12 weeks ago we began a journey of innovation with FutureLabs who were seeking to uncover innovative solutions for the rail industry. One particular focus for us was improving customer experience for people with hidden disabilities and this is where we decided to place our efforts. What started as a seed of an idea, now over the course of 12 weeks and through the collaboration of rail companies, it has now transformed into a concept that ensures easier travel for everyone.
Navigating the rail network can be a challenge for anyone but for those with hidden disabilities, the journey can feel overwhelming. With this in mind, our team decided to create RailPal, a technology designed to make travel more accessible and inclusive for everyone. Over the past three months, we dedicated ourselves to this vision, taking part in a showcase at the FutureLabs Expo, where we presented RailPal to an audience of innovators and leaders in the rail industry.
For individuals living with hidden disabilities like ADHD or ASD, navigating busy, unpredictable environments can be stressful. Every disruption, from overcrowding to excessive noise, takes a toll, much like a battery being drained. When these challenges happen, it can leave travellers struggling to function. This insight became the foundation of RailPal. Our guiding principle was simple yet powerful: make travel easier for everyone.
The Roadmap: 12 Weeks of Focused Development
In just 12 weeks, our team went from idea to a functional prototype.
Through research, we identified a significant gap in the market for support for passengers with hidden disabilities. “Because we don’t know how to help people with hidden disabilities, we often get it wrong.” – Quote from expert Interviews.
- Conceptualising the solution: We saw RailPal as a tool that empowers travelers while offering rail operators the insights needed to provide better support.
- Building the MVP: Collaborating with partners, we agreed on a workable MVP. This included designing user-friendly wireframes and developing a Salesforce backend.
- Creating Demos: To illustrate RailPal’s potential, we built demos showcasing customer-counting capabilities and real-world applications.
FutureLabs Expo
Last week, we reached an exciting milestone by presenting RailPal to everyone at the FutureLabs Expo and we were blown away by the response received. We are incredibly grateful to our partners, including FutureLabs, Northern and Southeastern, the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT), the Department for Transport (DfT), Network Rail, TransPennine Express, and L Marks, for their support throughout this journey.
RailPal is more than just a project, it’s a step towards a more inclusive future. We believe that by addressing the challenges faced by individuals with hidden disabilities, we can create a rail network that works for EVERYONE.
As we move forward, our next steps will focus on refining our MVP, expanding our partnerships, and continuing to support accessibility in rail travel. We can’t wait to see what the future holds.