PRESTO APP CONCEPT
Problem Space
One of the many challenges I came across when I first moved to Ontario was the infamous PRESTO payment system, one of many payment methods used by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), GO Train, and The Union Pearson Express. I found it difficult to figure out how to get started, and how to reload funds on the go. This experience inspired me to create a payment app for my course project at BrainStation, and I was tasked to research whether or not Toronto riders would really want an app for that.
Overview
*This project was created in 2018, before the existing PRESTO app*
One of the many challenges I came across when I first moved to Ontario was the infamous PRESTO payment system, one of many payment methods used by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), GO Train, and The Union Pearson Express. I found it difficult to figure out how to get started, and how to reload funds on the go. This experience inspired me to create a payment app for my course project at BrainStation, and I was tasked to research whether or not Toronto riders would really want an app for that.
I wish there was an app
for Presto!
Sarah, Toronto Communter
Research
I interviewed 7 professionals aged 25-45 working in downtown Toronto who rely on public transit to commute to and from work daily. I covered their entire commuting journey, from asking them if they plan their commutes, to their riding experience, what apps they are using, and how they felt about the fare system they use. For most, Presto was their main form of payment.
From my research I learned that users had a difficult time getting setting up on the Presto system and had difficulties accessing funds for up to 24 hours. Others found that while using three different transit systems Presto is available on (GO, UP Express and the TTC) were confusing and wanted to know what lines they should be tapping on and off of. Also during this time, Presto would introduce the two hour payment transfer time, so I wanted to make sure I included a timing tool into my product design. But most importantly, the users said it themselves,
Design
Presto users were now able to use their phone to manage and load their fare balances in real-time, and even use their phone as the tapping device. Users could also use their funds immediately and check their trip transfer time while never having to look for their card again.
I also made sure to leverage the look and feel of the payment card and translate it into the interface of the digital experience, so users had a sense of familiarity when using the app
User Personas & Information Architecture
User Flows
Testing
Once I completed my wireframes, I created a prototype in InVision and tested it with multiple users. I learned that many users preferred an "reload" button on the main home so they could load right away when they opened the app. Users also mentioned that they wanted to have notifications for the transportation line they were taking (GO, UP Express or TTC) that reminded them to tap on and off certain lines. I then added a notification allowance once the user was registered within the app that would work both in app and on the home screen of the users phone. During the same time, Presto announced the two-hour transfer for payments, so I redesigned my wireframes to have a timer on the home page. I tested once again, and learned that the users found the timer addition to be useful. From there, I began the interface design to finalize the app.
Results
I learned that research and testing plays a huge role in the general app idea, as well as what features to put in it. I also learned that it can be time consuming when it comes to testing, but it does make the app better at the end of the day. If I had the opportunity to produce this app, I’d build out the rest of the user flows, adjust the UI look and feel, and eventually develop it. Users enjoyed using the prototype and said it would be a beneficial addition to their daily commute.