WayPass
Redefining crosswalk accessibility with innovative technology.
The Purpose
Despite advances in urban infrastructure, crosswalk systems remain unchanged by operating on a one-size-fits-all model that fails to address diverse mobility needs. With 1 in 7 adults facing mobility challenges and our aging population growing rapidly, reimagining these essential pieces of urban infrastructure has never been more urgent.
How might we empower pedestrians with mobility challenges to navigate crosswalks safely, confidently, and independently in Los Angeles?
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01. The Research
Despite advances in urban infrastructure, crosswalk systems remain unchanged by operating on a one-size-fits-all model that fails to address diverse mobility needs. With 1 in 7 adults facing mobility challenges and our aging population growing rapidly, reimagining these essential pieces of urban infrastructure has never been more urgent.
Fieldwork Analysis
Our on-the-ground observation of Glendale Boulevard in Atwater Village showcased the bustling corridor that serves both as a local shopping district and major commuter route and revealed four critical patterns that highlight deeper systemic issues in urban mobility:
Car-Centric Culture: The area heavily prioritizes car travel, providing minimal support for pedestrians, cyclists, or public transit users, leaving those without vehicles at a disadvantage.
Limited Public Spaces: Many public amenities require spending money, excluding individuals who cannot afford the area's offerings, further limiting access to safe, inclusive spaces.
Accessibility Issues: Confusing and poorly designed infrastructure creates unsafe conditions for people with disabilities, making navigation and independence difficult.
Safety Concerns: High-speed traffic, unprotected turning lanes, and more pose significant dangers for those relying on walking, impacting those with mobility issues.
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User Interviews
To better understand the challenges in the area, we conducted three interviews with locals of Atwater Village and visitors of the spaces there. The varying pain points showcased significant mobility and accessibility gaps, emphasizing the urgency of creating a more inclusive urban environment.
"The waiting time at lights is frustrating. People get impatient and end up jaywalking and I see it daily. The wide streets and amount of traffic become really unsafe. "
"I see cars speeding here all the time, running stops, making illegal u-turns. On top of the car safety issues, the homelessness in the area keeps people away from visiting and walking around."
"The distance between crosswalks is ridiculous, and there's zero support for anyone not in a car. We don't even have basic shade or public restrooms. There's nothing here for you if you don't wanna spend."
Netnography
Going beyond field observations and interviews, we conducted extensive desktop research analyzing both primary sources (LA Metro surveys, city planning documents, ADA reports) and secondary sources (academic studies, news articles, community forums). This approach allowed us to gather crucial data about varying challenges.
Areas with limited crosswalks experience a 30% higher accident rate than areas with well-marked crossings.
The average crosswalk timing in Atwater is 15 seconds, leaving pedestrians with disabilities at higher risk.
12.78% of Atwater Village residents live with disabilities, but the area lacks sufficient accessible infrastructure.
46% of transit-dependent populations reported feeling unsafe at transit stops due to environmental conditions.
Inconsistent infrastructure like curb cuts, lack of audio signals, and short crossing times all impact mobility.
Sun exposure poses significant risks, with no shade protection at most crossing points and transit stops.
02. The Approach
Despite advances in urban infrastructure, crosswalk systems remain unchanged by operating on a one-size-fits-all model that fails to address diverse mobility needs. With 1 in 7 adults facing mobility challenges and our aging population growing rapidly, reimagining these essential pieces of urban infrastructure has never been more urgent.
Concept Map
I created a concept map to define the WayPass system’s purpose, user base, and core functionality. It focused on addressing mobility challenges through features like sensor-based crossing time adjustments, visual/audio feedback, and accessible tools. This map clarified the system’s goal to prioritize pedestrian safety and inclusivity in public spaces.
User Persona
Emily Parker, a 62-year-old retired teacher, was developed as a persona based on data representing the average resident in Atwater. Her goals of staying active and exploring her community, paired with frustrations like short crossing times and inaccessible infrastructure, informed key features, ensuring WayPass promotes independence and safety for users like her.
User Journey
Emily’s journey map outlines her experience navigating her community as a retiree with mobility challenges. The scenario illustrates her steps through the everyday errand of grabbing groceries to visiting a local park for a community event.
Pain Points: Emily encounters challenges such as short crossing times, limited accessible routes, and a lack of public seating during her journey. These barriers lead to stress, frustration, and physical fatigue, impacting her ability to complete simple tasks independently.
Positive Moments: She feels encouraged when using accessible infrastructure, finding routes that allow her to explore safely and maintain her sense of independence. Emily loves to be an active member of her community enjoys conversating with her neighbors.
Opportunities: The journey map highlights key areas for improvement, such as optimizing route accessibility, extending crossing times, and providing consistent feedback at intersections to improve safety. The overall aim should be to instill confidence and independence in navigating spaces to open up doors of exploration in communities.
User Flow
The WayPass flow shows a streamlined and inclusive process for enhancing pedestrian safety and accessibility. Integrating activation with existing traffic systems ensures users experience a seamless and stress-free crossing experience.
Sensor-Based Activation: When a user stands on tactile pavement within range, the system automatically recognizes their WayPass, eliminating the need for manual input.
Dynamic Crossing Time Adjustments: Based on the individual user's needs, the system extends crossing times dynamically. If multiple WayPass users activate, the systems will use the longest time needed.
Visual and Audio Feedback: Users receive clear notifications through visual, haptic, and audio cues to confirm that their WayPass has been activated and when it's safe to cross.
Error Handling: If no WayPass is detected, the system defaults to standard traffic timing. Unauthorized WayPass PINs prompt phone notifications to the user, ensuring minimized misuse.
Prototype Flow
To ensure a robust functional prototype, I created a user flow map to illustrate the WayPass system’s interactions, detailing how tactile pavement sensors activate the system, communicate with crosslights, and adjust traffic signals in real time. This ensured a seamless end-to-end experience and highlighted the system's efficiency and accessibility for testing.
3D Infrastructure Model
Using Spline, I created a 3D model showcasing how WayPass integrates into existing infrastructure. The accompanying video below demonstrates key features, including tactile pavement for range detection, dynamic crosslight adjustments, and real-time communication between WayPass and traffic systems, bringing the concept to life for stakeholders.
03. The Results
Despite advances in urban infrastructure, crosswalk systems remain unchanged by operating on a one-size-fits-all model that fails to address diverse mobility needs. With 1 in 7 adults facing mobility challenges and our aging population growing rapidly, reimagining these essential pieces of urban infrastructure has never been more urgent.
Usability Testing
During usability testing, participants became immediately invested in the concept, calling it a game-changer for accessibility. Many expressed that the system would save lives, with one user noting their surprise that someone was finally addressing these issues, as “the city doesn’t even think about people like us.” The overwhelmingly positive reactions reinforced the significance of WayPass as a solution for overlooked communities.
Ojen highlighted the emotional relief WayPass provided, reducing stress during crossings. Reflecting on her past experiences, she shared how fears of being stranded in the middle of a street often deter her from going out alone.
Manuel found the system inclusive and appreciated the automation through range-based activation. He raised concerns about infrastructure challenges, such as uneven ramps He also suggested smartphone notifications while crossing.
Camila praised the system’s simplicity. She emphasized the importance of clear visual feedback like countdown timers and bright lights Her insights highlighted the value of intuitive, visible cues for users who rely on accessibility tools.
“A system like this, with sensors and extended time, would change everything for someone like me.”
“I can’t believe college students are thinking about people like us when the city won’t.”
“It gives me confidence that the system is working, and I don’t have to second-guess myself.”
Users appreciated the seamless, sensor-based activation, eliminating the need for manual input.
Clear visual and audio cues were critical for building trust and usability for a diverse range of abilities.
The system reduced stress and provided reassurance for users navigating unsafe intersections independently.
External barriers, like poorly maintained streets and ramps, remained of slight concern for WayPass users.
Users suggested adding notifications for increased safety and control while crossing the street.
Infrastructure like flashing lights on the road were recommended for safer crossing and visibility.
Feedback
The WayPass received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users and stakeholders, who praised its ability to address long-overlooked accessibility gaps with an intuitive and inclusive design. Stakeholders emphasized the system's potential to save lives while accelerating implementation by reducing the need for extensive redesign phases for initial launch and testing.
Moving Forward
The WayPass will launch as a pilot program at three key intersections, where it is projected to improve pedestrian safety by an estimated 35–40%. This projection is based on the system’s ability to reduce risks associated with hurried or unsafe crossings. Feedback and performance data will guide refinements, with plans to scale citywide for safer, and more accessible mobility.
Next Work
