Facilitating Efficient and Effective Wayfinding Experiences for Rail-Air Passengers at Train Stations

Abstract

This thesis aims to enhance wayfinding experiences for rail-air passengers at train stations, facilitating efficient and effective navigation during the initial phase of their journey. By improving wayfinding at train stations, this project seeks to promote multimodal travel, particularly the use of trains as a sustainable alternative to short-haul flights. This research contributes to the European Green Deal's objective of reducing transport emissions by 90% by 2050 (EU Action, n.d.).

This research process follows the double diamond model as shown in figure 0.0 (Design Council, 2005). This structured approach consists of 4 phases: Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver. The ‘Discover’ phase involves the study of literature, existing practices, field research, and journey mapping to gain an understanding of the context. The ‘Define’ phase involves analyzing the rich data & insights from the previous phase to find the gap and define the design direction. For this thesis, the discover & define phase was repeated twice- first to identify the gap in wayfinding & rail-air journeys and second focused on a case study of KLM Air&Rail, to identify specific wayfinding challenges faced by their passengers at Brussel Zuid train station. The ‘Develop’ phase involved an iterative ideation process. The ‘Deliver’ phase involved an iterative concept testing.

The final design is a signage that allows KLM Air&Rail passengers at Brussels Zuid train station to begin their wayfinding journey confidently and navigate to the KLM Air France Air&Rail terminal in a composed manner. By enhancing the wayfinding experience for the first phase of their rail-air journey, KLM Air&Rail passengers will have a more positive perception of the overall Air&Rail service provided by KLM.