Social interaktion i offentlig transport

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to investigate how design can create social interaction between users of the public transport. Bus, train, metro, stations and platforms are all indispensable parts of the public transportation. But these are also the center of a public space where people can meet and make contact. This project examines through a focus group and the creation of personas and scenarios, under which conditions social interaction occurs. Based on the methods and the theories used, we analyze and discuss in which sense people need social interaction. In this study of the user’s needs, we can conclude that people can gain recognition and increase self-esteem by interacting with strangers. The conclusion is however what the need for nonverbal communication like smiles, helpfulness, etc. is important. Social interaction occurs more frequently when people find a natural subject to gather around. Examples given of this could be system crashes, and the lack of a cigarette lighter. Based on these studies, we designed a concept called the High5card, which has the possibility to be implemented on the existing travel card. The High5card allows people to connect their cards and get a discount. The test of the card shows that the discount function is an incentive for social interaction. The conclusion is therefore that design can create interaction in public transport by acting as a natural incentive for contact between travellers.