Kisha Munson
October 21, 2010
Interface Design
Part 1: Final Project Proposal
Interface Redesign: New Jersey Transit Ticket Vending Machine
For my final project for Interface Design, I had several ideas. First I wanted to create an interface for finding dog parks in New York City. However, I decided against it because even though I think dog parks are important, I do not have much experience in dealing with them. So I decided to do a redesign of the New Jersey Transit Ticket Vending Machine.
In the first class assignment “Describe the Best and Worst Interface You Have Used”, I chose the NJ Transit Ticket Vending Machine as the worst. The previous vending machines were not fancy, but they were much easier and faster to use. Unfortunately, New Jersey Transit does not believe in the old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”; they proved this to be true by upgrading to a more high tech, larger, brighter, and bolder ticket vending machine. Like many modern interfaces, the new vending machines are nice to look at, but functionality wise, it is horrible. It is the perfect definition of design over function.
If you have ever been through the Port Authority, you would know that it is a very fast paced building; New Jersey commuters in particular are constantly in a rush to either get to work or go home. These new vending machines have slowed things down significantly. Many people who are not used to the new vending machines will just stare at the touch screen in confusion; this causes two problems. First off, they are staring at it because they really do not know the steps that it takes to purchase a ticket. And secondly, because they are staring at the machine, a line is forming behind them filled with annoyed commuters. And if you do know how to use the machine, it is still tricky. The touch screen is very sensitive, causing the purchaser to accidentally purchase the wrong thing or go to the wrong screen. Also, there is unnecessary backtracking in regards to the quantity of tickets. Some commuters give up altogether, and go to an actual ticket agent to purchase their tickets. All of these issues cause the commuter to be late or miss their bus.
My goal for the redesign is to make the machine more efficient and less time consuming. I will start my research by taking photographs of the machine and each screen. I will study the screen and machine, and create a redesign of each to improve functionality.
