Industrial - Bachelor
TileStop transforms the bus stop experience through a series of illuminated tiles that visually communicate bus arrival. The system enhances clarity, inclusivity, and safety for commuters by translating complex transport data into intuitive light-based signals that guide users across all languages and abilities
As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic Games, many tourists will travel beyond the CBD to explore suburban areas. However, suburban bus stops often lack real-time information, clear signage, and accessible design features. Unlike central transport hubs, these stops rely heavily on small printed timetables and mobile apps—creating confusion for visitors unfamiliar with the local transport system.
Without visual communication or multilingual guidance, tourists are left uncertain about bus arrivals or routes, leading to frustration, missed services, and a poor public transport experience. This highlights a growing need for inclusive, intuitive, and easily understood communication systems at suburban bus stops.
The app said 2 minutes, it’s been 20 minutes!
i can never read those timetables
The benchmarking process explored global examples of smart transport infrastructure and real-time communication systems, focusing on how different cities approach user information and accessibility. Case studies such as Singapore’s Smart Bus Stop, London’s TfL Countdown System, and Tokyo’s Intelligent Transport Network demonstrated strong advancements in digital communication and data integration. These systems successfully deliver live updates, route planning, and service notifications through digital screens or mobile applications, significantly improving efficiency for local commuters.
However, analysis revealed that most of these solutions are designed with local users in mind, relying heavily on English or region-specific language interfaces, smartphone ownership, and network connectivity. This creates an accessibility gap for foreign users, tourists, and elderly commuters, who may struggle to interpret digital interfaces or lack access to mobile data.
Additionally, suburban regions—particularly outside major transport hubs—show minimal investment in smart infrastructure, resulting in a noticeable disparity between central city transport technology and outer-area accessibility. This benchmarking highlights a clear opportunity for more inclusive, low-barrier communication methods that support both local and international users across all areas of public transport.
Early concept exploration focused on improving visibility, accessibility, and communication between passengers and buses. Transit Floor introduced dynamic pavement screens for real-time route displays. Pole in Progress used illuminated rings to signal approaching buses, while Halo Stop proposed a glowing shelter canopy for enhanced visibility and identity. These studies informed the final direction — Journey Tiles — a series of ground-embedded tiles that light sequentially as the bus approaches. The system offers clear, language-free feedback for commuters and tourists alike, bridging communication gaps and making suburban bus travel more intuitive and inclusive.
The prototyping stage focused on developing a realistic, functional representation of the TileStop system to evaluate its form, lighting sequence, and user interaction. A full-scale model was produced to simulate how the tiles communicate the bus’s arrival progression and how users perceive light transitions in real-world suburban conditions.
Various fabrication techniques were used throughout the process to replicate the final material and finish quality. The tile shell was 3D printed using PLA and then sanded, primed, and painted to achieve a realistic stainless-steel finish. TPU filament was utilised to create the tactile surface layer, replicating the flexible and slip-resistant texture of compliant TGSI domes. Internal lighting was achieved using LED strips connected to a low-voltage power supply, programmed to display a sequential pattern from red to green to represent bus proximity.
Additional processes such as laser cutting, manual assembly, sanding, and detailing were used to ensure clean edges, consistent surface quality, and accurate component alignment. The resulting prototype effectively demonstrates the design’s accessibility, manufacturability, and visual communication, providing a clear, functional preview of how the TileStop system would perform in a real bus stop environment.
The tile housing and structural frame are made from 2–3 mm extruded 316 marine-grade stainless steel, chosen for its strength, corrosion resistance, and weatherproof properties. This material ensures longevity in outdoor environments exposed to rain, heat, and foot traffic. The satin finish provides a refined, low-maintenance appearance that resists scratches and staining.
The top surface lens is moulded from impact-resistant polycarbonate with high optical clarity and UV stability. It diffuses light evenly across the tile and maintains strength under pedestrian loads. The polycarbonate layer also integrates TGSI-compliant tactile indicators, removing the need for separate overlays and reducing maintenance while maintaining visual and haptic contrast.
A silicone gasket is fitted between the housing and lens to achieve an IP67 waterproof seal, protecting the internal lighting from moisture, dust, and temperature variations. A silicone-based sealant is applied at screw points and seams to maintain environmental protection and long-term durability.
Aaron Mathew is an Industrial Design student from QUT driven by a passion for hands-on making and user connection. He believes great design allows people to form meaningful relationships with their surroundings, blending function, emotion, and experience.