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UX : Urban Crisis, The Thesis 

"Flyover Futures: A UX-Centered Approach to Reclaiming and Revitalizing Urban Spaces"

Image by Michael Barnes

Intent

What I'm doing here?

​Leveraging UX strategy and principles, I'm tackling a prevalent yet overlooked urban challenge—the neglected spaces beneath flyovers. My intent is to demonstrate how structured, human-centered design thinking can uncover practical, sustainable, and community-focused solutions to everyday urban problems. Through rigorous research, collaborative ideation, and iterative prototyping, I aim to highlight UX design’s potential in transforming ordinary urban landscapes into extraordinary community assets.

UX process

Empathize & Discover.jpg

01

Empathize & Discover

Stage 1

​Understand user interactions, behaviors, and emotional responses

Ideate & Co-Create.jpg

03

Ideate & Co-Create

Stage 3

Collaboratively generate practical and innovative design solutions.

Implement & Launch.jpg

05

Implement &
Launch

Stage 5

Prepare comprehensive implementation guidelines for stakeholders

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02

Define &Analyze

Stage 2

Distill insights into clear, actionable urban UX problem statements.

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04

Prototype & Validate

Stage 4

Create prototypes to test ideas effectively and iteratively refine them.

Iterate.jpg

06

Measure & Iterate

Stage 6

Continuously measure the effectiveness of implemented designs and ensure iterative improvements.

Empathize & Discover

01

Objective
​

To thoroughly understand user interactions, behaviors, and emotional responses regarding neglected spaces beneath urban flyovers.

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Methods & Research
​

  • Ethnographic Field Studies: Conducted over three weeks at different flyover sites, documenting pedestrian behaviors, space usage patterns, and safety hazards through direct observation and video recordings.

  • User Interviews: Interviewed 40 stakeholders (commuters, local residents, vendors, city officials) to identify experiences, safety perceptions, usability pain points, and community aspirations.

  • Surveys & Questionnaires: Distributed online and offline surveys to 150 participants to gather quantitative insights about safety perceptions, preferred activities, and desirable features.

 

Key Insights

​

  • 72% felt unsafe using these spaces, especially after sunset.

  • 68% reported garbage and neglect as a significant issue.

  • Strong community desire for multifunctional public spaces with proper amenities.

Ethnographic Field Studies
Contextual Inquiry Data
User Interview Insights

(ten qualitative interviews)

  • Safety & Visibility: “I avoid this spot after dark; I can’t see who’s around me.” (Local Resident)

  • Desire for Amenities: “It would be great to have a small cafe or seating area to rest.” (Commuter)

  • Economic Opportunity: “A flexible stall setup could help me reach more customers.” (Vendor)

  • Community Engagement: “I’d join if there were art events or pop-up markets here.” (Student)

  • Maintenance Concerns: “If it’s clean and well-lit, people will come.” (City Official)

Define & Analyze

02

Objective​​

To distill insights into clear, actionable urban UX problem statements.​​​

 

Affinity Diagrams

Below is a sample of clustered observations and quotes from our research:​

Organized data into key themes: Safety, Cleanliness, Community Use, Accessibility, and Sustainability.

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Safety

“I avoid this spot after dark; I can’t see who’s around me.”Dim lighting, feeling of isolation.

Cleanliness

“There is garbage piling up; it smells bad.”Lack of maintenance observed across all sites.

Community Use

“This area could be a great spot for local markets.”Interest in multifunctional spaces.

Accessibility

Uneven pavement causing trips.Signage missing for pedestrian routes.

Sustainability

Stagnant water collecting near pillars.Opportunity for vertical gardens.

Personas Development
Image by Christina @ wocintechchat.com

Olivia Walker

Local Resident

Image by Joseph Gonzalez

Rahul Jain

The Commuter

indian man who is a the Vendor _ Local Business Owner.jpg

Ravi Shankar

The vendor

  • Demographics & Context: 32‑year‑old school teacher living 300m from the Riverside Flyover; uses the space daily on her way to and from work.

  • Goals: Safe and clean pathways for walking; well‑lit, inviting spaces to interact with neighbors; access to seating during school breaks.

  • Frustrations: Poor lighting after sunset; litter accumulation; feeling exposed and vulnerable to harassment.

  • Behavior Patterns: Avoids the area after 7 PM; walks briskly without stopping; prefers routes with familiar faces or lighting.

  • Opportunities: Introduce bright, consistent lighting; regular maintenance schedule; community notice boards and seating to encourage social cohesion.

  • Demographics & Context: 28‑year‑old software developer commuting by bus; passes under the flyover twice daily at peak hours.

  • Goals: Efficient, obstacle‑free route; clear wayfinding to bus stops; minimal detours or delays.

  • Frustrations: Uneven pavement causing slowdowns; unclear signage; occasional flooding after rain.

  • Behavior Patterns: Checks his phone for navigation; jogs or speeds up to avoid bottlenecks; sometimes uses alternative, longer paths.

  • Opportunities: Install clear, intuitive wayfinding signs; repair pavement and improve drainage; create sheltered bus‑waiting areas.

  • Demographics & Context: 32‑year‑old school teacher living 300m from the Riverside Flyover; uses the space daily on her way to and from work.

  • Goals: Safe and clean pathways for walking; well‑lit, inviting spaces to interact with neighbors; access to seating during school breaks.

  • Frustrations: Poor lighting after sunset; litter accumulation; feeling exposed and vulnerable to harassment.

  • Behavior Patterns: Avoids the area after 7 PM; walks briskly without stopping; prefers routes with familiar faces or lighting.

  • Opportunities: Introduce bright, consistent lighting; regular maintenance schedule; community notice boards and seating to encourage social cohesion.

Defined Problem Statement:

"Unused spaces beneath urban flyovers create safety concerns, environmental hazards, and missed community engagement opportunities."

Ideate & Co-Create

03

Objective​​

To collaboratively generate practical and innovative design solutions, grounded in real stakeholder feedback and expert evaluation.

 
Workshop 1: "Community Visioning Session"
​

Duration & Participants: 3 hours; 15 local residents, 5 vendors, 3 city planners.

Contextual Inquiry Data
Insights​​​
​

  • Modular Vendor Stalls topped voting (~36% support) for economic boost and flexibility.

  • Mural Wall resonated strongly with residents for community identity.

  • Fitness Zone and Digital Wall identified as secondary priorities.

Workshop 2: "Expert Panel Discussion"
​

Duration & Participants: 2 hours; 4 urban designers, 2 UX researchers, 2 IoT specialists, 3 community leaders.

Contextual Inquiry Data
Expert Quotes​

​​

  • “Modular stalls are low-risk and high-impact—prioritize utility connections.”

  • “A dynamic mural will foster ownership but plan for maintenance.”

  • “Smart lighting can reduce crime but factor in energy costs.”

Idea Prioritization Matrix
Selection Rationale​
​

  • Modular Vendor Stalls (14/15): Highest total—addresses economic and spatial needs.

  • Smart Lighting System (13/15): Critical for safety and usability.

Implement & Launch

04

Objective​​

Finalize and deliver detailed UX recommendations ready for urban implementation.

Spatial UX Recommendations:​

 

  • Interactive community spaces

  • Accessible pedestrian walkways

  • Smart lighting systems

​​​

Technology Integration Blueprint:
 

  • Community app integration

  • Digital kiosks for way finding and reporting concerns

​​

Sustainability Guidelines:​

​

  • Urban greenery integration

  • Rainwater harvesting techniques

​​

Outputs:

​

  • Comprehensive spatial UX blueprint

  • Digital integration specifications

  • Sustainability design guidelines

Proposed UX Design Solution

05

Objective​​

Transform the neglected spaces beneath flyovers into multifunctional, safe, and engaging community areas that cater to diverse user needs

 
Key Features
​
Community Engagement Zones:
​

  • Open spaces for local markets, art exhibitions, and cultural events.

  • Modular setups to accommodate various activities.​

​​

Interactive Digital Kiosks:

​

  • Touchscreen interfaces providing information on local events, navigation, and public services.

  • Emergency contact features and feedback submission forms.​

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Smart Lighting and Safety Systems:​

​

  • Motion-sensor LED lighting to enhance safety during nighttime.

  • Community-managed urban farming plots promoting sustainability.​

 

Recreational Facilities:

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  • Playgrounds, fitness zones, and seating areas to encourage physical activity and relaxation.​

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Design Screens

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Home Screen of Interactive Kiosk:​
​

  • Clean layout with easy navigation.

  • Icons for Events, Maps, Services, Feedback, and Emergency.​

 

​Events Calendar:

​

  • List and calendar view of upcoming community events.

  • Option to register or volunteer for events.​

 

​Navigation Map:

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  • Interactive map highlighting key areas within the flyover space and nearby amenities.

  • Real-time updates on crowd density and facility availability.​

​

Feedback Submission Form:

​

  • Simple form allowing users to submit suggestions or report issues.

  • Option to upload photos or videos.​

​

Emergency Contact Screen:

​

  • Quick access to emergency services with one-touch call buttons.

  • Information on nearest hospitals and police stations.​

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“Flyover Finesse: Because Underpasses Deserve a Glow-Up” 

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Turning Forgotten Concrete Gaps into Community Hotspots
Where Yoga Mats, Dog Walks & Pop-Up Pods Meet Urban Chic

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