alexandra.hesse – Page 3 – desres25.designandcommunication.net

by alexandra.hesse - 30. November 20255. December 2025

Blog Post 3: Physical Environment UX

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

by alexandra.hesse - 23. November 20255. December 2025

Blog Post 2: General Research

General Research

To begin my investigation into User Experience Design in German train stations, I first explored the broader field of UX and UI design within physical environments. Understanding how design influences real-world experiences was essential, as it allowed me to build a foundation before narrowing my focus to the train-station contexts. This early phase of research helped me recognize that user experience in physical spaces is shaped by a complex interaction of visual, spatial, and functional elements. It also highlighted how design decisions can significantly affect how people navigate, interpret, and emotionally respond to a given environment.

Several core factors repeatedly emerged in the literature as central to effective physical-space design. Among the most relevant for my project are signage, visual communication, user flow, user feedback, technology integration, and accessibility (Kaarwan, 2025). Signage and visual design support wayfinding and orientation, while user flow relates to how intuitively people can move through a space. User feedback and the integration of technologies present opportunities to enhance clarity and convenience. Accessibility, of course, remains a fundamental requirement, ensuring that environments can be used by people with diverse physical, cognitive, or sensory needs. Additional aspects that influence user experience in public transport hubs include spatial organization and safety considerations (Coughenour, 2025). These dimensions will be examined in greater depth later in the design process, once the project goals and scope are more clearly defined.

To support my analysis, I also evaluated established design principles that could guide my approach. I chose Jakob Nielsen’s Ten Usability Heuristics because they are widely recognized in UX practice and can be applied not only to digital interfaces but also to physical systems. This makes them an appropriate framework for evaluating a hybrid environment like a train station, where digital and physical elements intersect. Nielsen’s heuristics include: visibility of system status, match between the system and the real world, user control and freedom, consistency and standards, error prevention, recognition rather than recall, flexibility and efficiency of use, aesthetic and minimalist design, support in recognizing and recovering from errors, and accessible help or documentation (Heurio, 2023). By adapting these heuristics to the context of a train-station environment—where users must make quick decisions, interpret information under time pressure, and often navigate unfamiliar surroundings, I will be able to develop a structured method for identifying issues and generating improvement strategies. This framework will guide my evaluation as I begin defining how each heuristic can be meaningfully applied during the design process.

Information Gathered

The insights gained so far form a foundation for the planned research. These two approaches complement one another: while physical-environment principles help identify broad design challenges, the heuristics offer a concrete evaluative tool for analyzing more specific aspects of the user journey. Together, they provide an entry point into the complex field of physical user experience design and will be instrumental in shaping the direction of the project.

Next Steps

My next steps will involve deepening my understanding of both frameworks. I plan to continue expanding my research on physical-environment UX principles and to further explore how Nielsen’s heuristics can be adapted for real-world contexts. Once I have established a solid methodological base, I will focus more directly on German train stations and platforms. This will include investigating user behavior, spatial organization, signage systems, and potential pain points specific to railway environments. Based on this research, I aim to define the primary areas of interest for the project and identify opportunities for targeted design interventions.

Reference

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

heurio. (2023). Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics. Von heurio: https://www.heurio.co/nielsens-10-usability-heuristics abgerufen

by alexandra.hesse - 14. November 20255. December 2025

Blog Post 1: UX at train stations

How can the user experience at train platforms in Germany be improved through user-centered design?

Topic Explanation

The topic I have chosen for this research course—and potentially for my master’s thesis—focuses on the User Experience (UX) of train stations, with a particular emphasis on train platforms and the ways in which users interact with these spaces. My goal is to better understand how design, infrastructure, and user behaviour intersect in this specific environment, and how these factors influence the overall experience of passengers.

The geographical focus of my research will be Germany, as this is the country I know best and where I have gathered the most personal experience as a regular train user.

Personal Motivation

My motivation for choosing this topic stems partly from my own observations and sometimes rather unpleasant experiences on train platforms throughout Germany. Issues such as unclear signage, confusing platform layouts, overcrowding and a general lack of comfort have made me think about how these environments could be improved from a user-centered perspective. At the same time, my interest is also academic and professional. During my bachelor’s studies in Nuremberg, I briefly touched on the idea of examining train stations through the lens of user experience design. However, at that time I only had the chance to scratch the surface of the topic. Now, through this research course and the upcoming master’s thesis, I see an opportunity to develop this initial idea into a structured and in-depth study. Ultimately, my aim is to identify key challenges and opportunities in the design of train platforms that could contribute to a more intuitive, inclusive and pleasant user experience. One that meets the diverse needs of passengers and enhances the overall perception of rail travel in Germany.

Main questions

The main research question of this project is: “How can the user experience at train platforms in Germany be improved through user-centered design?” Since this is a complex and multi-layered topic, it requires breaking down into smaller guiding questions, in order to build a strong foundation. The first sub-question concerns the scope and focus area of the project. Train stations are multifaceted environments, so I need to decide which specific aspects of the station experience to examine more closely. Should the focus be on way finding, comfort, accessibility, safety or emotional experience? I also must determine how many regions or stations can realistically be analyzed without losing depth and focus. The next major question centers on the users themselves and their pain points. What are the biggest challenges travelers face while using train platforms and what needs to change for them to have a more positive and stress-free experience? To answer this, I will need to identify and engage with different user groups like commuters, tourists, elderly passengers or people with disabilities. Each of whom may have very different expectations and problems that require distinct solutions. Once these foundational questions are clarified, the project can move toward developing potential design solutions. This involves not only generating ideas to address the identified issues but also exploring how to communicate these solutions effectively. This could happen through visualizations, prototypes or user scenarios that make the improvements tangible and easy to understand.

Problems and solutions

One major issue I have repeatedly noticed as a train passenger is the lack of sufficient signage and clear indications at stations. When traveling, I want to be as well-informed as possible so I can plan my journey accurately, avoid missing connections and move through the station without unnecessary stress. However, the information provided is often limited or unclear, making smooth and uninterrupted travel harder than it should be. For example, having clear indications of the train’s exact position before it arrives would be extremely helpful. This would allow passengers to wait at the correct spot rather than having to reposition themselves or even run once, the train arrives. Additionally, better communication about where specific sections of the train will be located, such as areas for wheelchairs, bicycles or heavy luggage, would make boarding much easier. Currently, these zones are usually marked only on the train itself, which prevents passengers from preparing in advance.

Clearer platform markings and communication would not only improve the boarding and exiting process but also make it faster and more efficient. As a result, this could contribute to better punctuality for German trains and reduce the overall stress and chaos often experienced on platforms.

Figure 1: own photographs.

This is just one problem I have personally encountered and would like to see addressed. However, further research and especially input from other passengers will be necessary to gain a broader and more inclusive understanding of the challenges faced by different user groups. For this reason, the issues and possible solutions will be re-evaluated later in the project as more data becomes available.

Relevance

The relevance of this topic lies in the essential role train stations play in ensuring that rail travel functions efficiently and reliably. Train stations and their platforms are the central points of the railway network. If they fail to operate properly, the entire system suffers. Malfunctions, poor design or inadequate maintenance can lead to delays, cancellations and frustration among passengers. These issues not only disrupt daily commuting and long-distance travel but also discourage people from choosing the train as a preferred mode of transportation. In comparison to cars or airplanes, traveling by train is significantly more environmentally friendly. Rail transport produces lower carbon emissions, consumes less energy and can transport large numbers of people efficiently (NSW Government, 2025). For these reasons, trains should be placed at the heart of sustainable mobility strategies for the future. However, this can only happen if the infrastructure that supports train travel, particularly stations and platforms, is reliable, comfortable and accessible to all users. Unfortunately, train travel today is still often associated with problems such as frequent delays, outdated facilities and a lack of convenience. Many travellers therefore continue to use cars or planes, even for short distances, because these options seem faster or more dependable. To change this perception, we must rethink how train stations are designed and managed. Improving the user experience at stations could have a significant impact on how people perceive train travel overall. A more efficient and enjoyable station environment could increase public trust and encourage more people to travel by train. In this way, enhancing train stations and platforms is not just about improving transport operations. It is about investing in a more sustainable, connected and environmentally responsible future of travel.

Expected challenges

While working on this important and complex topic, I expect to face several challenges, such as a lack of information, difficulties finding suitable participants for surveys, uncertainty about where to begin and the risk of feeling overwhelmed by the many possible directions the project could take. To handle these challenges, I plan to work according to a clear and structured concept to stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked.

Next steps

To achieve that, my research will start broadly, allowing me to gain a general understanding of the topic and identify the range of available sources. As the project progresses, I will gradually narrow my focus to filter out the most relevant findings and build a clear direction. During the first few weeks, I aim to conduct general research to grasp the topic more deeply. Once that foundation is set, I will identify gaps in knowledge and look for ways to fill them. A possible way to do that, that I can already define as a useful way for gathering unexpected and new information, could be conducting surveys or interviews in my surroundings or at train stations. With that information, I hope to then define specific pain points and problem that I can afterwards take as a base to develop practical and testable solutions.