Bartholomew
An app for navigating Bart stations

Sections

People get lost

It's a common experience to get lost in large indoor spaces. Bart stations are massive, unique, complex and poorly labeled. Navigating them can be stressful and delay our day. What if there were an easier way to navigate Bart stations?

01

We need help navigating

Riders need clear steps to help them navigate a station; from the departure platform to the right station exit.

Why Bartholomew is better

Bartholomew uses clear, unique icons and concise text to help you find your way. It provides station specific context for where you're at and where you need to go. Here's a look at how the app enables riders...

Unique icons match station features

Navigate using unique icons specific to each staion. These micro visual aides are designed to correspond to your surroundings. Concise directions add context and ETA information.

Our Bart rider

The design of Bartholomew was informed by discovery interviews and insights from mutliple rounds of user testing.

Bart riders are not a monolith. The ridership is compposed of regular commuters, residents who ride occasionally and tourists. Who rides Bart and what can increase their navigational confidence.

02

Our bart rider

Downtown Oakland stations are confusing because they have multiple platform levels

I followed some teenagers to find the exit

I never really felt confident I was getting on the right train, in the right direction

I use my surroundings more than signs to find my way

A hodgepodge of signs from over the years

I've learned stations that I use a lot, but it's easy to get lost at stops I don't go to often

What riders had to say

Their user journey

Signs...sometimes

Below are some telling statistics regarding the ridership and general conditions of the system. TLDR: the system is heavily relied upon and the riders want more signage and information about their trip.

03

Bart by the numbers

4 signs

Number of status signs above platform in 16th street station

0 signs

Number of status signs in place outside of 16th street station

30 seconds

Average time to reach the platform at Embarcadero station during rush

20 seconds

Average train stop time at platform

40,258*

Average weekday ridership - Embarcadero station

408,851*

Total system weekday ridership

* pre pandemic data

Here are 2 quotes from a 2016 system improvement plan:

"Limited provision of real-time information; partially obscured by platform columns."

"Lack of visual differentiation in platform materials makes it difficult for riders to identify the station…color strips above trackway provide only a limited visual clue."

Respondents of a 2014 survey were clear about what needed to be improved at the Montgomery street station

  • 84% asked for real-time train arrival displays at street and concourse levels

  • 54% wanted clearer public announcements

  • 44% said more or better signs

Design development

App design was informed directly by insights gained during discovery interviews as well as user testing. Iterative sketches below show design elements were selected and refined.

04

Design development

Plan a trip using a simplified interface

Choose a destination and a departure time then filter by method of transit.

The app will generate step by step directions with a focus on learning stations in the Bart system.

Follow easy to digest directions

to find the correct platform. Use station maps to find labeled exits and turnstiles.

The station specific, landmark based icons will give you the physical context you need.

Part of a system

Infrastructure updates would supplement riders with physical touchpoints and visual cues. Riders feel safer when they can keep their heads up and follow clear signage. Bartholomew is imagined as part of a complete navigational system, including touchscreen kiosks, modern overhead screens and guideways.

05

part of a system

Trip planning kiosk

Access station information, interactive maps and plan your trip.

Live overhead signs

Updated overhead signs refresh every 20 seconds. You can be sure you’re in the right place at the right time to catch your train. PSA and non transit related information are on separate screens.

Guideways

High contrast lettering and directional arrows are right on the station platform. These reinforce app based information and allow riders to look away from their phone.

Extracts & next steps

De-stressing Bart can be happen through a simple interface that lets you learn unfamiliar stations on the fly. However the app is just the start of the journey.

Bartholomew should be part of a comprehensive solution which employs physical a complete visual system (signs, kiosks). Bart is well behind the curve in this respect and garners a C-/D+ on a global comparison with other transit systems. Systems which allow a rider to keep their head up and maintain situational awareness is also key to safety.

The app is an important first step to Bart improvements. Moving forward directions and icons can be added for people with impaired mobility. A more robust set of station specific landmarks, construction alerts and detours would increase value for riders.

06

Extracts and next steps