Services

UX/UI Design
Wireframing
Prototyping
User Research & Interviews 

Sector

Rail
Engineering 

Overview

This project focused on the design of an in-cab Driver System, a critical upgrade from legacy radio-based communication to a tablet-mounted digital interface aimed at enhancing rail safety and situational awareness. The system provided real-time GPS-driven updates on speed conditions, signal status, and operational warnings to train drivers.

The goal of this project was to: 

  • Understand the current process and user group. 
  • Design a people-first system, that is functional and prioritises safety. 

 

Project scope

Audience

Our audience was current drivers of the trains: 

  • Predominantly male (95%).

  • Aged between 45–60 years.

  • Limited familiarity with modern digital interfaces.

My role and responsibilities

As UX/UI designer for this project, I was responsible for the end-to-end design of an MVP workflow. I worked collaboratively with the Engineering, Projects and Sales Teams in the initial research and data-gathering phase, and then handed over to our Software team to bring it all to life. 

Tools used

Adobe XD, Miro, Adobe Creative Suite

My process

1. User & Stakeholder Research

To build empathy with end users, we conducted contextual interviews and on-job observations with train drivers.

From our research we found: 

  • High cognitive load when interpreting multiple sources of information with the additional of having to manual input crucial information. 

  • Limited speed alerts and driver information. 

  • Physical interface limitations due to vibration and limited space in the cab.
User research inside the cab of a train driver.

2. Problem Statement

Based on the research, we framed the core design challenge as:

“How might we deliver real-time operational updates to drivers in a way that enhances situational awareness without adding to their cognitive load?”

We defined clear user needs, such as:

  • Immediate visibility of critical alerts.
  • Simple interaction with minimal training required.
  • Reliability in low-connectivity environments.

3. Concept Development

We explored multiple layout concepts through sketching and low-fidelity wireframes. To ensure alignment with human-centred design principles. 

Collaborating with engineers, I translated technical system logic into understandable interface flows, simplifying language and incorporating familiar icons.

4. Prototype development

I created interactive prototypes using Adobe XD, focusing on:

  • Large tap targets for our users larger hand size.

  • Colour-coded alerts adhering to accessibility standards (e.g. colour-blind optimisation, contrast ratios for visibility in bright sunlight).

  • Persistent display of speed limits and current train speed with an industry standard ‘train graph’. 

5. Usability Testing & Iteration

We conducted multiple rounds of usability testing with actual drivers using scenario-based tasks. Feedback led to key improvements such as:

  • Consolidating warning messages into a single alert panel.
  • Simplifying the navigation structure to reduce steps during critical moments.
  • Adjusting lighting modes to include a ‘dark mode’ for operational night hours. 

Outcome:

The final design was validated by both operational and technical stakeholders. It achieved the project’s goals of improving safety, delivering information in real-time, and reducing reliance on verbal communication. The design has since entered pilot deployment for further evaluation in live rail conditions.

Please note: Due to intellectual property and confidentiality agreements, I am unable to publicly display the final designs for this project. However, I’d be happy to discuss my design process, approach, and outcomes in more detail upon request.

Theresa Smith

©2025