Type of innovation

You may be looking at different types of solutions to trial in your SIZ. Being aware of the different types, will help you get an indication of the kind of testing approach they might require.

Digital solution ​

Likely to be an app or web-based solution which might support passengers to navigate through the station or provide well timed information. Considerations around tech savviness of the potential users need to be made in these instances. Building this into the trial plan will be key. ​

Physical solution

Adapting or introducing a new physical infrastructure to the station e.g., using an unutilised space and repurposing this (as a place to work, wait in comfort etc.). Considerations should be made for those with differing levels of mobility.

Service based solution

Could be a combination of both a digital and physical touchpoint that users will engage over different stages to achieve their desired outcome. Consider how the service model will integrate with the existing services within the station and the end-to-end journey experience.

Digital solution ​

Likely to be an app or web-based solution which might support passengers to navigate through the station or provide well timed information. Considerations around tech savviness of the potential users need to be made in these instances. Building this into the trial plan will be key. ​

Purpose of innovation

Innovations may address the challenge in different ways. Whilst their purpose may differ, they can be complementary to each other.​

Trialling solutions in the station

Bringing in solutions to the stations that are either working in different contexts or are currently being developed for the station and have been through lab testing. ​

Stage 3 will focus mostly on this approach; however, the principles will apply to the other two approaches outlined in this module.

Monitoring the station for improvements

To evaluate the improvements to the station we need to consider what tools we have available to monitor improvements. Considerations on creating a way to capture data that has potential to optimise processes within the station, such as creating a digital twin of the station.

Generating solutions for the station

It is likely that some of the challenges can’t be addressed by the solutions that are already on the market. So, in this instance we might consider introducing some form of competition that generates new ideas to address the challenges.

Agile design cycle:
https://www.gov.uk/service-manual/agile-delivery ​

Trials require change as they mature throughout the development process. In agile development, there are four key stages:​

Discovery​ ​

Understanding the problem that is being addressed. Create initial solutions with some low-fidelity prototypes. Conduct some initial experiments to “validate assumptions against the leading prototype.”

Alpha ​

Testing specific features with a small section of the target audience. First trialling solutions with specific segments of the target audience, then move into general testing of the solution across the whole market.​

Beta​

Test the overall solution with a larger sample of the target audience to assess the overall experience and effectiveness of the solution.​

Live​ ​

Release a first full version of the solution to the market, whilst continuing to collect responses that will inform how to improve the design.​

Guidance on the 9 TRL levels:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/guidance-on-technology-readiness-levels



TRLs form the basis for the rail innovation readiness levels (RIRLs):
https://www.railengineer.co.uk/rail-industry-readiness-levels-rirls-defined-and-explained/