World IA Day 2023 Los Angeles Talk with Richard Caballero
The world of public transportation can be both daunting and fascinating, particularly in a sprawling city like Los Angeles. Richard Caballero, Product Design Lead at Esri, shared his insights during his talk speech at World IA Day 2023 in Los Angeles. He discussed the importance of developing accessible transit systems using a synergy of GIS (geographic information systems), information architecture, and UX frameworks.
This integration involves analyzing complex transit data, applying cognitive science principles, and utilizing geospatial tools and resources. By studying the evolution of cartography in metropolitan areas, we can develop compelling and accessible wayfinding solutions. Additionally, employing visual iconography that resonates with the mental models of the target populations helps to enhance accessibility and user experience.
Looking to learn more? We delve deeper into Richard’s talk below.
Harnessing the Power of Synergy: GIS, Information Architecture, and UX in Los Angeles
*Note: The following is a paraphrased summary of Richard Caballero’s talk at World IA Day Los Angeles. Images were been designed by and are the property of Richard Caballero
Public transportation systems play a critical role in connecting communities and reducing traffic congestion. However, navigating these systems in sprawling cities like Los Angeles can be a daunting task.
The world of public transportation can be both daunting and fascinating, particularly in a sprawling city like Los Angeles. By incorporating various data sources, such as vehicle collision records or walkability scores, it becomes possible to identify areas where transit stops can enhance community safety and accessibility. For example, this information can help determine the placement of bus stops in safer areas with lower crime rates and easy wheelchair accessibility. LA Hub is a valuable resource that provides a platform for exploring, visualizing, and downloading location-based Open Data like this to the public.
Long commutes and traffic congestion are persistent issues in Los Angeles. Innovative solutions like Metro Micro aim to address the “last mile” challenge by providing affordable and accessible transportation options to communities. This is an example of how public transportation can promote equity by offering financially accessible services to the public.
Navigation is a Wayfinding Challenge
The true value of GIS lies in its ability to collect and analyze spatial data, which can then be presented in a way that is easily understood. Los Angeles County spans almost 5,000 square miles and is home to numerous Metro and Metro link stations, as well as metro bus stops. This vast network presents challenges of information overload, necessitating effective wayfinding strategies that merge the disciplines of information architecture (IA) and user experience (UX).
These spaces often accommodate diverse populations speaking different languages and holding vastly different experiences. Building accessible information models for these communities depends heavily on creating meaningful visuals from relevant data that allow the majority of people to navigate unfamiliar places easily. This involves developing a visual language and narrative that people can understand to help them reach their destination successfully.
Learning from Historical Transit Maps
Transit maps have been significant artifacts in navigating metropolitan areas. Engineer Harry Beck simplified and standardized the London Underground map to improve legibility and navigability. Early maps were predominantly black, with convoluted lines and excessive visual noise, making them notoriously difficult to navigate.
By reducing unnecessary information, abstracting lines, and introducing color, Beck created a more user-friendly map that transformed how people understood and used the London Underground. The London Underground map has undergone substantial changes over time, spacing out stops to aid wayfinding in downtown areas and emphasizing the importance of balancing legibility with geographic accuracy.
Meaning-Making in Wayfinding
When transit maps go beyond representing geography and also showcase the culture and history of a location, they provide more visual cues that are readily understandable. The transit maps for the Mexico City Metro, for instance, celebrate the city’s cultural heritage by using visual icons that embody the history of specific locations. These symbols enable a more accessible wayfinding experience, eliminating the need for reliance on language by creating visual cues that are easily recognizable to both locals and foreigners.
Incorporating Cognitive Science and Human-Centered Design
To make complex transportation systems more accessible, it is essential to understand the mental frameworks of the individuals who will be using them. Beyond information architecture, effective wayfinding methods rely on a deep understanding of cognitive science and psychology. Survey strategy and route-based strategy are two examples of specific approaches individuals often use to navigate new systems. By applying such principles, designers can create maps and systems that cater to various user preferences and cognitive processes.
The Synergy of UX, GIS, and IA in Future Transit Systems
To create public transportation systems that meet the needs of diverse populations, an effective and artful interplay between GIS, information architecture, and user experience is necessary. By simplifying complex data around our transit systems, and incorporating cognitive science principles, we can create more innovative and accessible wayfinding strategies for our future cities and communities.
About Speaker Richard Caballero
Richard Caballero is a Product Design Lead at Esri. With a background in cognitive science, Richard has dedicated his career to unraveling the complexities of public transportation and finding innovative wayfinding solutions. His work combines geospatial applications and UX principles in order to develop more accessible and user-friendly solutions for complex transit systems.
Talk Links and Resources
- Micro Metro: Micro Metro is Metro’s new on-demand rideshare service, offering trips within several zones in LA County. The new service aims to address the “last mile” challenge by providing affordable and accessible transportation options to communities. Micro is part of Metro’s family of services and has been designed hand-in-hand with our NextGen Bus Plan. The service is meant to be a fast, safe and convenient option for quick trips around town.
- Esri: Learn more about Esri, a leading GIS software company that offers a range of geospatial tools and resources for gathering and analyzing transportation data.
- Los Angeles GeoHub: The GeoHub is the City’s public platform for exploring, visualizing, and downloading location-based Open Data. You can also analyze and combine Open Data layers using maps, as well as develop new web and mobile applications.
