What does it take to enable train automation, improve train handling, and save fuel?
An on-board and GPS systems, railroad aspects and train characteristics — such as length, weight, speed limits, travel time, locomotive performance, ramps and rugged terrain — to determine travel standards, and more.
Project Overview
Role: UI / UX Design
Duration: Aug 2018 – Jan 2019
The Product: GE Transportation wanted a system that calculated the optimum speed profile and then automatically controlled locomotive throttle and dynamic brakes to reduce fuel consumption and provide efficient train handling.
Responsibilities: Developed high-fidelity mockups and prototypes, designed motion interactions, exported UI assets for development, and collaborated with researchers and developers to refine the experience.
Due to privacy restrictions, I can’t share detailed visuals from this project. However, here are some key insights into my contributions, highlighting publicly available information.
Autonomous Trains
Understanding the user
Imagine a railroad with so many obstacles that, in order to preserve the locomotives, the train operators needed to drive according to different parameters, taking into account unstable and remote areas, sharp curves and speed and acceleration variations.
To give you an idea, train drivers had an instruction manual to drive the train in different sections of the track, with specifications for each car and locomotive, contemplating several territorial and operational factors!
The Product: Trip Optimizer
GE Transportation wanted a system that calculates the optimum speed profile and then automatically controls locomotive throttle and dynamic brakes to reduce fuel consumption and provide efficient train handling. In addition to standardize trips, offer greater operational flexibility, and avoid unplanned stops.
With Trip Optimizer, trains should run on time, operate more smoothly, and use fuel more efficiently – resulting in fuel savings and corresponding emissions reduction.
In 2018, I joined GE and worked with a small team—including a UX researcher, a product manager, and three software engineers—to help develop Trip Optimizer, GE’s digital solution for train operations. I collaborated closely with GE Transportation teams in the United States and Brazil.
Trip Optimizer functions as an “autopilot” for train operators, intelligently optimizing acceleration and braking to reduce fuel consumption. It integrates on-board and GPS systems while considering internal and external factors such as train length, weight, speed limits, travel time, locomotive performance, track gradients, and rugged terrain. By establishing optimized travel patterns, Trip Optimizer enhances both safety and productivity.
Project Breakdown
The goal was to develop a functional prototype with interactive controls for research testing and design a tablet-based mobile app to serve as a checklist for train conductors.
I led the design process, including user flows, wireframing, high-fidelity visual design, and animations. To ensure an effective solution, I began by analyzing research findings to gain a deep understanding of user needs and business objectives.
After an initial brainstorming and sketching phase, I developed a clear understanding of how the solution needed to function, identifying five key steps: Initialize Trip, Trip Data, Train Data, Restrictions, and Start Trip.
I used Sketch and Adobe XD for wireframes, mockups, and prototypes. Illustrator was my tool for designing GUI elements, while After Effects and Lottie handled animations.
The final product
Below are screenshots of the app in action, used onboard trains.
Impact
Through this project, I gained valuable insights into designing for the transportation industry. One of the most rewarding aspects was witnessing the real-world impact of automation systems—reducing emissions, optimizing train handling, and driving cost savings.
Today, nearly 3,000 trains worldwide operate daily using this digital solution, collectively covering over 16 million kilometers with smart technology.
GE Transportation became a division of Wabtec following its acquisition from General Electric on February 25, 2019.
