Station Guide System

red dot
red dot award: design concept 2008

design:
Lo Chi-hung	Ko Ya Chuan

When navigating the train system in an unfamiliar city or country, the foreign passenger faces difficulty with the language barrier, directions and systems. Station Guide System helps with information such as where to buy a ticket, how to find the right platform and where bathrooms are located.

Foreign train systems can be confusing and stressful, particularly when the language barrier is at play. The Station Guide System is a portable guide for travellers that aids with five processes: finding the way to the service counter, buying a ticket, locating the train, locating the station bathrooms, and locating the destination station’s exit. It makes use of electronic paper, an electronic chip (for sending commands and receiving signals) and an LED screen for displaying dynamic images.

After purchasing the Station Guide System, the traveller begins by selecting their language. Next, they push the “Service Counter” button and follow the directions shown on screen to the station’s service counter, where their ticketing needs can be derived. Pushing the “Tickets” button will direct the traveller to the tickets counter. After the ticket has been purchased, the traveller inserts the ticket into the Station Guide System and pushes the “Take the Train” button. Directions will lead to the platform. The screen will show the time until the destination is reached. When the train arrives at the destination, the Station Guide System will sound to remind the passenger to get off the train. The passenger hands in the ticket and pushes the “Exit” button to be guided to the railway station’s exit.

The e-paper interior of the product is covered with a waterproof paper pouch that is resistant to tearing and easy to disassemble. The coded electronic chip sends signals that are received by the mainframe computer to position the passenger. The LED screen has been designed to display the information required for guiding the passenger. Many languages are available. The product is sold through a vending machine set up near the gate of the railway station for quick purchase and return.