Design Requirements

Data Requirements 

• The product needs to be able to access GPS data of buses and include a robust algorithm that incorporates information such as GPS location and local traffic density to provide accurate arrival estimates for UMD students that use the transportation system. 

Usability Requirements

• Our system should be easy to learn and navigable for users. Some of our users have expressed difficulties regarding learning routes and times so our system would make these key features easily accessible. 

User Experience Goals 

•  Our system should be helpful and satisfying for our users. UMD students should not have to feel stressed or frustrated when trying to gain information regarding bus routes and times.

User Characteristics

• Personal Circumstances

  • Our users are UMD students who will use the bus frequently and have to get to class on time. Arriving to class on time is crucial since being late would disrupt their learning experience and consequently have an impact on their grades

• Experience

  • Most UMD students are experienced with using the bus or some sort of public transportation so they typically know how to navigate shuttle tracking systems to some degree. 

• Preferences

  • They primarily prefer receiving bus stop information that is more accurate, consistent, and reliable since they rely on this information to plan ahead before going to class and after class to go back home or to nearby locations. Safety at night is also a concern for some of our users so accurate arrival times would be highly preferable, reducing their wait times at bus stops and help alleviate safety concerns. 

Environmental

• A social requirement is the ability to share data about the buses, similar to how Waze functions. Students should be allowed to notify if there are service alerts to others automatically. 

• A physical requirement would be the ability to request a bus stop through a function. Much like how crosswalk buttons work, the individual can request a stop. The button exists inside the buses themselves to request a stop, there can be a button to notify bus drivers and the system that you are at the stop.

Functional Requirements 

• Should provide UMD students the ability to track bus locations and accurate information regarding bus routes and time estimates. It should be accessible to any user at any time near the bus stops.