Shifting a payment utility into a proactive commute assistant — by listening to what users actually needed.
City commuters had route knowledge. What they lacked was reliable time perception during chaotic morning routines — and a payment system that didn't create last-minute anxiety.
Missing a train isn't usually about ignorance of the schedule. It's about the compounding chaos of a busy morning — until suddenly the window is gone.
"How might we design a system that helps commuters stay on time while simplifying transit payments and trip awareness?"
I conducted in-depth interviews with 10 transit users aged 28–45, all regular TTC and GO Transit commuters. The goal wasn't to validate assumptions — it was to find out what was really breaking down.
Two patterns emerged clearly — both pointing to the same core need: automation and minimal interaction.
TransitFlow reduces commuting friction through three systems designed to work together as a single invisible assistant that runs in the background of your morning.
Removes payment anxiety entirely so commuters can focus on what actually matters — getting out the door on time.
The centrepiece. Answers the one question that matters most: when should I leave to make it on time? — without asking the user to check anything.
Designed for real-world context — rushing out a door with coffee in hand. The watch handles what the phone shouldn't have to.
These weren't obvious calls. Each one came from research, with a clear alternative deliberately rejected.
Research → architecture → wireframes → design system → mockups. Every visual decision grounded in user need.
