24 Hour Inclusive Design Challenge 2005
Mybuzz.com
Fraser Design
The Issue
Travel broadens the mind but public transport can be stressful especially when missing your stop means that you are late for a job interview or do not arrive in time to see your grandchild’s school play.
What is it?
My Buzz is a small, discreet ticket holder that is easy to load and carry and vibrates to tell you when you are approaching your destination or if you need to change trains.
Who will benefit?
- A sleeping person who may otherwise miss their stop
- An older person who has lost confidence in knowing where to get off
- Travellers whose first language is not the local language
- Mothers with small children who can be distracted
- A visually impaired person who cannot see signage
- Someone who cannot see signs when the train is crowded
- A wheelchair user who needs more time to get on or off.
How does it work?
When the traveller purchases a ticket their destination is encoded on the magnetic strip on the reverse. When the ticket is inserted into the transparent holder, wireless technology communicates this information to My Buzz and signals their arrival with a quiet vibrating alert.
Where would you buy one?
At stations, newsagents or online.
The commercial potential
- More consumers will be encouraged to use public transport
- Advertising space on the tickets would generate funds for development
- Limited editions can be created for special events
- Major brands could sponsor holders or tickets.