Ford Philanthropy

Designing a service/product around the signal 'Travel nightmares'.

Team Competition (Studio 4)

Our analysis of the current dashboard

Ford Philanthropy

I took part in a team competition for Ford Philanthropy. We chosen the signal of 'Travel Nightmares' and explored all issues within this. Our task : to identify a real user problem and design a solution, finally presenting it to judges.

What's the problem?

Based on primary and secondary research:

  • EASE + EFFICIENCY : Travellers on trains, especially foreign or solo passengers, struggle to find luggage storage and carry bags alone board trains - especially during peak times.

  • SAFETY: They are also highly concerned about luggage theft of unsupervised bags.

  • ANXIETY + POOR EXPERIENCE: This leads to stressful train journeys, poor travel experiences and less interest in future train travel.

Who are the target travellers?

Based on research, the primary users that experienced these issues were foreign, solo, female travellers.

"The luggage area on the train can be so tiny, and everyone piles their luggage on top of each other and gets stressed out - never a good start to a trip!"

Why should we care?

Train travel is a key mode of transport across the UK, especially for domestic and international travellers. Poor luggage storage and fear of theft create stress and undermine the overall journey experience.

When passengers feel unsafe or inconvenienced, it affects trust in rail services, discourages repeat travel, and can ultimately impact tourism and revenue. This is not just a storage issue — it’s a confidence and experience issue.

Key points of our solution?

Our MVP concept is to modify existing trains with secure luggage storage racks. These can only be opened by a code, and users can book these through an app.

The availability of storage onboard each carriage will be shown on signage outside and on the side of the trains.

How does that solve the problem?

  • EASE + EFFICIENCY: Users can book storage on an app /kiosk in the station easily.

  • SAFETY: Luggage is secured with security code only known to user.

  • EASE: Storage compartments are located just by the doors on entering the train - no need to travel down the train.

  • USER EXPERIENCE: Users can relax during the journey knowing their luggage is safely stored.

But is it a feasible and viable solution?

  • App re-design : instead of creating a new app, we are modifying existing apps (such as Trainline) to include storage booking screens.

  • Storage compartments will be retrofitted onto existing trains - rather than re-designing new trains from scratch.

  • Legislation changes in 2024 means UK rail system will come under Public ownership - meaning it is a good point to implement the changes,

Future expansion?

By 2030, we envision a world where every traveller moves with peace of mind - confident that their belongings are secure, their experience is seamless and their journey is free from uncertainty.


If our initial testing through modifying THAMESLINK line trains is successful, we want to expand this service to all trains and tubes within the UK. This will enable travellers to have continuity of service throughout their journey and travel with more confidence.

The new re-designed dashboard.

Linkedin

mirunaalini.alagarajah@gmail.com

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