Design Ignites Change - Projects - Rapid Prototyping for Rapid Transit

IIT Institute of Design

Students at the IIT Institute of Design worked with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to develop a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service. The students spoke to riders, drivers, and city officials to better understand their needs. The result of their research is a bus riding experience that moves people more efficiently and in great comfort.

Hugh Musick
IIT Institute of Design
hugh@id.iit.edu
312 595 4900

Chicago Transit Authority

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August 26, 2010

Interior of the 1/8 scale model

Model plans

Eighth-scale model of the new BRT (Bus Rapid Transit)

A CTA official comments on an interior signage concept

Students act as riders in a test of the full-scale prototype bus

When is this bus getting here? Am I going to make it on board? Is this my stop? Where can I put my stuff? Why is this person standing so close? Riding the city bus in Chicago can be an anxiety-inducing experience.

Students built full-size and 1/8th-scale rapid prototypes of a new city bus out of foamcore and folding chairs. These two prototypes fostered discussions among riders, bus drivers, CTA officials and designers, helping people engage with concepts and providing the CTA with a way to test and modify ideas prior to production.

Rapid Prototyping for Rapid Transit

IIT Institute of Design

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