Assignment1-Imagined Physical Computing

For my assignment I decided to address the unpredictability, delays, and overall lack of prompt information when using the NYC subway system (though this project could be applied to many other transit systems). My project is an E-Ink Touch Interactive GPS Map hopefully possible withing the next decade.

The map is foldable and similar in size to current subway maps. When the map is open, all running trains are color-coded and visible with low visual priority (low opacity). When a subway station is touched, all approaching trains are given higher priority (high opacity).


Seeing all approaching trains, the user can touch the station and an upcoming train and see the arrival time.


The user can repeat the action with another approaching train and compare the arrival times. This informs the user which train to take and which subway platform to wait on.


In this example, the user notices the yellow R train has stopped moving. The user can touch the R train and see the cause of the delay.


The user can then update their plans accordingly. While waiting on trains, the user can also touch and hold a station to learn more about the station with relevant information like announcements, factoids, and history.