The web site Future Travel Experience gives us a good look at what may be possible for our air travel, from check in to exiting the airport, exposing what we will be seeing and feeling. Much of this "experience" derives from design, which is all about setting up the "user experience" that we desire. Unfortunately, often the experience falls short due to poor implementation or skipping steps that are important to the passenger, or adding layers to the experience that either complicates or inconveniences us all.
As someone who regularly has taken the EuroStar and the Heathrow Express in France and the UK, as well as being a regular Amtrak passenger here in the USA, it's great to see how design is being thought of by the railroads. The Eurostar has always been at the forefront of a good travel experience once you get on the train, but after you check in, the experience is never smooth, as it feels more like a cattle call than a leisurely entry to the train. In the railway car, you'll find in seat power with both EU and UK outlets varying by seat, comfortable seats that recline with ample leg room, non-obtrusive service and for the most part, a quiet journey. Now, ten years later, the experience is being upgraded and design is at the heart of it.
By the way. This week at GigaOm's Roadmap is all about exposing more deeply how design and experience are changing everyday business for us all. If UI, UX, Design or Product Development and Delivery are in your wheelhouse, you'll want to look at what gets said there
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