Improving bus trips through positive interactions
Dapi is a physical robotic object designed to create a positive interaction between the bus driver and the passengers. The driver chooses a phrase written on a card that greets the passengers. When a passenger arrives to the driver’s position, Dapi lights up the card and makes a slight movement gesture in order to attract the passenger’s attention. Studies have shown that Dapi created eye-contact and a positive interaction in the bus, that are important for the safety of travel and everyone’s well-being.
About miLAB
miLAB is an interdisciplinary project at IDC which combines students majoring in psychology, communications and computer science. The combination enables students to approach a problem from several points of view, and to come together as a team to find solutions.
In the miLAB program, we focus on solutions which combine software and physical technologies. We always keep human interaction in mind, and strongly believe in human-centered design.
This year, miLAB is focusing on transportation. This includes private car ownership, commuting via bus and train, ride sharing, bicycle and electric scooter rentals and ownership, as well as walking.
At the end of this year, we will complete a working prototype which provides a solution to a need that arose in our research.
About the team
We are four students from different fields of study. We are excited about researching ways to improve bus commutes, both for the passengers and for the drivers.
We are excited to invite you to join us as we learn and create exciting solutions to todays transportation issues.
Dana Leizarovits
25 years old from Tel Aviv.
Studies psychology at IDC.
Thinks improving the public transportation in the city is a hot topic because in the future we are all going to use shared and public transportation, and in that way reduce the number of people using private cars. She hopes to make the bus ride pleasant and comfortable to use.
Emily Staif
26 years old, born and raised in Hod HaSharon.
Studies communications at IDC.
She moved to Tel Aviv two months ago, and since then has been traveling by public transportation every day, whether it's for work, school, shopping, friends or even outings.
Naomi Elstein
25 years old, from the US and currently lives in Tel Aviv.
Studies computer science at IDC.
She takes public transportation half the time, as she shares a car with her boyfriend. Naomi feels passionately about improving the quality of public transportation in Israel. She is excited about a future where people choose public transportation over private car ownership because it is more comfortable and a quicker commute.
Steve Katz
23 years old, born and raised in Kiryat Motzkin.
Studies communications at IDC.
He moved to Hertzeliya two years ago and thinks there are many problems with the experience ride of bus passengers. He would like to improve the situation and make things better.