Redesign the Airport Experience by Creating an Interactive Media System

Overview

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Vancouver International Airport, or YVR, is the second largest airport in Canada and maintains its importance as the connection point between Asia and North America. For this project, we ai to create an experience suitable for visitors of all ages and can promote both the natural beauty and the cultural heritage of British Columbia.

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Problem Space

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Air traveling poses many challenges for many people and the stress of layovers is one of the top complaints people raise. For example, in January 2023, 37.5% of travel complaints regarded flight cancellations, delays and extended wait times. As we delved into the problem space of an airport, we became increasingly interested in the possibility of addressing the problems caused by long layovers.

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Solution

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After research and brainstorm, our final project proposal idea is named Pocket Vancouver. Our goal is to design a scalable experience which will satisfy the needs of all passengers but especially those travelling in family units during hours when shops and restaurants are closed. We wish to target both the logistical and emotional needs of the travellers for them to get a taste of Vancouver without leaving the airport.

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Process

As we dived deeper we interviewed 15 individuals between the ages 19-74 to learn more about the passenger experiences.

These research results prompted us to consider how a design can be dynamic and scalable to suit the needs of different passengers. For example, even within the target group of family travellers, the needs of the parents will be different than those of their kids and those of other members of different age groups.

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Data Analysis

Based on the research we conducted we created system maps to fully examine and analyze the airport ecosystems. Through the user journey map we created we gained a better understanding of the overnight layover experience of a typical traveller.

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Ideation

As we began to brainstorm solutions to address the physical, emotional, and intellectual needs of overnight travellers we started sketching storyboards and illustrations to tackle the problems. Examples of ideas we came up with range from personal sleeping pods to the installation of giant vending machines to the integration of RFID tags around the airport.

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After several rounds of critiques and iterations, we arrived at the idea of creating a scalable experience inclusive of all demographics that can be enjoyed by both quick stoppers and long-time layover passengers.

The experience will begin in the HUB area located in the central plaza of the international departure terminal with an advantageous placement between all gates. Features of the HUB include a resting and energy recharging area for those who need a break, a nature walk section to explore the outdoors of BC, and an interactive ‘magic wall’ for the excited youngsters. The experience is then expanded in all directions which would allow those with more time and interest to embark on a journey to learn more both about the airport and Vancouver.

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Refine Idea and Prototype

To fully materialize all the scattered experience we envisioned we quickly started our physical prototyping and construction works. Using the resources from around the school of design, we employed a range of tool including the laser cutter, the 3d printer, arduino pieces, and touchdesigner.

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By the end of our project, we were able to fully materialize the interactive wall experience: as the visitor pushes each button on the wall we built, corresponding animation will appear on the panel which in turn encourages exploration and experiment.

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Throughout our building process, we also made sure that our design fully adhered to existing YVR branding and overall design approach in terms of inclusivity and diversity.

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Solution

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