Once framing and the design challenge is addressed, facts are collected. These facts are transformed into themes and eventually into trends before the next job of the design process.
Market Research
The goal of Design Research is to evoke values and emotions from those involved with problem narrative. This empathetic connection provides motivation for the solution.
Design Research
Design ThinkingProcess
The first part of the design process is Framing. Here, we introduce the design the challenge which is typically a problem that we want to solve.By framing the problem narrative as an opportunity, we investigate and dive deeper into problems that affects real people's lives.
Framing
In this job, synthesis involves the patterns, frameworks, and systems of the design challenge.
Ideate
Define
The systemic point of view is defined in order to fully understand the multiple perspectives of people involved and the design challenge in the context of the organizational structure or community.
In Ideate, high quality ideas are generated using the output of the previous jobs. Empathy and the entire context of the design challenge are important here.
Synthesize
Prototype
In the Prototype phase, prototypes are created in order to understand the moving parts as well as success and failures. Prototypes are iterated until a working model is created.
Build
The Build phase deals with the actual product output. In order to be successful, the product should be scalable and applicable for an extension of use cases.
Validate
Customer feedback and responses are needed to validate that the prototype works under experimental conditions.
Design Thinking Roadmap
The roadmap gives us the steps for addressing real world challenges thoroughly and effectively. In this case, our challenge deals with parking
Our prototype incorporates top two ideas that were brainstormed during ideation. Through iteration and feedback, we fine tuned the prototype to success address our design challenge. By using the existing construction plans for the North CSULA campus parking structure and lot due for completion in 2018, we incorporated our prototype for a sufficient representation of how it can work and function.
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â– Design Challenge:
–Lack of knowledge of available parking spaces
–Lack of physical parking spaces available in CSULA
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â– Prototype:
–Motion sensor IOT
–Multilevel Ferris Wheel parking
Figure. This image was given earlier and is provided now to show comparison of an existing parking construction to one with our prototype integration.
Working Prototype Concept
The prototype below feature five motion sensors located in plain sight along strategic locations. While cost of motion sensors are high, they are comparatively cheaper than other forms of sensors that are located at every individual parking space. These motion sensors also work as surveillance cameras. The IOT sensors are then connected a mobile app and to a public interactive board seen at the entrance of the parking structure. The IOT system will be able to provide predictive analysis for traffic times and availability. Finally, dual level Ferris wheel parking modules are added to two existing rows of parking. These can be scaled up or down accordingly.
Validate
We came up with the solution for the parking problem at Cal State LA which we believed was the most adequate solution. We wanted to listen to the opinions and observation of the people who will be actually using the service. The idea was put in different groups before we start building the prototype. Solution itself was pretty simple and people appreciated the idea but there were some very helpful and practical feedbacks which would add greater value to it. Some of the them are:
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"Indication lights on top of parking spots"
This sensor based lighting would further add ease to locating the parking spot by automatically change the light colour from green to red if the spot is taken by someone else. This would add greater ease to locating the spots.
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"Renting the car to Uber/Lyft drivers"
One good-looking commentator provided us with the idea to rent your car to uber/lyft drivers while you are in college. Commuters can also rent cars to Parking & Transportation department and they can run the cars as shuttle in and around campus to help people reach parking lots around campus. This method would actually reduce the cost of P&T by reducing the investment and maintenance cost of their vehicles and car owners can save on parking charges and make money by renting the car to P&T or Uber/Lyft.
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"Navigation to the parking spot"
The idea about integrating the mobile application for navigation and parking information was a great advancement for the parking solution. The application will help you navigate all the way to the parking spot. This will enable the user with the ease of exactly locating the spot with real time information
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Build
Investors
Parking & Transportation Department of Cal State LA
Construction companies
City municipal authorities
Marketing/Advertising companies
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Cost Analysis Estimation
â– Installation Cost of Ferris Wheel Parking - $500
â– Installation Cost of Motion Sensor - $200
â– Installation Cost of Interactive Board - $300
â– Monthly maintenance -$100
â– Price of each additional level for parking – $1000
â– Price of each camera - $75
â– Price of interactive board - $300-1000
â– Price of mobile application and IOT - $350
â– Price of not worrying about parking - Priceless
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Installation Team
Will vary according to the needs of the parking system and can be adjusted.​
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Maintenance team
The P&T department of Cal State LA can appoint a team of parking officials to make sure the commuters easily adapt to the new system and maintain it. The municipal authority can make a team of parking officials and implement the system in synergy with the existing system.
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Ferris Wheel Parking Modules
These will be set up as modules and can be scaled up or down according to need.
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Motion Sensors
Cameras will be placed along isles of parking and detect if spaces are available. It is much cheaper than placing a sensor at each individual space. These also double as surveillance and over time will be able to predict parking wait times though IOT.
Mobile App
Will be based off of current navigation software and synced to IOT.
Figure. The Smart Parking Systems Industry is booming. Here is the predictive analysis of the industry, showing CSULA investment into smart parking solutions will pay off.
Framing
Market Research
Considering busy schedules that consist of family time, billing deadlines, work schedules, class times, and assignment due dates, life for someone in college is already so stressful that finding an available parking space on campus should be the least of ones worries. People shouldn't need to fret over available parking spaces.
At California State University Los Angeles, parking availablity has been an ongoing problem for its users. Through the design process, the nuances of this problem have permitted the opportunity for creating innovative solutions in the name of streamlining parking services. Ultimately, innovative parking solutions should explore: the physical availability of parking spaces, the spatial and temporal knowledge of users on available spaces, and the time and energy it takes users to find a parking space,
However achieving real improvements cannot be done simply. Implementing a more effective and efficient parking solution must consider limitations like budget, physical space, resources, time, and energy in order to ensure the viability, feasibility, and sustainability of the project.
Figure. North Campus Parking. This is a photo of Parking Lot 7 on CSULA north campus during mid day. It is one of the biggest lots on campus.
Figure. North Campus Parking View #2. This photo shows a wider view of Parking Lot 7.
Figure. As per the analysis, around 48% of the pupil drive to the university 4 tAround 46% of the pupils are using their Campus parking lots at morning.o 7 days.
Figure. As majority of students are attending the classes in morning and leaves by afternoon or before evening hours, the evening population will be less. So the parking crowd will be nearly same in morning as well as in afternoon (i.e; 44%).
Figure. According to the survey 55% people indicate that the time spent looking for a parking space is 1-15 minutes.
Figure. This figure shows an excerpt from parking sales from 2013-Present. The excerpt reveals 2015-Present to give you an idea of what one FY looks like. The average parking sales for permits per semester dating from 2013-Present is roughly 11,500.
Trends
Data was collected based on survey given to those who drive to the campus. The users included students and faculty.
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Figure. As per the analysis, around 48% of the pupil drive to the university 4 to 7 days.
Statistics and Facts
According to the parking & transportation of CSULA, there are a total of 7727 spaces available for parking. On an average about 11,500 parking permits are sold each semester and 35000 parking permits are sold each year. On average, 6500 during summer semester’s, 11500 are sold during the Fall semester’s, 9000 permits during the winter sessions, 8000 permits during spring semesters.
Figure. The diagram below is a panoramic view of 2018 North CSULA Campus Parking
Figure. This is an aerial view of the same parking lot
Figure. This is another aerial view of the lot. This diagram will be used to demostrate prototype later in this project
Abstract
This project will examine issues involving parking and transportation at California State University Los Angeles. This involves data collected from the Office of Parking and Transportation as well as questionnaire and physical surveying of the campus. We will then examine the amount of available parking spaces for automobiles and motorcycles, the time it takes to locate a parking space and park, and the sentiment of parking users including students, faculty, and campus housing residents. This project will provide insight into the current parking situation and potential solutions for the campus parking system which includes on-campus and off-campus sites.
The Brain Trust
Group
CIS
5040
Fall 2017
Semester
Instructor
Dr. Arun Aryal
A Study of Campus Parking Solutions at
CSU Los Angeles
References
CIS5040 Design Thinking Roadmap
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CSULA Office of Parking and Transportation
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CSULA Parking Articles
https://csulauniversitytimes.com/5520/news/new-year-same-parking-problems/
https://csulauniversitytimes.com/3012/arts/i-got-99-problems-but-parking-shouldnt-be-one/
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Balloon Location Parking
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw9g9OVHdJI
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Smart Parking Industry Research
http://www.futuretimeline.net/blog/2013/06/4-5.htm
Design Research
In order to evoke the values and emotions of those involved with the parking problem, a anonymous survey was taken to the users of parking to understand their original thoughts and beliefs on the current parking system. The relevant survey questions for this phase are as follows:
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CSULA CAMPUS PARKING SURVEY
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â– Have you ever been late to class, meeting, appointment because you could not find a spot?
a. Yes
b. No
â– How do you feel about the campus parking system?
a. Strongly Adequate
b. Adequate
c. Neutral
d. Inadequate
e. Strongly Inadequate
â– Would you use a new parking system which tells you how many available parking spots and the location of the spot in a parking lot?
a. Always Use
b. Sometimes Use
c. Never Use
d. I don’t know
â– What’s the most annoying thing about waiting for parking spot?
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For the Design Research phase, the purpose of the questionnaire was to understand the sentimental values and e motions of the users. In addition, the questionnaire allowed for the open discussion of the current parking system on a peer to peer level. The personal accounts and opinions of bad experiences motivated the necessity of design improvements. By examining the facts that were discovered with the survey, the historic complaints of the parking system, and the previous Market Research revealing the parking-user deficit, this Design Research job reinforced the appreciation of users for an improved parking system. Further, this phase explored the sentiments of users in order to elaborate and better understand the design challenge in multiple perspectives.
Some of the more thoughtful responses were:
â– “I have to get here at least half hour before to avoid the parking traffic and public safety people who direct the traffic & cause more confusion. Parking can be confusing."
â– “I have to come to school 35-40 mins early to reach the classes on time."
â– “I don’t know whether to wait for parking at the entrance when someone is leaving or drive around hunting for parking.”
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â– "If I am paying for a parking permit, then it makes sense for there to be sufficient spots. But there isn't and prices went up this year."
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â– "I commute 20 miles to come to campus. Often I have to dedicate an entire day to attend something that only lasts a few hours."
More than half of the anecdotes noted inconvenience and increased stress levels with the current parking system. They explained feelings of dissatisfaction and inadequacy. The most compelling emotion from the anecdotes was the confusion and anxiety-like feelings that users experienced when searching for an available parking space. Users were concerned about locating available parking spaces and they agreed that they could really use the new parking solution. The interest and concern of the ongoing problem problem provides motivation for a streamline parking solution. A solution with easy, efficient, and helpful assistance for locating the parking spot.
Figure. Parking Center Line. This photo reveals the extent of the line which forms in front of the Parking Center at the beginning of every semester. It further emphasizes the parking - user deficit on CSULA campus.
Synthesize
The user is the main focus for developing the system around of design challenge. We have to understand our users in order to empathize and truly discover motivation for our design solution. Personas help us map out the users and understand their background, responsibilities, goals, pain points, and needs.
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They help us understand the people affected by our design challenge, give us the context for which we build our solutions on, and allow us to empathize and create a more successful product.
Persona: Students
â– Background:
–High School Graduate
– Undergraduate
– Post Graduate
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â– Responsibilities:
–Class
–Graduate
– Secure a job
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â– Main Goals:
â– Orientation
– Cultural
– Academics
â– Survival
– Energy
– Time
– Mental
–Emotional
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â– Pain Points:
–Unclear academic guidance
–Access to professors
–Cultural barriers
–Parking problems
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â– Needs:
–Guidance
–Friends
–Money
–Easy Parking
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Persona: Faculty
â– Background:
– College Degree
–Many years of professional experience
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â– Main Goals:
â– Orientation
– Social
– Cultural
– Professional
â– Survival
– Energy
– Time
– Mental Emotional
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â– Pain Points:
– Parking Problems
–Workload
– Personal Time Balancing
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â– Responsibilities:
– Professional Career
– Family
– Social
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â– Needs:
–Money
–Home
–Family
–Friends
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Figure. Photo showing the diversity of CSULA's student body.
Figure. Professor Ganesan, photo taken from Professor of the Year is an example of the faculty persona
Define
Figure. Parking and Transportation welcome center describes a hub where users and parking administrators interact on campus.
Ideate
While, many high quality ideas were brainstormed for our design challenge, three stuck out as most effectively addressing the problem within the contextual environment challenge. The solutions address the two key problems:
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â– Lack of availability of physical parking spots in a fixed location
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â– Lack of knowledge about parking availability
Balloon Parking system
It is very simplest idea which bright yellow arrow-shaped balloons are tied to every parking space. When a car is parked, it pulls the balloon’s tether down so it is not visible to those scanning for spaces. But in empty spaces, the balloon is high enough that it can be seen across a parking lot so it can easy for drivers to spot all the unoccupied spaces.
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Concept
â– Easy finding of parking spaces
Pros:
â– Driving around in search of a parking space is eliminated, thereby reducing engine emissions.
â– Helium gas is inexpensive.
â– Helium balloons are inflammable. So, there won’t be any harm to the atmosphere.
Cons:
â– Regular filling of gas in the balloons (It stays only for minimum hours because helium escapes faster than air )
â– Balloons are easily subject to damage lost or theft
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Ferris Wheel Parking System
This multilevel parking system provides parking for cars on multiple levels stacked vertically to maximize the number of parking spaces while minimizing land usage.
It utilizes a mechanical system to transport cars to and from parking spaces (rather than the driver) in order to eliminate much of the space wasted in a multi-story parking garage.
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Concept
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Need for parking spaces
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Scarcity of available land.
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Pros:
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It’s mechanically simple with a small footprint. It could park 8 - 10 cars in the ground space
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normally used for parking two cars.
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The parked cars and their contents are more secure since there is no public access to parked cars
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Minor parking lot damage such as scrapes and dents are eliminated
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Drivers and passengers are safer not having to walk through parking lots
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Driving around in search of a parking space is eliminated, thereby reducing engine emissions
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Only minimal ventilation and lighting systems are needed
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The volume and visual impact of the parking structure is minimized
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Shorter construction time: After the civil work and cabling is done, you can start using Ferris
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Wheel Parking in just 5-7 days
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It is highly scalable. You can add spaces anytime on your existing lot. That saves you money,
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and helps you earn more!
Cons:
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Mechanical problems and long waiting times for patrons to retrieve their cars.
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Use of redundant systems will result in a greater cost.
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It may be a bit confusing for unfamiliar users.
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It is not recommended for high peak hour volume facilities.
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There may be a fear of breakdown (How do I get my car out?).
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There is an uncertain building department review and approval process.
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It requires a maintenance contract with the supplier.
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Parking system based on Motion Sensors
Capable of delivering parking guidance, the wireless sensor helps to address current concerns for the parking system in the CSULA campus.
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With the onset of mobile parking and more advanced systems to regulate traffic within cities, the need for timely information about parking availability is more acute than ever. We have probably all experienced driving around in circles looking for a parking space.
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Concept
The solution is based on a wireless motion sensor that is mounted onto the walls at every entrance, exits and along the parking space, which can detect the presence of a car in the space and note the arrival time of that particular vehicle. It determines whether a space is occupied or not by detecting the presence of a vehicle based on infrared detection. This sensor technology and a special detection algorithm ensure the occupancy detection reliability is close to 100%. The sensors in the parking lot communicate wirelessly with centrally mounted relay nodes, which relay the information directly to the central parking guidance system.
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As soon as a vehicle leaves, the status of the car park changes and a message is transmitted to indicate that the space is free. Based on the information from the sensor, the guidance system directs traffic to the zones within which there are available spaces.
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Pros:
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Cheaper than having a sensor at each space.
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Detects the number of the spaces available.
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better traffic flow
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reduced pollution
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reduced frustration on the part of those drivers seeking a space.
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Reduces wait time.
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Cons:
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High maintenance
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High capital investment
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Figures. Balloons are fixed to each parking spot. When a vehicle parks in a spot, the balloon is lowered. Raised balloons show vacancy.
Figure. Top: Conceptual drawing of ferris wheel system. Bottom: Diagram of parking and vehicle storage process
Figure. Top: Motion sensor camera detects parking availability and doubles for security. Bottom: Simple diagram of sensor concept.
Prototype
The systemic point of view is defined by students, faculty, the Office of Parking and Transportation, and the context of the existing CSULA parking system.
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â– For CSULA, students and faculty frequent the campus and use the existing parking system year round.
–Permits are purchased in order to park on campus without receiving a ticket or losing an automobile or motorcycle to a towing company.
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â– However, the problem arises when users cannot find a parking space or parking spaces are just not available due to overcrowding and selling more permits than there are spaces, which continually occurs.
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â– Therefore, users choosing to partake in the campus parking system have little alternatives when driving their automobile or motorcycle to CSULA.
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â– The Office of Parking and Transportation, who administer parking at CSULA cannot simply refuse to sell parking tickets and users must work with the existing parking system by planning their schedules accordingly.
– According to data received by the Office of P&T, there are roughly 7,500 available parking spaces with an average of over 11,500 parking permit users.
–This deficit of parking spaces coupled with the long time periods that it takes to locate a parking space, considering if there are parking spaces available, all amounts to increased traffic and increased burden of stress of the users.