Physical Environment UX
To better understand the challenge of reimagining user experience design in train stations, I wanted to deepen my explorations in the field of physical user experience design, or PUXD. My first step was to examine the origins of UX as a concept and to consider when humans first started intentionally shaping their environments with the user in mind. One of the earliest documented examples of physical user experience design can be traced back to around 4000 B.C. in China, with the emergence of Feng Shui. This philosophy focuses on the spatial organization of objects to create harmony and an optimal flow of energy within a space (Emily Stevens, 2021). Although Feng Shui differs from modern UX methods, it illustrates that the idea of designing environments to enhance human experience has deep historical roots.
Over time, UX gained increasing recognition and gradually became a fundamental part of daily life, influencing how we interact with products, services, and environments. However, as the world becomes increasingly digital and technology-driven, the design of physical spaces is sometimes overlooked. Despite this shift, PUXD remains crucial for creating memorable, meaningful experiences and for ensuring that the environments we use are intuitive, user-centered, and comfortable (Dengiz, 2024).
This is not just a subjective view but a growing societal and political priority. In June 2025, the European Commission enacted the European Accessibility Act, a comprehensive set of regulations aimed at improving accessibility across the European Union. The Act seeks to remove barriers for businesses, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. It targets key products and services, including public transportation. According to the Act, environments within the EU must prospectively meet four core requirements: perceivability, operability, understandability, and robustness. Furthermore, it promotes a “design-for-all” approach, calling for physical spaces to be created in ways that make them equally accessible to people with and without disabilities (Huertas, 2024).
This legislative development highlights the importance of projects such as this one. Improving the user experience of train stations is not only an opportunity to enhance comfort and efficiency, but is part of a broader shift toward inclusive, accessible, and human-centered public environments. In this context, rethinking the UX of train stations becomes not just valuable, but necessary for the future.
Information Gathered
Through this week’s research, I gathered an even deeper understanding of User Experience in physical spaces. I also learned more about the currency of the chosen topic and how similar approaches might change our physical space in the near future.
Next Steps
In my next step I will explore the ten usability heuristics by Jakob Nielsen and have a look how they can be applied to the problem at hand. After that I plan on focusing more directly on German train stations and platforms.
References
Coughenour, A. (2025). User Experience in Physical Spaces. Von Orbis Cascade Alliance: https://www.orbiscascade.org/programs/dux/documentation/user-experience-in-physical-spaces/ abgerufen
Dengiz, C. (10. February 2024). The power of Physical User Experience Design (PUXD). Von LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/power-physical-user-experience-design-puxd-cansu-dengiz-zv9pe/ abgerufen
Emily Stevens. (28. July 2021). The Fascinating History of UX Design: A Definitive Timeline. Von CareerFoundry: https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/ux-design/the-fascinating-history-of-ux-design-a-definitive-timeline/ abgerufen
Huertas, D. M. (23. October 2024). The European Accessibility Act: an overview what’s changing and for whom. Von PwC Legal Germany: https://legal.pwc.de/en/news/articles/the-european-accessibility-act-an-overview-what-s-changing-and-for-whom abgerufen
Kaarwan, T. (18. June 2025). How Does UI-UX Design Transform User Experience in Physical Spaces. Von Kaarwan: https://www.kaarwan.com/blog/ui-ux-design/ui-ux-design-transform-user-experience-in-physical-spaces?id=541 abgerufen
NSW Government. (2025). Sydney Trains environment and sustainability. Von Transport for NSW: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/environment-and-safety/sydney-trains-environment-and-sustainability/why-rail-travel-a abgerufen
