UNS’ designers employ advanced research methodologies to inform and elevate our design processes, combining data-driven insights with a deep understanding of human behavior to create innovative solutions tailored to meet evolving needs.

The User Cognitive Mapping process was a pivotal part of the Research phase for the Austin Light Rail project. By employing both physiological and subjective measures, this research delved into the transit users' experiences, uncovering critical behavioral patterns and decision-making processes throughout their journeys.

The study tracked participants using advanced tools such as eye-tracking, galvanic skin response (GSR) sensors, and post-trip interviews. These methods revealed key friction points, including navigation errors, stress-inducing wayfinding challenges, and moments of hesitation.

Insights from this research informed the development of User Journey Guidelines, ensuring the design of the light rail system was deeply aligned with user needs. By addressing cognitive friction points, UNS' research enhanced passenger confidence, reduced stress, and improved overall transit satisfaction.

To ensure the Austin Light Rail system could handle peak conditions, UNS also employed agent-based modeling to simulate real-world passenger behaviors. This innovative approach stress-tested platform designs under scenarios such as rush hour, simultaneous train arrivals, and game day crowds.

The simulations modeled walking speeds, crowding behaviors, and interactions with architectural elements, providing detailed insights into movement flows and congestion points. By planning for extreme conditions, UNS identified design strategies to optimize platform layouts, improve accessibility, and enhance passenger flow. Recommendations included repositioning information zones, streamlining layouts, and installing off-platform ticketing machines. These data-driven insights ensured the light rail system was not only efficient but also user-friendly, even during the busiest times.