Interview about Jinaga Subway Pass, winner of the A' Social Design Award 2023
This system allows people with disabilities, such as the disabled and the elderly, to pass through the subway ticket gate without a card tag. Just by carrying this small device, the door opens automatically when you pass through the ticket gate, and you can pass through naturally. This system recognizes without malfunction as a car smart key method. It is currently being implemented in some subways in Korea. With the attachable system module, you can easily upgrade a regular ticket gate to a smart pass ticket gate, and all information such as fare tally is transmitted to the control room.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsIt seems very inconvenient and even dangerous for people with disabilities and the elderly to enter or exit the subway by tagging their cards at the ticket gate.For those without mobility challenges, tagging a card and passing through the gate may not be an issue. However, for some individuals, this process can be cumbersome and difficult.In fact, many people with disabilities have expressed their frustration and discomfort with the system.
This system can be activated by attaching an additional module to the existing ticket gate, eliminating the need for a full replacement.Additionally, all information, including subway fare calculations, is transmitted to the control room through the system.This helps prevent unauthorized rides and ensures that those in need of transportation assistance receive accurate and reliable services.
The system is designed for the future of subway transit.Users can pass through the ticket gate seamlessly without needing to take any action, such as tagging a card, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience.This not only saves valuable time during busy commute hours but also improves the overall quality of life by enhancing the flow of movement.
The turnstiles in subway stations vary in design depending on the year they were built.To ensure compatibility, the devices must collect information on the shape of the turnstiles at each station so they can seamlessly integrate with different designs.The devices are designed in a universal form to blend in with various turnstiles without looking out of place. Additionally, the design prevents confusion during installation by making it easy to distinguish the front and back, while also allowing for convenient maintenance.To further enhance usability, a recognizable light or sound has been added to indicate passage through the turnstile.
It needed to be designed to be lightweight and compact so that users with disabilities could wear and use it with ease.A necklace-type tag was considered to accommodate users who have difficulty using their hands, allowing for more convenient access.The focus was on optimizing the detection range of LF/RF technology to ensure comfortable and effortless scanning. Additionally, since multiple RF signals can interfere with each other at subway gates, signal filtering technology was implemented to prevent malfunctions.Given the limited battery capacity of wearable devices, the goal was to maximize usability by utilizing low-power RFID or NFC technology, ensuring long-lasting operation.
When detecting a person carrying the device while passing through a subway gate, frequent recognition errors occurred when using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and similar technologies. As a result, we sought an alternative solution.Garin System, a smart car key manufacturer, inspired us to apply a system similar to how a smart key accurately and automatically recognizes a car owner's approach.By collaborating with Garin System, we combined advanced technology and design to develop an efficient and reliable subway Hi-Pass system.
The system is designed for the future of subway transit.Users can pass through the ticket gate seamlessly without needing to take any action, such as tagging a card, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience.This not only saves valuable time during busy commute hours but also improves overall quality of life by enhancing the flow of movement.
The device needed to be small enough to be easily held with one hand, and the rounded corners were designed to provide a comfortable feel. The surface finish and material (anti-slip) were selected with consideration of the hand size and strength of various users.Through a user-centered design process, the Hi-pass device, measuring 37 × 62.6 × 12 mm, was created with a balanced combination of portability, ease of use, durability, and signal sensitivity. This design ensures maximum accessibility, allowing subway users—especially those with disabilities and the elderly—to use it with ease and convenience.
Since the system was implemented, there have been no issues. It is currently in its initial stages and is focused on serving people with disabilities, but it will be expanded in the future to provide convenient access for the general public as well.
The subway in Korea is managed by different companies in each region. For example, large cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Daegu have different companies managing their subways.Fortunately, the fare systems of the subway gates of these different companies are all unified, so you can use the ticket card you used in Seoul in Busan.Separately from the unified fare system, when it comes to the Jinaga Pass device, each regional operator wants a unique design. Accordingly, each regional subway company is applying unique designs to meet the needs of customers for diversity. Subway users will be able to enjoy a different kind of fun by seeing the unique Jinaga Pass devices in each region.
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