• Upon launching the AirEase app, users are greeted with a welcoming and intuitive interface.
• A simple, user-friendly onboarding process guides them through setting up personalized profiles, ensuring a seamless start to their airport journey.

Dashboard:

• The personalized travel dashboard serves as the central hub for users.
• Users can input personal preferences, accessibility needs, and flight details, ensuring a customized experience.
• Real-time updates on flight statuses, gate changes, and boarding times are prominently displayed for quick reference.

Navigation:

• The interactive airport maps offer step-by-step directions, guiding users from check-in to boarding gates.
• Voice-guided navigation with adjustable speed and language preferences overcomes language barriers, providing a smooth navigation experience.

Communication Hub:

• In-app chat support allows users to communicate instantly with airport staff.
• Push notifications deliver critical information such as boarding announcements and gate changes, minimizing confusion and stress.

Luggage Tracking and Assistance:

• The RFID-based luggage tracking feature provides real-time updates on luggage location, promoting a sense of security for users.
• Users can easily request assistance for any luggage-related issues, triggering prompt support from airport staff.

Connection Coordination:

• Integrated flight tracking anticipates delays and streamlines connections.
• Automated coordination with partner airlines ensures seamless transitions during layovers, reducing the likelihood of missed flights.

Language Translation and Assistance:

• In-app language translation services assist users facing language barriers, enhancing communication.
• Accessible support features, including video calls with multilingual airport staff, offer immediate assistance for a diverse range of needs.

Emergency Support:

• The one-touch emergency button provides immediate assistance in case of medical emergencies or urgent situations.
• Integration with airport security systems ensures a rapid and effective response to emergency situations.

Implementation and Collaboration:

• The collaboration with airports and airlines is seamlessly integrated, providing a cohesive experience for users.
• Airport staff undergo training sessions to familiarize themselves with the app's features, ensuring efficient support.

User Testing and Feedback Loop:

• The user testing phase involves extensive feedback sessions with seniors and individuals requiring assistance.
• Regular updates are implemented based on user feedback, enhancing the app's usability and effectiveness continually.

Accessibility Compliance:

• AirEase adheres to accessibility standards, including WCAG, ensuring an inclusive experience for users with varying needs.
• Regular accessibility audits are conducted to maintain compliance and address any potential accessibility issues.

Benefits:

• Enhanced communication reduces stress associated with language barriers.
• Efficient navigation minimizes the chances of missed flights and layover inefficiencies.
• Personalization tailors the travel experience based on individual preferences.
• Real-time information reduces uncertainty and enhances overall satisfaction.
• Safety and security features ensure the well-being of users during their airport journey.

Conclusion: AirEase stands as a comprehensive solution, leveraging technology to create an inclusive and accessible airport experience for all travelers, especially seniors and those requiring assistance. The prototype showcases a user-centric approach, addressing specific pain points and providing a seamless, stress-free airport navigation experience.

User Flows/Mockups

Users Sign up and log in > welcome page. Click Flight information> Search by Flight or Ticket number > click search > click Map> 2D Airport prompt the direction to the Boarding gate. 

Future Steps

An AI voice interaction with user. Describing direction to the boarding gate.