Redesigning M-Indicator :
An UX Audit
Identifying usability gaps and turning everyday commuter frustrations into design opportunities.
Year :
2024
Type:
Classroom Project
Scope:
UX Audit & Redesign
Project Duration :
3 weeks
The Everyday Transit App That Moves Mumbai
Mumbai moves fast. But its most used transit app doesn’t.
M-Indicator is one of the most used transit apps in the city, helping people navigate trains, buses, and metros every day. Over time, however, its interface became cluttered and harder to use on the go. This project explores how the app can evolve into a simpler, more intuitive experience for daily commuters.
The existing M-Indicator interface, while rich in information, lacked visual clarity and hierarchy. The overall design felt dated, text-heavy, and inconsistent, making it difficult for users to access key information quickly, especially while on the move. This analysis helped identify opportunities to simplify navigation, improve readability, and create a calmer, more intuitive experience for daily commuters.
The Challenge
The goal was to redesign the app for clarity, speed, and accessibility, helping users get critical travel information in seconds, not minutes.
Reduce cognitive load while on the move.
Improve visual hierarchy and contrast for glanceability.
Prioritize live and essential data (platforms, timings).
Research Methods & Findings
To design a solution that truly fits real-life conditions, I focused on understanding how users interact with M-Indicator.
I began with a heuristic evaluation to identify usability violations and layout issues in the existing app. Then I performed a hierarchical task analysis (HTA) to map the most frequent commuter tasks (e.g., “Check next train → Platform number → Board”) and followed up with a cognitive walkthrough to simulate a first-time user navigating each major flow.To validate on-the-ground behavior I used Sherpa‐testing (shadowing drivers during actual commutes), and collected NASA-TLX measurements to assess cognitive workload in motion. Additionally, I conducted short contextual interviews with daily users at stations to capture real pain-points.
❗Details about train schedules and any changes should be easily accessible to users before they plan their journey.
❗The 'Buy Local Ticket' button misleads users by implying direct ticket purchase. Instead of allowing ticket purchases, it redirects them to another portal to download a different app for booking tickets.
✅ Timely updates about train running status are displayed, including delays and updated arrival times at stations.
❗The purpose of the buttons is unclear, making it difficult for users to understand their function. Clear indications are needed to improve usability.
! The phrase “A to B” does not clearly convey to the user their desired function that they can enter their starting point, destination, and desired departure time.
✅ A clear display and positioning of maps and lines for users to refer to when needed, conveniently placed near the thumb area for easy access.
❗There is no clear indication or button to navigate back from any of the existing screens in the app.
❗This save button is unrecognizable and unclear to users as a shortcut for saving routes, which would help them avoid repeating the same process each time.
❗Two filter options shown on th single screen and yet te botton one is not visible enough as a filter options
First Iteration of Wireframes
Mumbai
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TITWALA - CSMT
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18 stops
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In the first redesign iteration, my goal was to declutter the interface and introduce a calm, minimal look. I reduced the visual noise by using a consistent grid, clear icons, and large, legible typography. The first iteration focused on creating a clean and clutter-free UI, simplifying the old app’s dense layout.
However, during internal reviews and early feedback sessions, a recurring observation came up, while the app looked modern, usability and navigation weren’t fully improved.
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Maps
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06:57 AM
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PANVEL- WADALA
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28min. (8stops)
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20min. (8stops)
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Western Line
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Change Platform!
Train arrives in 3 mins at PF3.
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Second Class
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1Month Pass
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Rs. 215
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Rs. 1180
Rs. 2350
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Rs. 15
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Saved routes
Airoli Thane
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Panvel
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Lost & Found
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07:39 AM
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On time
06:06 AM
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06:14 AM
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On time
Final Redesign
In the second redesign, I wanted the app to feel not just cleaner, but actually easier to use. The first version looked neat, but it still took too long to get simple things done. So, I reorganized the home screen, adding quick tabs for trains, buses, and metros, and showing recent routes and live updates right upfront. The search flow was also simplified so users could find timings, routes, and platform numbers on a single screen. I used color-coded tags to make details like delays or platform info stand out instantly. This version feels faster, more focused, and a lot more practical for someone checking it on the go.
If you’d like to explore the full case study with detailed research and design process, click here.