An information system that communicates effectively without clamouring for attention: Ambient Information Design offers a novel approach to conveying information in public spaces. This case study demonstrates how digital information can be crafted using light, colour and spatial effects within trains to ensure it is intuitive, accessible and safe – especially when passengers’ attention is limited.
Ambient Information Design goes beyond traditional interface design within a space. It presents a human-centred alternative to the increasing density of information in public areas. Effective ambient systems are neither loud nor intrusive; instead, they guide, structure and calm. They operate subtly yet efficiently. Unlike conventional user interfaces that demand active interaction and full attention, ambient information integrates into the environment. It often employs light, colour, movement or sound to subtly convey states, changes and directions.
Ambient information is particularly pertinent in mobile contexts where individuals are on the move, situations evolve dynamically and information needs arise in the moment. In mobility, the focus is on orientation, safety and smooth operations. Ambient information complements traditional display elements and reduces information overload during critical moments of the journey.
Passenger information systems (PIS) on the train accompany travellers from boarding to leaving the train. They provide essential information regarding routes, connections, occupancy, exit sides or disruptions – in real-time and continuously adapting, depending on the journey, traffic conditions and user context.
Information needs fluctuate throughout the journey phases. Therefore, displays must dynamically adjust to the journey’s progression, stations, events and passenger flows. This adaptability is also crucial for passenger safety.
Modern PIS utilise UX/UI principles to present this information purposefully, legibly and intuitively – through dynamic door displays, animated directional arrows or light signals indicating travel direction.
A PIS designed following the principles of Ambient Information Design takes it a step further; it addresses varying levels of attention:
Designing ambient information systems on trains necessitates precise coordination between UX/UI design and product design. Before delving into the visual, interactive and cognitive aspects of information design, it’s vital to consider product design: it serves as the physical interface connecting information, architecture and the user. Simply put, it bridges space and information.
This involves the detailed design of carrier elements, such as displays, light strips or projection surfaces, and their spatial positioning, materiality and lighting effects. Thoughtful product design accounts for ergonomics (space, gaze, movement), lines of sight and the architectural specifics of individual carriages.
This interdisciplinary perspective is a crucial prerequisite for all subsequent steps in the design process.
Ambient Information Design demands a design process that is adaptable, responding to real-world conditions and project requirements. A dynamic environment like public transport is characterised by changing situations, a diverse user base and complex technical systems.
Therefore, designing information systems must be approached flexibly, observantly and iteratively. Each phase responds to specific insights, harmonising space, design, technology and user needs.
In this initial phase, all fundamental parameters of the system are gathered and documented. This includes standards and guidelines, as well as principles like Hick’s Law or Miller’s Law. Technical requirements are also considered. Crucially, field of vision analyses are conducted to assess the position, size and orientation of information tools within the space. Architectural nuances of individual carriage types, such as ceiling heights, door positions, window areas or lighting influences, are also taken into account. The aim is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the spatial, technical and normative starting point to build functional and meaningful information architectures.
The subsequent ambient analysis collects all external factors influencing the information system, such as local, temporal, geographical or operational elements.
In public transport, this phase holds particular significance: due to the highly diverse target audience, it’s essential to design the information system to function universally – regardless of age, language or usage motivation.
Therefore, this early phase focuses not on defining individual personas but on understanding the overall ambient context.
Based on the factors identified in the ambient analysis, typical scenarios are derived. This involves considering the variety of realistic situations on the train, including critical moments like delays, high passenger volumes or unplanned platform changes. These scenarios form the basis for a nuanced and context-appropriate design of the information system with an emphasis on intuitive orientation and reducing cognitive load.
Use cases specify the primary applications for each journey phase, defining what information needs to be available when and how – considering real-life situations and requirements, such as barrier-free exits or safety during boarding with luggage or bicycles.
Content is prioritised and structured: What must be permanently visible due to legal or operational safety and interoperability (TSI) reasons? What is context-dependent? Which presentation forms are suitable for which purposes (e.g., colour-coded, symbolic, text-based)? How does the immediate environment (e.g., lighting conditions or spatial positioning) affect the display?
At this stage, continuous reference to the actual train layout is maintained. The layout model in Figma serves as a central reference throughout the design process. It represents the vehicle as a structured environment, allowing the design team to evaluate design ideas directly within the spatial context. This accessible testing environment facilitates rapid feedback on the visibility, placement and impact of the information architecture.
In this phase, the previously defined content is designed. This involves not only selecting colours, fonts or icons but also ensuring the information is perceivable within the space. Legibility must be maintained even during movement, from various angles, and under changing lighting conditions. Therefore, design elements such as contrast ratios, lighting guidance, typography sizes and pictograms are meticulously aligned with ergonomic standards.
How well does the system perform under movement, lighting changes, noise and with actual passengers? In our case, the initial testing phase occurred early in a simulated environment as a VR-based MVP (Minimum Viable Product). This allowed for early feedback on legibility, visibility and relevance – prior to constructing physical prototypes. Insights from VR tests were directly incorporated into iterative optimisation.
Subsequent testing in the actual train environment assessed the system’s performance under real conditions. Feedback from these tests informed further refinements and the final implementation.
A well-conceived passenger information system:
At PESCHKE, our in-house UX/UI designers, product designers, 3D artists and technical expertise enable us to manage the entire design process for ambient design projects. With our skill set and experience from client projects, we are a competent partner for particularly complex and demanding projects in the field of passenger information systems.
Because we choose them. Choosing means committing.
Going all-in. Delivering.
We believe in our clients’ vision and know one thing for certain: The only route to our success is to make our clients successful too.
PESCHKE has a very deep knowledge and understanding of how to build a vision for the future. They bring these ideas to the ground and provide concrete solutions such as realizing a new product ecosystem and integrating connected products. They also have a deep technical understanding of marketing and create great designs for UX/UI. Their comprehensive service is what makes PESCHKE so unique.
Our customers confirm that the design and UX are great. Meanwhile, the PESCHKE team is highly flexible as they grow with us and our developers. Overall, we’ve had a great collaboration.
We’re very happy with the quality of PESCHKE’s work and their feedback. They’re very responsive and helpful. They’re always focused on finding a solution that meets the requirements for manufacturing, but that is also satisfying for us from a design point of view.
Communication was very easy and fast. The entire team is motivated and helpful. Their fast responsiveness, eye for detail and patience for contradicting requirements is impressive.
PESCHKE was focused on fulfilling our objectives. Dedicated to meeting expectations, they produced functional and well-designed deliverables. Upon applying the design to the machinery, we noted an additional improvement regarding ease of use. Accommodating and responsive, the PESCHKE team was receptive to feedback and quickly implemented our idea in the designs.
PESCHKE has successfully collaborated with us on multiple tasks involving UX design, MVP and product development, product ideation, web optimisation, and WordPress development. PESCHKE excels in prototype development and have received excellent marks from internal and external testers regarding product usability. The team has delivered on time and within budget. Moreover, their communication is excellent.
