Design considerations for a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) application–based on analysis of utility

Jisun Kim, Henrietta Howarth, Joy Richardson, John Preston

Research output: Chapter in Book/Published conference outputConference publication

Abstract

Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is an innovative mobility solution aiming to offer seamless transport. It suggests alternatives to private car use and encourages users towards more sustainable mobility decisions (Pangbourne et al. 2018). It was initially defined as a digital system that provides users with a comprehensive array of mobility services by transport operators (Heikkilä, 2014). It was further identified with the highlighted role of the interface: as a distribution model that suits users’ travel needs by offering a tailored mobility package integrating various travel modes through a single interface (Hietanen, 2014). Employment of a single app was proposed as one of the core elements of MaaS along with technological integration for planning, booking, paying and provision of multi-modal real-time transport information (Arias-Molinares and García-Palomares, 2020). In this sense, developing a useful MaaS app that facilitates the full deployment of MaaS would be a precondition for successful roll out and uptake of MaaS (Davis, 1989). However, few studies have discussed how a MaaS app should be designed despite the importance of the role of the app in MaaS implementation. Hence, this study aims to address design considerations for developing and optimising the potential MaaS app. It pays particular attention to utility as it is a factor affecting usefulness alongside usability in the user experience area that may link to acceptance of the app (Nielsen, 2012). Utility is defined as the extent that the app assists users’ tasks to achieve their main purposes (Hoehle and Venkatesh, 2015). It relates to whether the app has the feature the users need (Nielsen, 2012) and the content that is most relevant to them (Hoehle and Venkatesh, 2015). It was investigated by evaluating eleven mobility apps for the general public considering them as a decision support tool in the multi-modal trip context focusing on planning, booking and payment.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings from the CIEHF's Annual Ergonomics & Human Factors Conference 2022
Subtitle of host publication CIEHF's Annual Ergonomics & Human Factors Conference
Number of pages3
Publication statusPublished - 23 Jun 2022

Publication series

NameContemporary Ergonomics & Human Factors
PublisherCIEHF

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Design considerations for a Mobility as a Service (MaaS) application–based on analysis of utility'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this