GROUP PROJECT 1

UOS TRANSIT

Fundamentals of innovation and entrepreneurship

0302200
Safeya Obaid Mohamed Rashid Almazrouei

Group B
Rahaf Salah Eldin - U21103711
Maryam Alowais - U22102679
Hanin El abed - U22100082
Sara Hafez - U2210016
Nawaf Shehab - U22200997
TABLE OF CONTENT
01 THE PROBLEM
02 EMPATHY
INTERVIEW
EMPATHY MAP

03 DEFINE
POINT OF VIEW (POV)
PROBLEM STATEMENT

04 IDEATE
05 PROTOTYPE
06 TEST
ADVERT
MARKETING CHANNEL & FEEDBACK
BULLS EYE
 01
THE PROBLEM
THE PROBLEM
Some students may live in areas where educational institutions are not easily accessible by
public transportation or walking. Without reliable transportation options, these students may
struggle to attend classes regularly. Without reliable transportation information, students
may face challenges in attending classes consistently. This can result in missed lessons,
falling behind in coursework, and ultimately, lower academic performance. Dealing with
transportation challenges on a daily basis can be stressful for students. The stress of uncertain
or inconvenient transportation options can negatively impact their mental health and overall
well-being. Navigating transportation can pose challenges for students when they lack accurate
information regarding bus timings and locations. This lack of clarity often leads to heightened
stress and anxiety among students. Therefore, providing reliable transportation information in
a clear and accessible manner is essential for students to effectively navigate the university
campus and reach their destinations in a timely manner.

OUR ROLE
In our project, we aim to alleviate the common struggles students face in daily commuting by
developing an app. This app will serve as a comprehensive solution, offering students easy
access to essential information such as bus timings, potential delays, current bus capacities,
and live bus locations. By consolidating these details into one user-friendly platform, our goal
is to simplify the transportation process and provide students with a worry-free experience.
Reliable and accessible transportation options not only facilitate regular class attendance
but also enhance academic performance by ensuring students do not miss out on crucial
lessons and educational opportunities. Moreover, easy access to campus facilities like
libraries, laboratories, and collaborative spaces fosters academic engagement and encourages
students to make the most of their educational experiences. By reducing the stress and time
burden associated with long commutes, our solution enables students to focus more on their
studies and personal growth. Additionally, accessible transportation promotes exploration
of the surrounding community, facilitates connections with peers, and contributes to the
development of a broader social network. Recognizing the importance of socialization in the
college experience, our initiative aims to enhance students sense of belonging and inclusion by
improving mobility and connectivity.

WHO ARE THE USERS THAT HAVE THE PROBLEM

Students residing in university dormitories

Students requiring transportation between classes across different colleges

Workers commuting to and from colleges

 02
EMPATHY
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Can you describe your experience with navigating the buses on
campus? What challenges have you faced?

2. How often do you use the university bus system? What factors
influence your decision to use it?

3. Have you ever encountered difficulties in determining which bus

to take or when it will arrive? If so, can you elaborate on those
experiences?

4. What methods do you currently use to track bus schedules and

routes? Are they effective? Why or why not?

5. How much time, on average, do you spend waiting for buses? Do you
feel that this time could be better utilized if you had more accurate
information about bus schedules?

6. Have you ever missed a bus due to confusion about its schedule or
route? If yes, how did it impact your day?

7. Would you find value in having a mobile app that provides real-time
information about bus schedules, routes, and estimated arrival times?
Why or why not?

8. What specific features would you expect from a bus navigation app
tailored to university students?

9. How likely would you be to use such an app regularly if it were

available? What factors would influence your decision to adopt it?

10. Do you have any additional thoughts or suggestions for improving

the university's bus system and navigation experience?
ALIA AL JASSMI 4th year Interior Design student
"The university's bus system has become a familiar part of my daily routine, especially since
I reside in the dormitories and have spent the past four years on campus. Initially, during my
first year, navigating the buses posed challenges as I acclimated to the system. However, over
time, I've grown accustomed to identifying which buses serve specific destinations. I haven't
employed any formal methods for tracking bus schedules; rather, I rely on my memory to recall
which bus to take for a particular destination. My experiences with waiting for buses vary –
sometimes I find myself fortunate, while other times, I may wait up to 15 minutes before the bus
arrives. Reflecting on these instances, I believe a mobile app tailored to the university›s bus
system would greatly enhance efficiency. Having real-time information about bus schedules
and anticipated arrival times would alleviate the uncertainty associated with waiting outdoors.
Personally, I envision myself utilizing such an app regularly, checking it each time I need to
travel back to the dormitories or navigate around campus. It would undoubtedly streamline my
commuting experience and prove immensely beneficial."

SHAHED IBRAHEEM 2nd year Fine Arts student

"Although I don't frequently utilize the university buses as I don't reside in the dorms, I do rely
on them occasionally, particularly when visiting friends on the other campus. However, the
multitude of buses with varying colors often leaves me feeling bewildered, unsure of which
one to take and when it will arrive. Consequently, I find myself waiting for extended periods,
frequently missing buses and experiencing delays when journeying to the other campus. A
mobile app tailored to the university's bus system would greatly assist me in planning my day,
allowing me to coordinate my travels with greater precision and efficiency. Additionally, real-
time tracking features would alleviate the need to wait outdoors, especially given the campus›s
considerable size and the distance between classes and bus stops."

HAJAR NADIMA 2nd year Eneneering student

"Living in the dorms, I heavily rely on the university bus system, but being a second-year
student, I've consistently struggled due to the lack of clear information provided by the
university regarding bus routes and schedules. Instead, I've had to rely on older students for
guidance, often leading to confusion and missed buses. This has resulted in numerous instances
of tardiness to classes, either due to lengthy waits or inadvertently boarding the wrong bus. A
dedicated app displaying comprehensive bus information would be immensely beneficial, not
just for me but for many of my peers who also grapple with timing and destinations. Such an
app would ensure that I can return to my dorm on time and attend classes punctually."
EMPATHY MAP
 Think & Feel
Adaptation: «I›ve adapted to navigating the bus system over time.»

Efficiency: «A mobile app could significantly enhance my

commuting efficiency.»

Relief: «Real-time information would alleviate

uncertainty and waiting times.»

Hear See
Interest: Peers discussing
potential improvements to Daily Routine: The
the bus system. regularity of using the
university›s bus system as
Feedback: Suggestions part of daily life.
from others about the
need for real-time bus
ALIA AL JASSMI Opportunities: For
information. improvement and
efficiency with a mobile
Discussion: Conversations app.
about the benefits of
a mobile app for bus Demand: For real-time
tracking. bus information to
enhance the commuting
experience.

Say and do
Say: «The university›s bus system is a familiar part of my
routine.»

Do: Rely on memory to recall bus routes and adapt to varying

wait times.

Envision: Regularly using a mobile app for bus tracking to

enhance efficiency.

Pains Gains
Initial Challenges: Navigating the bus Adaptation: Gained familiarity with the bus
system during the first year posed system over time.
difficulties.
Efficiency: Real-time information from a
Uncertainty: About bus schedules and mobile app would streamline commuting.
waiting times, leading to potential
frustration. Relief: Alleviation of uncertainty and
frustration associated with waiting for
Inconvenience: Sometimes experiencing buses.
lengthy waits for buses, up to 15 minutes.
 Think & Feel
Confusion: «The multitude of buses with varying colors leaves me feeling bewildered.»

Frustration: «Waiting for extended periods and missing buses is frustrating.»

Desire for Efficiency: «A mobile app tailored to the university›s

bus system would greatly assist me in planning my day.»

Hopefulness: «Real-time tracking features

would alleviate the need to wait outdoors.»

Hear See
Similar Experiences:
Conversations with peers Confusion: Witnessing the
who also struggle with complexities of navigating
navigating the university the multitude of buses
buses. with varying colors.

Interest in Improvements: SHAHED IBRAHIM Frustration: Observing

Discussions about the others experiencing
potential benefits of delays and missed buses.
a mobile app for bus
tracking. Potential Solutions:
Recognizing the potential
Suggestions: Feedback for improvement with
from others regarding the the implementation of a
need for real-time bus mobile app.
information.
Say and do
Say: «I don›t frequently utilize the university buses, but when I do,
I often feel bewildered by the multitude of buses.»

Do: Occasionally rely on university buses, despite the challenges

faced.

Desire for Improvement: Express a need for a mobile app

tailored to the university›s bus system to enhance efficiency.

Gains
Pains
Efficiency: Anticipate that a mobile app tailored
Confusion: Uncertainty about which bus to the university›s bus system would greatly
to take and when it will arrive. assist in planning and coordinating travels.

Frustration: Waiting for extended Convenience: Real-time tracking features would

periods and frequently missing buses. alleviate the need to wait outdoors, enhancing
the overall commuting experience.
Inefficiency: Experiencing delays when
journeying to the other campus. Hope for Improvement: Optimism about the
potential benefits of implementing such a
mobile app.
 Think & Feel
Frustration: «Consistently struggled due to the lack of clear information provided
by the university.»

Dependency: «Reliance on older students for guidance has led to

confusion and missed buses.»
Anxiety: «Numerous instances of tardiness to classes
have caused stress and worry.»
Hopefulness: «Belief that a dedicated app
Hear displaying comprehensive bus information
See
would be immensely beneficial.»
Shared Experiences:
Discussions with peers Dependency: Observing
who also struggle with the other first-year students
lack of clear information relying on older students
about bus routes and for guidance about the
schedules. university bus system.

Frustrations: Complaints Frustration: Witnessing

from fellow students
about missed buses and
HAJAR NADIMA the stress and worry
caused by missed buses
tardiness to classes. and tardiness to classes.

Interest in Solutions: Potential Solutions:

Conversations about the Recognizing the need for
potential benefits of a improved information and
dedicated app for bus communication regarding
information. bus routes and schedules.

Say and do
Say: «Living in the dorms, I heavily rely on the university bus
system.»

Do: Seek guidance from older students, leading to confusion and

missed buses.

Advocate for Change: Express a need for a dedicated app

displaying comprehensive bus information to improve the
commuting experience.

Gains
Pains
Independence: Anticipate that a dedicated app
Dependency on Others: Relying on older displaying comprehensive bus information
students for guidance has resulted in would reduce reliance on others for guidance.
confusion and missed buses.
Efficiency: Expect that improved access to
Stress and Worry: Numerous instances of bus information would result in punctuality to
tardiness to classes have caused anxiety classes and reduced stress.
and frustration.
Advocacy: Optimism about the potential
Inefficiency: Lack of clear information about benefits of implementing such a dedicated app
bus routes and schedules has led to delays for bus information, not just for oneself but for
and missed opportunities. many peers facing similar challenges.
 03
DEFINE
POINT OF VIEW (POV)
Our user is a student enrolled at the University of Sharjah who
USER regularly utilizes the university›s bus transportation system to
commute around campus.

• Access to real-time bus schedules and arrival times.

• Clarity on bus routes and destinations served.
• Information on available seating capacity.
NEED • Convenient navigation through the university›s bus system.
• Ease of use for both seasoned commuters and new students.
• Efficient planning of commuting schedules.

• A mobile app providing real-time updates addresses the

need for accurate bus information.
• Clear route and destination details benefit new students and
aid in campus navigation.
• Availability of seating capacity information helps users make
informed decisions.
INSIGHT • User-friendly interface simplifies the navigation process for
all students.
• Technology-driven solutions enhance efficiency and reduce
stress during commutes.
• Comprehensive app features improve overall student
satisfaction and campus mobility.

PROBLEM STATEMENT
The lack of accessible and up-to-date information about the University
of Sharjah›s bus system leads to confusion, delays, and inefficiencies for
students relying on campus transportation. Without a centralized platform to
provide real-time updates on bus schedules, routes, and seating availability,
students face challenges in planning their commutes effectively and may
experience unnecessary stress and inconvenience. Therefore, there is a
critical need for a mobile app solution that offers comprehensive and reliable
information to optimize the university›s bus transportation experience and
improve overall student satisfaction and campus mobility.
 04
IDEATE
 HOW MIGHT WE QUESTIONS
We’re using the “How Might We” (HMW”) approach to solve the problem of
not having accessible and up-to-date information about the University of
Sharjah bus system, we›re embracing the innovative «How Might We» (HMW)
technique. This method encourages us to ask thought-provoking questions
that inspire fresh perspectives and solutions. By studying into these questions
and brainstorming answers, we›ll unlock innovative ideas to effectively tackle
our problem. Through this approach, we aim to develop creative solutions that
optimize the university bus transportation experience and increase student
satisfaction and overall and campus mobility.

HOW MIGHT WE ANSWER

HMW make real-time bus schedule updates We can develop a mobile app that integrates
accessible to students? with the university›s bus system to provide
live updates on bus schedules, routes, and
estimated arrival times.

HMW ensure the app is user-friendly and easy We can conduct user research and design
to navigate for students? thinking workshops to gather insights and
create an intuitive app interface tailored to
students› needs and preferences.

HMW effectively communicate bus seating We can incorporate a feature in the app that
availability to students to avoid overcrowding? indicates bus occupancy levels in real-time,
allowing students to make informed decisions
and avoid crowded buses.

HMW ease delays and minimize stress for By leveraging advanced GPS tracking
students relying on campus transportation? technology and automated notifications within
the app to alert students of any delays, changes
in bus schedules, or alternate routes, ensuring
they can plan their transforms effectively and
avoid unnecessary stress.

HMW ensure that the app provides By conducting thorough research and user
comprehensive and reliable information to testing to identify and address any gaps or
optimize the university bus transportation inconsistencies in the information provided by
experience? the app, ensuring accuracy and completeness
of bus schedules, routes, and other relevant
details.
 HOW MIGHT WE ANSWER
HMW improve overall student satisfaction By continuously seeking feedback from students
and campus mobility through the mobile app and actively incorporating their suggestions
solution? and preferences into the app›s design and
functionality, ensuring that it effectively
meets their needs and enhances their overall
experience with campus transportation.

HMW address the confusion and inefficiencies By implementing user-friendly features such
caused by the lack of accessible bus as intuitive navigation, clear bus route maps,
information? and customizable preferences within the app to
streamline the bus transportation experience
for students.

HMW ensure that students arrive to their By creating an app that provides real-time
classes on time without being late due to updates on bus locations and estimated arrival
transportation issues? times to help students plan their journeys more
efficiently.

HMW enhance the overall transportation By developing a user-friendly app with features
experience for students at the University of such as categorized bus routes for different
Sharjah? campus destinations, live GPS tracking of
buses, and notifications for schedule changes
or delays.

HMW prevent students from taking the wrong By implementing clear signage at bus stops and
bus and ending up at the wrong destination? within the app, along with providing detailed
route information and color-coded buses to
ensure students board the correct bus for their
intended destination.

HMW minimize the waiting time for students at By combining the app with the university›s bus
bus stops by providing accurate and up-to-date system to provide real-time updates on bus
information on bus schedules? schedules, reducing the likelihood of students
waiting unnecessarily for buses that are
delayed or off-schedule.
SOLUTION
After extensive research, we have determined that the optimal solution to address
the challenges faced by many students is the development of a groundbreaking
mobile application: UOS Transit. This innovative app aims to simplify campus
transportation for students at the University of Sharjah by offering real-time
tracking of buses. With UOS Transit, students can precisely track the location
of buses and estimate their arrival times, alleviating the uncertainty of waiting.
Moreover, the app provides comprehensive information on bus routes, including
destinations and pickup points, categorized by bus color for clarity. Additionally,
students can monitor bus capacity through the app, making informed decisions
about boarding. UOS Transit also offers timely alerts for any bus delays, ensuring
students stay informed and prepared for their commute. Our goal with UOS Transit
is to transform the university experience, empowering students with efficient and
reliable transportation solutions tailored to their needs.

SUSTAINABILITY: THE FOCUS OF OUR IDEA

Our app prioritizes social impact, serving as a unifying platform that fosters
stronger social cohesion among students. By providing comprehensive access to
transportation information, regardless of familiarity with the bus system, our app
promotes inclusivity and equal opportunity. Moreover, it significantly enhances
students› commuting experiences, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being
by alleviating stress and anxiety associated with navigating campus transportation.

NOVELTY OF THE PROTOTYPE & FIDELITY OF THE IDEA

Novelty: Our app introduces a fresh concept tailored for students at the University
of Sharjah, marking a unique addition to the Sharjah landscape.

Fidelity: Our prototype offers a comprehensive representation of the app›s

functionality, providing detailed navigation and feature insights despite lacking
coded functions and data storage.
KEY FEATURES OF THE APP
Destination Selection: With just a few taps, students can specify their destination
within the university campus, gaining access to comprehensive transportation
information for their chosen route.

Bus Information: The app offers detailed insights into the designated bus color,
estimated arrival time, current location, and scheduled departure times from
various stops. This ensures students have all the necessary information to plan their
commute effectively.

Live Tracking and Alerts: Through live tracking functionality, students can monitor the
real-time location of approaching buses. Customizable alerts keep students informed
about any delays caused by factors such as traffic congestion or unexpected bus
malfunctions, allowing them to adjust their schedules accordingly.

Crowd Density Monitoring: An innovative feature provides information on the current

crowd density on different buses, enabling students to make informed decisions
about which bus to board for a more comfortable commute.

Bus Capacity Display: Students can check the current capacity of each bus, helping
them decide whether to wait for the next bus or explore alternative transportation
options to avoid overcrowding.

Interactive Map Interface: An intuitive map interface allows students to visualize bus
routes, stops, and real-time bus locations, simplifying navigation around campus.

Feedback System: The app incorporates a feedback system where students can rate
their bus rides and provide comments, facilitating continuous improvement of the
transportation service based on user input.

Integration with Campus Events: Information about special events or activities on

campus that may affect bus routes or schedules is provided within the app, ensuring
students can plan their transportation accordingly.

Emergency Assistance: A dedicated feature enables students to request emergency

assistance or report safety concerns directly through the app, prioritizing their well-
being during transit.

Multi-language Support: To accommodate a diverse student population, the app offers

multi-language support for improved accessibility and inclusivity.
HOW TO USE THE APP
1. Select Destination: Choose your destination within the campus from the
app›s options.

2. Check Bus Details: View bus information including arrival times,

capacity, and current location.

3. Track Buses: Monitor buses in real-time on the app›s map interface.

4. Receive Alerts: Get notified of any delays or changes in bus schedules.

5. Provide Feedback: Share your experience to help improve the service.

PROS CONS
Users can easily access real-time Developing and maintaining the
information about bus locations and website requires a significant
arrival times, making it convenient initial investment in terms of
to plan their journeys efficiently. resources, technology, and ongoing
maintenance costs.
The website helps students save
time by reducing wait times at bus Ensuring the reliability and
stops through accurate tracking of accuracy of GPS tracking systems
bus arrivals. and server performance may pose
technical challenges that could
Encourages the use of public impact the website’s functionality.
transportation, leading to a potential
reduction in carbon emissions and Some students may not have
traffic congestion on campus. access to smartphones or reliable
internet connections, limiting the
Provides a user-friendly interface accessibility of the website to
for students to navigate and access certain segments of the student
bus information easily, enhancing population.
overall satisfaction with campus
transportation services.
 05
PROTOTYPE
VISUAL THINKING
INITIAL SKETCH:
PROTOTYPE APP
 The login page requires the student to input his/her university
email in order to access transportation services.

The home page provides access to all general information about

transportation with regard to each campus, dorms, drivers, and schedules.
Provides information about the routes of each bus including pick
up and drop off locations

Provides information about the routes of each bus including pick

up and drop off locations
Live tracking indicates the bus location and the time it takes to
reach the student for pick up

Access to innovative features such as seating capacity,

emergency services, and live tracking
Feedback page allows students to share any issues they may
encounter while using the app.
06
TEST
ADVERT
 UOS TRANSIT
Revolutionizing Campus Transportation

Are you tired of waiting for the bus with uncertainty

looming overhead? Say goodbye to long waits and hello to
convenience with UOS Transit!

ROUTE BUS CAPACITY

INFORMATION Join us in transforming the MONITORING
university experience with
UOS Transit. Your efficient
and reliable transportation
TIMELY solution awaits! REAL TIME
ALERTS TRACKING

Stay tuned for our exciting release, coming soon to the

App Store, Google Play, and accessible to students ! Empower your commute with UOS Transit
MARKETING CHANNEL
& FEEDBACK
FACE TO FACE CHANNEL
We engaged in face-to-face interactions by personally connecting with students across
various campuses. During these encounters, we introduced our innovative idea, showcased the
prototype, and elucidated its functionalities.

WHATSAPP CHANNEL
We promoted our idea and prototype by creating a comprehensive document showcasing our
concept. This document was then shared across all university WhatsApp groups we were a
part of, with a request for recipients to further disseminate it. Additionally, we encouraged
individuals to provide feedback upon reviewing the document.

INSTAGRAM CHANNEL
We utilized our personal Instagram accounts to showcase our idea and prototype, providing
detailed explanations of the app›s functionality and objectives. We invited our followers to share
their thoughts and feedback by responding directly to our posts.

POSITIVE FEEDBACK NEGATIVE FEEDBACK

The website is helpful I’m a first year and I had While the app has a solid concept, it could use
no idea about the bus schedules or what are some tweaking to enhance its performance.
they for I have noticed a few minor issues that have
impacted its reliability overall. With some
I think it’s useful, it has helped me manage me adjustments, it could really become a valuable
day schedule and manage my time tool for getting around campus.

It›s great for keeping up with bus schedules and Although I do find the app convenient, there have
knowing exactly when the next bus will arrive. been times when it has not met my expectations
Navigating around campus has become so much in terms of performance. Improving the precision
easier! of bus arrival times and addressing occasional
technical glitches would make it even more
I really appreciate how this app reduces the beneficial for students.
stress of my daily commute. Having real time
bus tracking is incredibly convenient. I think it’s The apps idea of offering real time bus tracking
a must have and schedule updates is fantastic, but there is
room for improvement in its execution. There
I can›t picture getting around campus without are occasional opportunities to enhance its
this app now. It is really useful for staying reliability and user interface design.
informed about bus arrivals and avoiding
long waits. It definitely makes my day go by In general, the apps concept shows promise, but
smoother! there are areas that could be refined. Making
adjustments such as improving bus timing
This app has made a significant difference! I accuracy and enhancing user interface design
used to dread waiting for the bus, but now I feel could boost its usability and turn it into an
more in control of my commute. Thank you for essential tool for students navigating campus
simplifying campus transportation! transportation.
BULLS EYE
 INSTAGRAM CHANNEL

WHATSAPP
CHANNEL

FACE TO
FACE
CHANNEL

The face-to-face channel proved to be the most effective as it allowed me to

personally engage with individual students, demonstrating our app and providing
detailed explanations. Leveraging facial expressions and body language enhanced
comprehension and facilitated effective communication, resulting in the desired
feedback from the students.

The WhatsApp channel proved moderately effective, although it didn›t yield results
as impactful as the face-to-face interactions. We leveraged our colleagues to
spread the word about our idea and app to their peers across various colleges.
While we did receive feedback from students through this avenue, it wasn›t as
abundant or advantageous as the direct, in-person approach.

The Instagram channel proved to be the least beneficial avenue for gathering
feedback. Our personal Instagram accounts lacked a significant number of
university students, limiting the scope of feedback received. The feedback obtained
was primarily from our own circle of friends rather than a diverse representation
of the university community. As a result, this channel did not provide the
comprehensive feedback we were seeking from university students.