CapMetro
In the CapMetro app redesign project, we focused on improving usability and visual appeal for a complex public transportation application. I contributed to the research and design of a cohesive user flow and high-fidelity prototype, aiming to simplify navigation and enhance the overall commuting experience for Austin residents.
Freshman confusion.
With only Google Maps to navigate, which can be unreliable for public transportation, I looked out the bus window and panicked as I realized the scenery was definitely not Downtown Austin. In my confusion of directions and bus stations, I had mistakenly boarded the wrong bus. I knew I wasn't alone in this mistake; many students I spoke to shared the same sense of frustration when trying to use the CapMetro system—some even avoided public transportation altogether. This experience highlighted how challenging public transportation can be, not just for students but for anyone in Austin trying to get where they needed to go. Inspired by this, I decided to redesign the CapMetro app for a class project, aiming to create a more user-friendly tool that would help others navigate the city, and the application, with ease.
The CapMetro bus.
The opportunity.
Towards the end of my first semester of junior year, my teammates and I sat in a huddle room thinking of ideas for our final design project. We made a list on the whiteboard of potential design opportunities. “What about the bus?” I asked. “Have y’all ever gotten lost or found it confusing to navigate? Especially with the different transportation apps available?” Everyone nodded. We agreed that this would be a great opportunity to see how our design could potentially impact Austin’s public commuters and make the transit system more accessible for all. The CapMetro app itself is flawed, leading many people, including my group mates and I, to seek alternatives—namely Google Maps and Transit. Our research and final redesign would focus on bringing the strengths of other transit app alternatives to improve the overall functionality of the official CapMetro app, which provides the most accurate data.
Talking it out.
We already had some anecdotal evidence, but we needed to gather concrete qualitative data. Each team member interviewed two Austin residents who relied on the CapMetro public transportation system, covering everything from their routines to the apps they used. As we shared our findings and organized them into an affinity map, patterns began to emerge: many users expressed frustration with the CapMetro app’s clunky design and confusing navigation. In contrast, they preferred alternatives like Google Maps and Transit for their real-time updates and user-friendly options, highlighting a clear desire for a more intuitive travel experience. With this information, we created three personas and one anti-persona to guide us when developing our design ideas.
A sample of our affinity map .
Our personas, created based on insights with our affinity maps.
A working prototype.
We wanted the application to have a consistent look and feel, so we came together to reach a consensus on the visual design and style, as well as to outline a basic user flow. I suggested we follow the CapMetro brand style guide and incorporate fonts and signage that reflected real-world transit experiences. After collaboratively defining these foundational elements, we divided the work based on our strengths and interests. I took on the design of the home page and the search and filter flow because I was passionate about the app's overall aesthetic, organization, and navigation structure. My goal for the home page was to serve as a central hub for navigation, moving away from the original CapMetro app’s bottom navigation and creating a more seamless user experience.
A comparison of the original design with my redesign for the trip planner/home screen.
Tangible impact.
Our redesign of the CapMetro app aims to significantly improve the daily commutes of students and residents in Austin. We streamlined the user flow, consolidating information into a central hub and emphasizing real-time updates and interactivity. By simplifying navigation and modernizing the interface, users can focus on their journeys instead of feeling overwhelmed when using the app.