DLX Design Lab, Tokyo University

Hitonami 人波

Design of Mobility Services for 2035 in Japan

the project

Hitonami (人波) explores the challenges and opportunities in designing walkability for Japanese train stations in the context of emerging technologies and the 6G era. The goal is to create sustainable and inclusive cities by leveraging speculative design processes that enable walkable urban environments; here we focus on the unique characteristics and high density of Japanese train stations and propose a framework for improving walkability using a multicultural approach that combines field research, speculative design tactics, and lo-fi prototyping. Our aim was to enhance individual and collective walkability through the application of collective movement models and design paradigms.

System Welcome Interaction

Noise Reduction Interaction

Navigational Interaction

System Shuts-Off Interaction

We identified over-stimulation within and outside of Tokyo’s train stations and explored noise-reduction solutions.

Conducting field research and observational studies, we analyze movement patterns and identified supporting design elements in transit stations and urban mobility areas.

Chaotic Movement

Organized Movement

Designing for walkability in dense mobility arenas is crucial for creating inclusive and sustainable urban spaces.

As urban populations grow and diverse needs emerge, accommodating pedestrian experiences becomes essential. The project's focus is on train stations in Japan while highlighting their cultural significance as transportation hubs and commercial complexes. By addressing unique challenges and leveraging emerging technologies, the project aims to transform public spaces and introduce collaboration and co-design methods to tackle the complex mobility challenges of the future.