PROBLEM:
Have you ever approached crosswalk and stood next to a stranger on the corner waiting to cross? Have they pushed the button? What should you do? Should you trust them? You pushed it didn"t you? Maybe three or four times to be sure. There are a lot of things to consider in this problem space, it boils down to an issue of improper feedback.
How can we alleviate confusion? And make the waiting experience more pleasurable.
SOLUTION:
Our approach is to implement an interaction that has fun fiddle factor to keep the pedestrian(s) entertained while they wait.
IN NYC:
Thousands of intersections in NYC contain well worn push buttons. Over the years they harried walkers from one side to another. Signage above the crosswalk buttons state their purpose:
To Cross Street
Push Button
Wait for Walk Signal
Dept. of Transportation
Residents and tourist alike have pushed these buttons thinking it will speed up their travel time. Some people believed they worked, but others, the cynics, might have believed they were broken but pushed them anyways out of habit or by the off chance they might actual work.
Apparently, the cynics were right.
NYC actually deactivated most of the pedestrian buttons a long time ago after the city implemented computer controlled traffic signals. Out of 3,250 walk buttons, 2,500 of them were mechanical placebos.
We are interested in using light and sound to enhance the pedestrians experience at major crosswalks. People want to cast their vote and implement change in some way or another.
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