Enhancing the Residential Parking Lot Experience: A Design Thinking Case Study

Introduction

This case study explores a design thinking project aimed at improving the residential parking lot experience. The objective was to apply design thinking principles to address the challenges and frustrations associated with residential parking lots.

In this case study, We will delve into the research conducted, insights gained, and the ideation and prototyping phases that led to the development of a practical and user-friendly solution. By adopting a user-centered approach, this project demonstrates the effectiveness of design thinking in creating impactful solutions for everyday problems.

Starting the project with..

To gain a deeper understanding of the users, I first created a comprehensive questionnaire covering various aspects such as their current parking experience, needs and expectations, preferences for technology-based solutions, and allowing room for additional comments. Following that, I conducted one-on-one interviews with five users, asking the following questions to gather valuable insights.

In addition to the above questions, I also incorporated impromptu inquiries during the interviews, tailoring them to each user’s unique insights and experiences. This allowed for a more personalized and in-depth understanding of their perspectives

Writing Insights from Interview Notes

I captured user perspectives during the interviews and converted them into valuable insights. This helped me understand their needs, identify patterns, and address pain points in the project effectively.

Below, I have outlined the insights gathered from the interviews, which offer valuable perspectives directly shared by the users themselves. These insights served as a foundation for this project.

User 1

1. The user owns a sedan (Verna) and an Activa (two-wheeler) and has available parking space.
2. The open parking area has a covered ceiling, but it is narrowly designed, requiring multiple reversals to park the vehicle. It provides very little room and lacks designated parking for two-wheelers.
3. The parking area is elevated 1 meter above the ground, while the main road often gets flooded, making it impossible to exit.
4. Improper signage for guests frequently leads to road blockages and difficulties in removing vehicles.
5. Simultaneous entry and exit through a single gate often require reversing for someone trying to enter from outside to allow others to pass.
6. The parking area lacks safety kits, and the user suggests their installation for enhanced safety.

User 2

1. Insufficient parking space leads to difficulties in accommodating both cars and bikes simultaneously.
2. Congested parking situation raises concerns and creates inconvenience.
3. Lack of security measures, such as cameras, in the pay-and-park facility compromises the safety of parked vehicles.
4. The presence of unauthorized vehicles in the allotted parking area indicates a lack of proper management or enforcement.
5. Manual recording of vehicle numbers in a diary necessitates time-consuming searches for relevant information.
6. Limited parking space combined with rented ground floor accommodation adds complexity to the parking situation.

User 3

1. No sufficient parking space for two cars, finding parking space for the second car required asking others for availability.
2. Difficulty in identifying vehicle owners arose from a lack of proper registry or record maintenance, contributing to challenges in managing dedicated parking spaces.
3. The issue of removing petrol from the tank is compounded by the absence of proper CCTV surveillance, potentially affecting the security of parked vehicles.
4. During the rainy season, significant water accumulation in the basement parking area necessitates manual efforts to remove the water.
5. Uneven distribution or inconsistent numbering of painted signs makes it challenging to locate specific cars in the parking area.
6. The presence of both car accessories storage and dumped construction materials in the parking area raises concerns regarding proper organization and management.
7. The lack of disabled-friendly access, such as an elevator or ramp, poses difficulties for disabled individuals and makes it challenging to carry luggage or suitcases.
8. The presence of a narrow single entry/exit creates difficulties when two cars attempt to enter or exit simultaneously.

User 4

1. Lack of dedicated parking space in Calcutta forces the car to be parked on the street
2. Due to nearby offices, finding parking space in the vicinity is difficult as employees leave their cars during the day.
3. During Durga Puja, the large gathering near the residence creates safety concerns, increasing the risk of damage to parked cars.
4. Incidents of scratches, brake damage, and punctured tires have been reported during the festive period.
5. Simplifying parking space with technology-enabled solutions can improve the overall experience, reducing the time required to locate parked cars.

User 5

1. Having two cars but only one dedicated parking space creates a challenge, resulting in one car being parked outside.
2. Wet conditions in the parking area increase the risk of slipping, Don't have any issue with the drainage system
3. Regular cleaning is required once a week to maintain a clean environment, necessitating the temporary removal of all cars and parking them outside.
4. Ongoing construction work leads to significant dust accumulation, prompting the use of protective measures like bike/car covers.
5. The torn bike cover, possibly due to a dog, indicates a requirement for more durable and resilient cover options.

After Noting the Insights..

Leveraging these valuable insights, I delved into the users’ problems to determine their root causes. These insights helped the process of defining the core challenges faced by users and provided a solid foundation for developing targeted solutions.

1. Narrowly designed parking area with limited space
2. Lack of designated parking for two-wheelers
3. Lack of proper signage in a large residential complex
4. Simultaneous entry and exit through a single gate
5. Unauthorized vehicles parked in the allotted parking area
6. The absence of a database to identify parked vehicles
7. Manual recording of vehicle numbers in a diary necessitates time-consuming searches for relevant information.
8. Insufficient space for guest parking in dedicated areas leads to unauthorized parking concerns
9. Lack of disabled-friendly access
10. Risk of slipping in wet conditions

The Crazy Ideas..

By carefully examining the root cause problems gathered from user interviews, I embarked on a creative journey to ideate a myriad of extraordinary and unconventional ideas, pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking in pursuit of innovative and impactful solutions.

During the ideation process, I observed that there are already numerous existing solutions in the market for these issues, but their potential remains largely untapped due to reasons such as lack of awareness or other factors hindering their proper utilization.

The Top 3 Ideas..

After carefully reviewing and considering all the ideas I had noted, I conducted a thorough evaluation and successfully shortlisted the top three ideas based on their relevance to the common issues faced by many and their potential for practical implementation.

Idea 1: RFID Tags and Sensor

Introduce RFID tags for vehicles associated with the apartment complex. These tags or cards would be placed on the vehicle, allowing automatic identification when entering or exiting the complex.

Idea 2: Motion Sensor at the Dedicated Parking Area

Install sensors at parking area which notifies the owner if someone else parks their car, owner can notify the security and ask to remove the car immediately

Idea 3: Self-Service Kiosks

Owner/User can register themselves by scanning QR Code or using touch screen provided there in the kiosk

The Big Idea..

Introducing RFID tags and Sensors for vehicles associated with the apartment complex.

I have decided to pursue this particular idea due to the fact that although solutions for these issues already exist, they are predominantly utilized for commercial purposes rather than residential use, despite the fact that many individuals also face these challenges in their daily lives. By focusing on adapting and implementing these solutions for residential settings, I aim to address the needs of a wider audience and make a meaningful impact in improving their quality of life.

After finalizing the idea I have taken the exciting step of initiating the design process for the prototype of the product that I have selected by creating a preliminary sketch. This sketch served as a visual representation of the envisioned product, capturing its key features, layout, and design elements. As a starting point, this sketch allowed me to explore different possibilities and iterate on the concept before moving forward with more detailed design and prototyping phases.

Will it Work for User

After developing the first version of the product, I conducted a user feedback call to assess its functionality and gather insights on users’ perceptions. While the product largely addressed their problems, users provided a few suggestions that could help address any missed considerations and improve the overall solution.

1. Implementing a manual override button to enable manual access in the event of sensor malfunctions or issues, providing an additional layer of security and convenience for users.

2. Implemented the addition of a roof structure to shield the car from direct sunlight

The Final Prototype

After thorough testing, I made the decision to integrate a manual override button into the final prototype. This was based on the realization that potential issues could arise, impacting the user experience. However, I decided against implementing a sunroof as the solution designed to be fast and efficient, ensuring that users would not have to endure extended waiting periods in the sun

How it Works..

To enhance the parking system, a parking gate will be equipped with a parking sensor. Apartment users will be provided with RFID Tags by the security personnel, following the collection of their details. When a car approaches the gate, the RFID sensor will read the tag affixed to the car’s windshield. If the car is authorized to park in the apartment parking area, the gate will open automatically. Moreover, the system will log the car’s entry and exit details, serving as an additional security measure.

In the event of any issues with the sensor or RFID tag, the security personnel will have the authority to override the system and manually allow the car to enter the parking area. Before granting access, they will verify the car’s details and ensure that it meets the necessary criteria for entry.

Learnings from the Project

1. It is important to ask questions that are grounded in reality and the actual experiences of users. Hypothetical questions may lead to speculative or unrealistic answers, which can hinder the understanding of real user needs and challenges.
2. During problem exploration, avoid providing instant solutions and focus on understanding the problem by actively listening to users. This allows them to express their concerns and insights fully.
3. It’s essential to concentrate on solving one problem at a time rather than attempting to find a single solution for multiple issues. This approach allows for a more focused and effective problem-solving process.
4. Being open to feedback is crucial for growth and improvement. By actively seeking and welcoming feedback, you create opportunities to refine and enhance your solutions based on valuable insights and perspectives from others.

Thank you for taking the time to read this case study, Your input is greatly appreciated, and I look forward to hearing from you.