User Research Case Study

Understanding New Yorkers in Relation to Construction

Fall 2022

Written by:

Krystal Ebron

Project Summary

The NYC Department of Design & Construction (DDC) provides communities with new or renovated structures such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, courthouses, and senior centers. They also offer sidewalks, street reconstruction, water mains, sewers, and pedestrian ramps—quality infrastructure essential for a healthy, resilient city. The DDC wanted our help finding ways to better inform the people of NYC about the construction going on around the area. Through observational fieldwork, diary studies, and co-design sessions, we identified ways they could better curate information through various touchpoints, increase awareness about ongoing projects to alleviate inconveniences, and more carefully consider the needs of people with mobility-related accessibility needs.