Final Concept
Final Concept
APPROACH
START JOURNEY
We start our journey in Munich.
But before we leave, there are a few important things to consider.
HUMAN FACTOR
Why is the user so important?
"In the past, technology was developed first, then conceptual things were added.
Now the process is turning around. Now the design takes place starting at the user and then it continues together with the engineers. Both perspectives are needed; separately and with common interfaces."
Expert, Industrial Design Agency
USER CENTERED DESIGN
TRAVELLERS
What type of person is travelling with our system?
To develop a concept that suits different users, it is import to know who those users are. The following personas were developed to represent the personalities and needs of all people we talked to in 19 qualitative interviews.
Susanne (51)
OFFICE MANAGER IN A CONSULTING ENTERPRISE
​
Living in Munich
Married
Claustrophobic
Daugther Sophia (8)
Needs:
​
Reliability
Functionality
Aestehtics
Atmosphere
+ ++ +++ ++++
Johannes (32)
START-UP FOUNDER
​
Living in Berlin
In a relationship with Laura (27)
Needs:
​
Reliability
Functionality
Aestehtics
Atmosphere
+ ++ +++ ++++
Maria (29)
FREELANCER & TRAVELLER
​
Living in Hamburg
Single
Claustrophobic
Needs:
​
Reliability
Functionality
Aestehtics
Atmosphere
+ ++ +++ ++++
Omar (54)
CEO IN THE TECHINAL INDUSTRY
​
Living in Berlin
Divorced
Daugther Helen (25)
Son Paul (21)
Daughter Mia (11)
Needs:
​
Reliability
Functionality
Aestehtics
Atmosphere
+ ++ +++ ++++
USER BRIEFING
What does the users need to know before starting their trip?
"A capsule, where you can try it out before, would give me a better feeling."
"Especially unforeseen events or situations stress me."
"Panic arises mainly [...] from a lack of knowledge."
Expert, Pilot
"I see the danger that you have health [people] who get an anxiety attack because it is such an oppressive feeling.
I think some form of briefing, some way to experience all these sensations beforehand, would be good - especially the first time around. To really enlighten the user, inform them about the safety, address natural fears as far as possible and show this, for example, in an anteroom."
Expert, Psychologist
Adequate information about the hyperloop technique and how a journey will proceed are important before entering the capsule. A test capsule in which you can get a first impression of a hyperloop ride is recommended.
DIMENSIONS
What is the optimal height inside the pod for the passangers?
"Because of the lateral bulge you have a lot of space with your arms,
I like that."
"I imagined the room to be much smaller."
"I don't think it's that tight.
If I sat here with this much space, I'd be fine."
"Design it as small as possible."
Expert, NEXT Prototypes e.V.
130 cm
190 cm
The interior height should at least be 130cm. At this height, tall people fit comfortably and people that get anxious in tight spaces have little to no trouble. The interior width should be at least 190cm.
ENTRANCE
What is the optimal way for passengers to enter?
When getting in, the feeling of tightness is more extreme because you have to get into such a small hole.
"I would find a high entry, like in a VW Bus, pleasant."
"A raised entrance is definitely more comfortable."
Expert, Product Designer
"I would gladly accept the stooped boarding to get from A to B quickly."
30 cm
A car-like entrance with a raised floor makes people accept the low ceiling height more readily while being very comfortable to use. Walking to your chair in the cramped interior is uncomfortable and feels oppressive.
SEATING ARRANGEMENT
What is the best arrangement for the passengers wellbeing?
"I'd be more comfortable if people could look at each other. Even with strangers."
"Sit across from someone else? No way! That's uncomfortable."
In the studies, it was not possible to find out clearly whether privacy or transparency is more important to people.
"I think, the staggered sitting is much more pleasant. In terms of spatial awareness, this is a good thing. There you are less restricted than when sitting next to each other."
"Driving backwards in a car is already rather unpleasant. Even when flying, especially at take-off, you don't sit backwards."
Expert, Pilot
"Sitting next to each, one is very limited, that is unpleasant. I would find it much better, to sit apart."
"The chairs should be as far apart as possible to create an airy feeling."
Expert, Psychologist
A staggered seating arrangement is a good compromise. It increases the amount of personal space drastically while still allowing for communication.
NUMBER OF PERSONS
What is the best number of the passengers inside one pod?
"I can well imagine travelling with several people, even better than alone [in such a vehicle]."
"You can simply relax much better with fewer people."
"For privacy reasons I would like a maximum of 4 people in one pod."
"Privacy is becoming increasingly important, also in public transport."
Expert, Conceptual Design Agency