Cloud App: User Experience Research by Sophie Peterson

JUNE/JULY 2021

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M u lt i -P latf orm Ex p e ri e n c e D e sign

CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT

cloud A m o bi l e ba s ed app s tr ik i ng an equilibrium between a fast pac ed c on t e mpo ra r y l i f es tyl e and the slowness needed to exec ute it.

S op hi e P et ers on J u n e 20 21 P AG E 1

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CONTENTS

cloud

Wha t is clou d ?

visibility

appendices

4 UX Des i g n R es earc h

P ers on a P rof i l e

Cu s t om er J ou rn ey M ap

In f orm at i on Arc h i t ec t u re

E n t i t y Breakd ow n

Ma rketing Website

Interviews + bibliograp hy + res earc h

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A F O C US O N T H E IN -B E TWEEN.

Cloud is a mobile based app striking an equilibrium between a fast paced contemporary lifestyle and the slowness needed to execute it.

An elevated experience of the in-between moments is offered

creating a sublime experience of transportation.

Whilst current ride sharing technologies prioritise the efficiency of getting from A to B, Cloud focuses more on what happens between A to B.

The idea of Cloud emerged after failed attempts of creating meditative quiet moments before work during my morning commute on the London underground. Constantly interrupted by the fear that I’ll miss my stop and shifting passengers, it was hard to create a moment of calm.

Cloud focuses on creating calm during in-between moments. Instead of catching up on social media, calls or emails, time spent on a trip with Cloud offers a customised meditation which guides you back to reality as you approach your destination. Drivers are polite, but keep interaction to a minimum to facilitate this. The Cloud fleet uses electric vehicles powered by renewable resources for peace of mind and a quiet journey.

When talkative drivers, reckless city driving and the non-stop energy of the city becomes too much, Cloud is waiting for you. Turn up to your destination calm, grounded and reassured that you have taken a few moments to be present.

EX EC U T IV E SU M MA R Y

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USER RESEARCH

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User Research Summary Initial User Research Direction Initial user research is derived from assumptions from my personal experience. I aimed to interview people of varying ages, genders and occupations, but aimed for a younger demographic that have grown to accept the idea of meditation, mindfulness and self-care. Face to face interviews were especially important to understand the body language of the interviewee as well as enable probing questions.

Assumptions + Hypothesis I hypothesise that whilst gender will not have a large impact on user research, age and occupation will. User’s between the ages of 20 to 30 years will be my main demographic due to their exposure to and acceptance of mindfulness and the concept of self care. In a time when everything and everyone is being questioned and ‘canceled’, Gen Y and Gen Z are constantly aware of the economic, political and social environment in which they are enveloped. This can be exhausting, hence why I believe mindfulness is on the rise. I believe that young, working professionals that live in a cosmopolitan environment will be more receptive to the app concept than a more mature, regional audience which may be more comfortable in their every day lives. It would be a nice surprise to know that this assumption may not be true.

User Needs + Motivations Most users are looking for reasonable, competitive prices that are priorities ease of use and minimise inefficient transport time. Many users regarded the Cloud concept as one of a luxury, which they would use one every week or so as a self-care ‘treat’. A prospective users needs the price point, interface and convenience of the service to be priority points. Limitations The limitations of this project in particular is its need to stand-alone. After speaking with prospective users, it’s clear that they do not want more content, they need more streamlined features for existing technology. In an ideal world, the app would be a built in feature or plug-in for Uber to reduce barriers to new users, such as lack of interest in ‘yet another app’.

Recommendations In conclusion to the following research, I would recommend that a ‘less is more’ approach would be absolutely key to the development of the app and its entities. An adaptive meditation timer would be essential. Users don’t need more, they want less; less time on their phones, less time signing up. More quality time to reground which is worth their consumer dollar.

US E R RE SE A R CH SU MMA R Y

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Synthesis BEHAVOURS Transport • REGULAR TRANSPORT BEHAVIORS: Cycling is popular for metropolitan areas, private car for regional areas. • GO-TO APP + USE: Navigational apps for self-guided transport are the most used apps - a very functional approach. • APP EXPERIENCE: Most people have a memorable experience of using public transport last. It is an opportunity to step outside of the status-quo of every day life. • PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE TRANSPORT: Public transport was a big turn off for most interviewees - they use it only out of cost, distance or convenience. • VALUE ADDING: In cases where transport apps went above and beyond, it really added value to the days of interviewees. • TRANSPORT PREFERENCES: Most prefer to observe, reflect and wind down during transport use. They’d prefer to be alone or surrounded by others minding their own business. • PLANNED OR RUSHED? Most interviewees were not in a rush when they needed a transport app. Meditation • GO-TO APP + USE: Almost no one uses one app for meditation - they’d prefer a free, diverse network like YouTube to suit their needs. • APP EXPERIENCE: The experience of meditation is a deeply personal and subjective one. • VALUE ADDING: Almost everyone felt meditation added value to their day. Financial Attitudes • PROPENSITY TO PAY FOR A PREMIUM SERVICE: For an emergency, if I was on vacation or if I was going to a special event. • PAY-AS-YOU-GO VS. MEMBERSHIP: Pay as you go, almost always.

ATTITUDES Transport • IDEAL TRANSPORT: Diverse and personal. • IDEAL APPEAL: Freedom, low stress, personal agency. Environmental Impact • IMPACT OF CLIMATE CRISIS: Most interviewees care and are conscious, but there are no reasonable alternatives. Self Care + Meditation • RECEPTION TO MEDITATION: Most agree that mindfulness and meditation are of benefit to all. • IMPORTANCE OF SELF-CARE: 7.5 out of 10 importance, during an average week. • SELF-CARE RITUALS ON LOW-TIME: exercise, eating well, having space to themselves.

GOALS • IMPORTANT FACTORS WHEN CHOOSING TRANSPORT: Almost wholly dependent on time, cost and additional stress. • TRANSPORTS IMPACT ON THE SELF: Needs to be a really simple app, customer service needs to be extremely responsive, drivers should know where they are going so I don’t need to stress.

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WANTS + NEEDS NEEDS • APP: A streamlined, integrated app which relies on existing user knowledge • TIME: Efficient experience - quick transport time, but also an elevated experience as an edge. • FINANCIAL: Reasonable prices, an upfront quote and pay as you go. • PEACE OF MIND: A timer for the meditation which adapts to trip length. • MEDITATION: Different meditations for differing needs • CLIMATE CONSCIOUS: An environmentally friendly option WANTS • EXPERIENCE: To have a safe, quiet/private and relaxing environment to travel in. • CHOICE: To be in control of their experience as much as possible • LUXURY: Premium vehicle - electric, new model, above average model. • PERSONALISATION: Choice of voices for meditations, use of name in-app. • PRE-BOOK: Ability to book service in advance to reduce waiting time.

DEALBREAKERS • COST: Extortionate pricing • EASIER ALTERNATIVES: Pricing and waiting time with existing forms of transport • OVER-COMPLICATION: Too many options to choose from (contradicts purpose of service) • WAITING TIME: Unlikely to wait more than 10 minutes for ride to arrive. • NOISE: Other riders, noisey vehicles or general traffic. • PRETENTIOUS BRAND-VOICE: Meditation should be approachable and flexible. • MEMBERSHIP SERVICE ONLY: No one wanted another monthly service they had to pay for.

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MOTIVATIONS + GOALS

Zara Hoffman “ When

Zara is a working professional who is financially comfortable. She is at a point in her life where she is juggling a lot and is happy to pay a little more for more exciting and fulfilling experiences as long as she believes they are a good use of time and money.

it comes to how I want

to experience life from day to

EFFICIENT USE OF TIME

SELF CARE

PREMIUM EXPERIENCE

day, it always comes down to efficiency. I’m constantly asking myself; how could I be spending

”

this time better?

ABOUT

12PM

2PM

TO ARRIVE RELAXED AND ON TIME 4PM 6PM

10AM

8PM

8AM

TO FEEL SAFE + COMFORTABLE

10PM

6AM

CORE NEEDS

TO HAVE STREAMLINED CHOICES

O SP

E CR

TO OPT FOR ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY OPTIONS

LIKELIHOOD OF USING TRANSPORTATION APP MIDWEEK FRIDAY WEEKEND

TO PRE-BOOK HER TRIPS

PAIN POINTS ABOUT ZARA Zara is a single, working professional that cares

HESITATES WITH MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

ALREADY

deeply about balance in life. Her career is just as important as her social life and her wellbeing. More than anything, Zara cares about taking care of herself so she can show up as the best version of herself. Mindfulness, running and yoga are

MEDITATION

USUALLY CHOOSES CYCLING AS A FORM OF TRANSPORT FROM A TIME, HEALTH AND COST POINT OF VIEW

friends, keeping on top of work and having time to

P E RS O N A PR O FI L E

OTHER

TRANSPORT OPTIONS

important aspects of her life, but so is brunch with

herself to reground.

HAS

INTIMIDATED BY CONCEPTUAL EXPERIENCE

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MOTIVATION ACTIONS

TRANSPORT NEED

RESEARCH

TRIGGER

OPTIONS

After a stressful week at work, Zara is meeting friends in central London but feels like she needs some time to herself.

a cab, but remembers an app that recently had an introductory offer.

COMPETITIVE EDGE

• Uses an existing navigational

• Downloads app whilst at work

• Is unsatisfied with the thought of catching public transport in peak

She se

Zara thinks about hailing

ACCOMMODATING A NEED service to check her route

BO +P

• Simple sign up as guest or member

medi

she req

destina

STREAM

• Reflects o • Selects

she needs

• Uses introductory offer

hour

overth • Uses

• Remembers the Cloud app that

App

streamlin

her colleague talked about Zara finishes a busy week of work

DESIGN OPPORTUNITIES

EMPATHY MAP

Zara thinks about an option outside of comfort zone

C UST O ME R J O U R NE Y M A P

Eye-catching, demographic appropriate and daring graphic branding. Referral system Integration with existing navigational apps (e.g. Uber or Bolt within Google Maps)

Small file size for quick download

Apple W seamle

Extremely streamlined sign up + integration with existing Google/social media accounts

Time to type of stressi

Automatically adds introductory offer

Intuitiv might l

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OOKING PAYING

TRIP + MEDITATION

WAITING

CHOOSING

THE INBETWEEN

SERVICE

Zara confirms the Cloud

elects the type of

Zara’s meditation starts as

vehicle assigned to her and

itative downtime

she waits. She has 5 minutes

her meditation begins. She

quires, selects her

before Cloud arrives. In that

arrives within 15 minutes,

ation and pays with

time, a visual grounding

grounded and ready to catch

exercise is offered.

up with her friends after an

Apple Wallet.

exciting week.

MLINED + SIMPLE

MAKING USE OF THE IN-BETWEEN

REGROUNDING EXPERIENCE

on her personal needs

• Picks ‘wind down’ as the type of

• Cloud vehicle plate confirmed

regrounding

meditation she needs

s: low mood, anxiety,

• Zara starts visual meditation

hinking, stress, etc. Wallet

(or

• As the trip draws to a close, Zara is

whilst waiting for her Cloud

other

• Awareness to surroundings and

ned payment service).

the present is heightened

slowly brought out of her meditation • A few mindful moments of reflection • The last 4 minutes are used to reorientate.

Zara relaxes knowing she doesn’t need to do much else Zara arrives refreshed to catch up with her friends

RELAXED

ple

• Meditation begins

STRESSED

type

Zara monetarily commits to the Cloud service

Wallet integration for essness

Live map showing where driver is and details about them.

Adaptive meditation timer

o choose personalisation: f meditation, goals, deing

Grounding exercise whilst waiting / reconnecting to senses

Auto confirm number plate within 5 minute radius unlocks

ve AI to predict what Zara like

Live map showing where driver is and details about them.

Post meditation reflection

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Informa Archi Summa

What is the minim

suffice user goals

INF O RM A T IO N A R CHITE CTU R E

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PAIN POINTS The main pain point is relative price. Secondary pain points include; the existence of more convenient alternatives, long waiting times and membership service sign up. Potential users also noted that they didn’t feel like downloading another app/transport service and further complicating their daily routines. Others felt turned off by pretentious branding and an unrelatable brand voice.

KEY GOALS TO ADDRESS PAIN POINTS PRICE: Whilst general pricing is more in the financial domain than that of user experience, incentives, promotional codes and offers can be designed into the general UX flow. LONG WAIT TIMES: Cloud is about making the most of your time to reground and take care of yourself. The concept of ‘wait time’ could be designed as ‘re-grounding time’, incorporating meditative exercises during the in-between time. OVER-COMPLICATION + ALTERNATIVES: Cloud needs to be integrated into existing apps such as Google Maps to be used and trusted. The file size and general UX needs to be extremely seamless to further the experience of simplicity and minimalism. USE PREFERENCES: An upfront quote with a pay-as-you-go ethos allows the user to be in control and reduces irritation of the popular monthly membership payment model. BRAND IDENTITY: It is of the utmost importance that the brand identity is memorable but fun, approachable and fluid to encourage feelings of trust, calmness and relief.

MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT Trends move quickly. Whilst the design is aimed at simplicity and clarity, sometimes your website needs an update. ROUTE SCREEN

Meditation options dominate, live map tracking, time until arrival

EXPLORE

OPENING

SCREEN

Logo animation on open.

HOME

DASHBOARD

Map with route, price quote, potential offers, time of departure

Return to navigational page with all options visible.

SCREEN

Where do you want to go? How do you want to feel?

GOOGLE MAPS

Suggested route via Cloud app

BOOK +

SELF

PAY

CHECK IN

Secure trip quote, discounts, Apple Pay.

Post-meditation check in tracking diary

ation itecture ary

Integrate ex. accounts e.g. Google, Facebook, Apple ID

mum viable product needed to

s, motivations and pain points?

IN F O RM A T IO N A R CHITE CTU R E

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ENTITY: Opening Page

ATTRIBUTES Graphic background

Logo LOGO

OPENING PAGE Animated transitions

ENTITY: Log In/Register ATTRIBUTES HEADER

LOGO

• • • •

Welcome Back Tag Email Password (Touch/FaceID) Sign In Button

• • • • • •

Welcome Tag Name Email Password (2-Step Verification: Touch/FaceID) Privacy Policy/Terms of Use Check box Register Button

ENTITY: Home Screen POP UP

• Logo • Title • Slogan

EXPLORE EXPLORE BUTTON

TEXT

ATTRIBUTES • Allow location tracking • Allow notifications

• Explanatory text • Start new trip button

• Drop down hamburger • Dashboard • My Account • Customer service • Cloud Diary

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Entity Breakdown

ENTITY: Explore Screen

LOCATION MAP LOCATION MAP

SEARCH DIRECTORY

ATTRIBUTES • Map with live location at center • North point • Search icon

• Point of interest search field • Get Me Home/to Work/to my Saved Places field • Time of departure field

SAVED TRIPS

ENTITY: Booking + Payment

LOCATION MAP

• List of recent saved trips

ATTRIBUTES • Map with Point A to Point B visualised on map • Shows active drivers nearby on map

LOCATION MAP

ETA

TRIP DETAILS

Price quote Estimated duration Driver Carbon cost

• Estimated arrival time

TRIP DETAILS

CONFIRM + PAYMENT POP UP

• • • •

TRIP CONFIRM + PAYMENT POP UP

ENTITY: Meditation Screen MEDITATION QUESTIONNAIRE

TIMER

MEDITATION QUESTIONNAIRE

OPTIONS MENU

• Confirm button • Pop up tab for payment via saved card details or Apple Pay • Confirmation

ATTRIBUTES • How are you feeling? • Options: Anxious, stressed, sensitive, content

• Displayed center • Adapts to trip length • Choice of voice • Background music • Minutes until arrival spoken notifications

TEXT

SOUND DETAILS

EN TI T Y A T T RIB U TE B R E A KDO W N

• Volume • Pause • Play

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ENTITY: Route Screen

ATTRIBUTES • Count down until destination

SLIDE UP MAP

MEDITATION TIMER

• Play

SLIDE UP MEDITATION TIMER

LOCATION MAP

SETTINGS TEXT

DOWNLOAD

• Pause

• Location map tracking live location and route to be taken • Driver details • Eta • Choice of voice • Spoken pace

SETTINGS

DOWNLOAD

ENTITY: Self-Check In

• Downloads to Cloud Diary

ATTRIBUTES

TEXT

• Adaptive questionnaire

QUESTIONNAIRE

• Next button • Menu for navigation • Exit button

ENTITY: Dashboard/Menu ATTRIBUTES EXPLORE

See previous page.

EXPLORE MY DETAILS CUSTOMER SERVICE

MY DETAILS

See next page.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

See next page.

CLOUD DIARY

See next page.

CLOUD DIARY

LOGO PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS

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Entity Breakdown

ENTITY: My Account

ATTRIBUTES • Full name

PERSONAL DETAILS

• Home address • Date of birth

PERSONAL DETAILS

• Account details

ACCOUNT DETAILS

• Member since... • Active/inactive

ACCOUNT DETAILS

TRIPS

• Past trips details

TRIPS

PROMOTIONAL

ENTITY: Customer Service MENU

FAQ

• Discount code field • Reference system

ATTRIBUTES • Search bar • Top asked questions • Further contact

24/7 CONTACT

• 24/7hr chat or hot line

DRIVERS

ENTITY: Cloud Diary

• Past drivers - review + tip system

ATTRIBUTES

MENU CHECK IN DIARY

CHECK IN DIARY

• Records of past check ins, post-trip

SAVED MEDITATIONS

• Home for saved meditations • Date • Other details

EN TI T Y A T T RIB U TE B R E A KDO W N

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2 VISIBILITY

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Marketing Page P AG E 21

One Page Marketing Prototype

VIEW THE PRO

https://lah42c

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OTOTYPE LIVE

c.axshare.com

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3 APPENDIX

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Transcripts P AG E 25

DEMOGRAPHICS

What is your name? How old are you? Where do you live? How would you describe your gender? What is your occupation? Marital Status How would you describe your technology proficiency?

Out of the following options, what best describes the environment of your living situation: metropolitan, regional, or rural?

User A

User B

Rob

Garry

27 years old

61 years old

Central London, UK Male

Wollongong, NSW Australia Male

Freelance Graphic Designer

Engineering Manager

In a relationship

Married

Extremely high, I can fix most IT problems on my own.

Low – I like to think I’m alright, but technology tends to annoy me.

Metropolitan

25 East

Super prof p

Regional

BEHAVIOURS

Pretty rarely – if I can avoid them. Prefer to take a train, bike or public transport. The times I use it is probably in emergency, in a rush. Probably once every two months. Uber if anything. Tell me about the last experience you Pretty funny – the guy picked had with public transportation. me up after I tried to catch a train. The tube would be too long, so it was a last resort. He drove me there and it turned out to be a party uber, all kitted out. Had a disco ball in the middle, lasers, smoke.

On an average week, how often would you say you use a transport app? (Google maps, city mapper, uber, trainline, opal/oyster, etc)

4-5 times – Google Maps

Often – near Google Map

Excellent – got on a free tram in Adelaide. Needed to get somewhere and it was fun.

Can’t remem get to Hyde change of sc bit farther w transport. It public transp pandemic. S not wearing underground made me an

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User C

User D

User E

User F

May

Sharon

Sofia

Heath

5 years old

64 years old

25 years old

29 years old

East London, UK

South East London, UK

Female

Wollongong, NSW Australia Female

Female

Male

Student

Pharmacist

Landscape Architect

Analyst Consultant for NGO

Single

Married

In a relationship

Adequate, I’m comfortable with technology I use every day.

Very proficient

Very high

Regional

Metropolitan

London ,UK

ficient – I have no problems.

etropolitan

rly each day. ps mostly.

mber – used it to Park. Just have a cenery – can go a with public t was weird to use port during the Some people were g a mask, the d is not so nice & it nxious.

If Waze App counts, 14 times a week.

2 hours

7 times

Last Saturday some friends and I took the London Overground and then the Tube from my place in Hackney to my friend’s place in Brixton. It was VERY hot, loud and busy. I disliked how loud the tube was - I had to shout to speak to my friends. Luckily, the journey did feel shorter than usual because I was with friends.

Probably a Zipcar. Stoked at the ease of use of Zipcar, the availability, felt like we had to walk a little far with suitcases, but relative to the alternative, it was way better.

If not, zero.

Went to Sydney to visit an art gallery. Drove to train in Sutherland, took a train to the city. I’d prefer to use public transport in a city. Would pay for an uber under some circumstances – maybe in group setting.

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Yeah, it was pretty funny. Made me smile. Bit random.

Yes – was fun and electric. Feel better because it was electric? No.

No, I wish I to

On an average week, how often would you say you use a meditation app? (Headspace, calm, Spotify/youtube meditations, etc)

Don’t use an app – YouTube is free. If I meditate, I try to do it without anything else. Prefer silence. Frequency fluctuates a lot – depending on my headspace.

Never.

Tell me the last experience you had with meditation. Was it positive? Did you feel it was beneficial? Did is change the course of your day at all?

Love-hate relationship. Sometimes it makes me feel not energized. If I do it in the morning, it slows me down. Nice to have it as a reset in the middle of the day.

I was probably at 24 years old in England. Which would have been 35 years ago. It was cool – it was up and coming. Meditation and yoga classes. I liked it because it was a bit trendy – something a bit different.

I don’t really my yoga subs has a meditat Maybe each o probably use on Netflix or o to know who – like the yog bond with the listen to it. It’ to the medita super connec Beneficial, th needed it – I w feeling so goo bothered to g Now I feel cal my day.

Did this experience add value to your day?

I guess so. Sometimes it makes me feel too much – too reflective or caught up in certain things.

Yes – I liked it.

Did this experience add value to your day?

Yes, see abov

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ook my bike.

Doesn’t add much. Convenience if anything. I would be angry if the options wasn’t there though.

Not really

Yeah, I’d say so. I didn’t have to wear a mask; it was a reprieve from COVID conditions.

use an app; I use scription which tion built in. other day. I would the meditation on YouTube. I like o is speaking to me ga teacher. You e voice if you ’s easier to relax ation – you feel cted to them. his morning. I really woke up not od. Couldn’t be get out of bed. lmer and can start

Never. I don’t regularly meditate.

1-2 hours

5 times a week.

Very positive, did change my life. When I got tinnitus, I thought I was going to go insane. Meditation helped a lot with distracting me from the rining noise.

I sat in my garden in the morning and used a 15-minute meditation to rebalance, as I woke up feeling a little off. The sun warmed my face, and the cool morning breeze refreshed my body. However, halfway through my meditation I received a call and multiple text messages (my app didn’t block the incoming call or the vibration from my phone), which really took me out of the experience multiple times. It did partly. It usually does and it did, it made me feel more present and awake, but my phone going off and vibrating meant I was left a little less relaxed than I usually do.

Last night, 10 minutes before bed. Helps me wind down from the day, normally asleep at the end of it. Reflection upon the day.

ve.

Yes, helped me sleep better.

Yeah.

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What’s your go-to app for transportation?

Trainline. Or Uber. Or Google Maps.

Google Maps. Ever used Uber? Yep, a week ago. Would prefer to drive though.

Google Maps I would proba because its m over the worl consider the o

Youtube

Probably You of the yoga st

Majority of the time.

Not that often.

Working, meditating (nonaccompanied meditation), wind down time to observe.

Looking, observing. Being quiet.

Do you prefer to be alone or surround by others? (private vs. Public transport)

Depends on my mood – I like a conservation with a random person sometimes.

Alone. Wait… it doesn’t worry me.

Most likely I a because I hat usually plan m in advance. If transport, its which makes rush because time. Especia country of Ge Normally I go Instagram or the undergro reception tho downloading each morning news. Or liste or music. I prefer to be stressful. The much noise, v conversations I love a quiet everyone is d thing.

How often would you pay a higher price for a premium experience of transport? Under what circumstances?

Pretty budget when it comes to transport – would never book first class. I’m very frugal.

Emergency. What about on vacation? Yeah, I’d probably pay a bit more for transport.

What’s your go-to app for meditation?

How often would you say you were in a rush when you were planning to use public transport?

How do you like to spend your time whilst commuting or using public transport?

I don’t really – if I booked f part of the tra up and it was is different fo rather use an like you talk t P AG E 30

s. If it was private, ably use Uber more common all ld. I don’t really others.

Google Maps (for orientation)

Google Maps

City Mapper

uTube, or the app tudio.

It varies. I use a combination of headspace, YouTube videos and Spotify.

Headspace

am not in a rush, te to be in a rush. I my transportation f I take public usually the thing me more in a e they’re never on ally in my home ermany. o through social media. On ound, you have no ough. I started the newspaper g and reading the ening to a podcast

Never.

Most of the time. I don’t use a lot of public transport and always miss my bus/leave too late or underestimate how long it might take.

Not often – London is very convenient. Very frequent services. I always give myself a 20 minute buffer.

Reading.

Reading or listening to podcasts.

Reading with low BPM electronic music – no vocals.

e alone – it’s less ere’s already so voices, s of other people. train where doing their own

Alone, although I worry about my safety at night-time.

I would prefer to be alone.

Alone.

do that anymore first class, that ain never turned s unreliable. Uber or me – I would n Uber Pool. I feel to the Uber driver

Not very often. Would never fly business class. Would pay $10 for an app that made the transport experience more enjoyable. Would only pay for a one off as I hate membership services.

A few times a month. When I’m in a rush to get somewhere or when it’s too late to take public transport.

More often than not - for extra convenience. Elevated experience. Ease of use. Door to door is better.

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anyway, so I m other people.

How do you prefer to pay for transportation costs? Would you rather pay as you go or have a membership service like oyster?

Pay as you go due to little use – paying more than you use. Feel like I’ve been scammed with a membership.

I just think pay as you go. When I lived in London, I used a weekly and monthy card. Every day – would use oyster. Regular public transport, I’d use pay as you go.

Depends on i daily – I woul monthly mem more efficien as you go.

How do you commute to work or study most days?

I’m freelance – no commute.

Car.

Before COVID my bike.

Cycling – shorter trips. Car – self-driven.

Motorbike.

I think probab maybe walkin slow).

Why does this form of transport appeal to you?

Freedom.

Love ‘em. It’s a good feeling, traffic doesn’t worry you, fresh air, alone time.

Cycling is love can take diffe new perspect things.

Does your attitude towards the current climate crisis impact how you choose to commute or travel? Feel free to elaborate.

100%. Minimise flights, public transport, minimise journeys. Open to ride sharing but have never tried it.

No.

Yes, in some w though I still l comes to trav different citie otherwise lov more often. M wise, it’s not

ATTITUDES

What is your preferred method of transportation if time, money and energy was no factor?

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may as well talk to .

if I need to use it ld rather a mbership. It’s nt. Otherwise, pay

Prepaid card. Definitely pay as you go.

Contactless and/or through Apple Pay. I would prefer payas-you-go as I most often travel by bike and do not need a regular membership. I am a ‘sometimes’ user.

A bit of both – I pay a membership for Zipcar, and reduce my accidents claim to £0 for accident claims. Pay as you go for transport – sporadic use.

D, I always used

Car.

By bike

Bike.

bly still my bike, or Car – chauffer. ng (but that’s too

It would still be my bike.

Cycle.

ely because you erent routes, get tives and see new

Get to go where I wanted to go with absolutely no effort. Someone else does all the work.

Often quicker, you get fresh air and are very unlikely to get stuck in traffic. It’s also ‘free’. And it’s good exercise.

Control – don’t like being reliant on the timetable of others. Also good for mental wellbeing to escape physically and mentally.

ways. Even love to fly when it velling between es, I would ve to take the train Money + time worth it though.

It makes me feel guilty when I drive, but since there is no reasonable alternative I get over it quite fast.

Yes! I assume that cycling is perhaps the most sustainable way to travel, other than maybe walking?

It has indirectly – certainly more inclined to use my bike than to jump on public transport. The only time I don’t is when I need to be suitably dressed or when I’m returning after social engagements.

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How do you feel about the popularisation of mediation and mindfulness in recent years?

On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being ‘not a priority’, and 10 being ‘my top priority’), how important is it to you to prioritise practises of self-care in an average week?

Good for the most part, a bit wanky. Same thing with yoga – wouldn’t have discovered it without that.

6-7

I think it’s okay.

Really glad th change or shi minds is occu with the ‘new are working m are becoming their mental h though some fun of it, I kno that really be Helped me a

When you have little time to spare in a week, what are your go-to self-care routines to reground yourself?

Exercise 100%, eating well, baths. Gaming sometimes.

Isolation, quietness.

Honestly, exe Then it depen running (effic yourself up). time, I do yog

How long do you reasonably wait for a private transport service to arrive?

They’d have to be way more efficient than cycling or public transport, so probably 3-5 mins.

10 mins maybe.

Anything mo annoying

Cost. Secondary – efficiency, environmental - not so fussed about comfort.

First one is that its readily available – short, don’t have to wait. Suitable for what I want – not always about getting from A to B quickly, sometimes I need to transport other things.

Noise, stressf people. Espec never really u Constant mov at different st needing to sh new people g

GOALS

What factors are important to you when choosing a form of transportation?

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hat this kind of ift in people’s urring. Especially w normal’, people much more and g more aware of health. Even e people still make ow a lot of people enefit from it. lot as well. 10

Mixed – I think it can be very positive, but from personal experience some people use it to justify everything they ever do. Sometimes it can be too much, it takes away from the actual personality of the person. It can be useful in your personal life but prefer not for it to be a topic of discussion.

I think it's very positive and refreshing. I like how meditation is a good way to talk about mental health/mental ‘care’ in a way that doesn’t feel stigmatized. Regular meditation has had a huge impact on my well-being and I can never recommend it enough.

Encouraged – people are taking mental health on board and talking about it opening. Accepting that it’s just as important as going to the gym for the mental wellbeing

ercise or sport. nds – maybe cient, quick, power If I have enough ga.

Going to do some exercise, cooking nice meals, playing with the cats, do something nice for myself – a special conditioner, things that make you feel special.

10. For me, self-care is many things, from getting enough sleep, to eating a wellbalanced diet, to cutting down screen time, to spending enough time alone and of course, meditating. Journaling, doing yoga, longer meditations, having a bath, going on a walk by myself, listening to spiritual podcasts/audiobooks, going on a run.

Headspace App, it’s only 10 minutes a day.

ore than 6 mins is I’d rather book it in advance, but I guess 10 mins.

10 mins.

10 minutes, as long as it actually shows up in 10 minutes.

fulness of other cially trains, I used many buses. vement of people tops. Constantly huffle around for getting on and off.

Time it takes to travel, price, weather conditions and how I physically feel that day, e.g., if I’m very tired / a bit sick

Door to door service – if it’s a reasonable time alternative to public transport.

Convenience 100%. Not really 100%, I wouldn’t be hiring a helicopter. Out of the options reasonably offered, it would be convenience.

I might use public transport or an Uber instead of cycling.

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Is there anything you’d like to add about your experience with booking and finding forms of transport that suit your self-care needs?

Virtuo – rental car app. Customer service sucks. Good customer service. Ease of use (UI) – trainline is really good that. Seamless + easy + customer service.

If you were to use an app for this process, what kind of features would you enjoy using?

Map, feature of another app, or google maps, integrate with whatever your transport app of choice is. Payment from their service to minimise payment windows.

Other Notes

Timer – alert to bring you out. Resistant to apps – don’t like to download apps if I don’t have to. Web service. Small file size. Don’t over complicate it – simple UI. Not too many features. Do one thing really well.

Mainly the ease of using the app. What could be improved in an uber service? Drivers aren’t very good with directions with no local knowledge. Do you like speaking to your driver? Sometimes. Observe in taxis – front seat, prefer to be quiet. Why the front seat? Normal position – creature of habit. How to turn the meditation off quickly… (a joke…) Appropriate array of different meditation music, a map would be good. Also, different displays – you could sit and listen to the background sounds with your ear pods. Light and dark display. Timer – want to wake up in time. More than three minutes – at least 5 minutes. I don’t want to turn up at my meeting all dopey,

I would love in transport efficient. I h many times missed my s to noise can around me – always loud. to be aware all the time always on hi

Meditation w it’s all about same voice f Different kin I need some talking to m ability to sav meditations whenever yo different kin stress relief, body scan/a

LIVE RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST: All interviews were conducted over Zoom and have been recorded, with consent with screen recording technology. Files are extremely large but are available on request.

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e to spend my time which is more have fallen asleep so on the train and station. I always try ncel everything – my music is . You always have e of where you are where you are. I’m igh alert.

So long as I don’t have to stand up, I’m happy.

Sometimes I will choose a longer journey if it means travelling on either the train or by bus, which although usually slower, tend to be quieter, less busy and have natural light as opposed to the underground train.

My frustrations lie within inaccurate information. If it says it’s going to be 5 minutes, then be 5 minutes. I don’t enjoy cancelled trips without a legitimate reason. Availability of services.

would be good – t efficiency. The for the meditation. nds of meditation – eone who is always me. Having the ve one of the s to listen to it ou’d like to. Have nds of meditations – , anxious thinking, awareness.

Map, never use the list of roads, spoken directions. Like to see the route we’re going. Pay in app. Quote upfront.

I’d make sure the app would automatically set to “do-notdisturb” when it's in use as I find incoming calls / messages /notifications very annoying and disruptive when meditating. I’d love for it to consider / ask me how I’m feeling that particular day and cater my meditation/well-being practice to my mood. It would be great if it included other features like short, podcast/audiobook style clips that I could pick also depending on what I might be feeling eg. stressed, anxious, worried, etc.

Positive branding – personal service, personalised, information, friendly tones, inspirational + positive.

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