ComUp
2022
Developed for National Rail in collaboration with Royal Society of Arts and Brunel University.
Modular pop-up service to support the local community.
Brief
How might we tap into the potential of train stations so they become spaces that amplify and influence positive behaviors?
Research
This project is rooted in research, with a summary provided below. For a more in-depth analysis, please refer to the accompanying PDF.
The Problem
Limited services and difficult access for small businesses and artists at train stations can cause inequality, reduce opportunities, and diminish community engagement.
Showcasing Opportunity
rail passengers’ journeys were made in the UK in the last quarter.
small business are in serious trouble and some only got weeks left.
produced in retail turnover from Britain’s pop-up retail industry.
one out of two consumers would go out of their way to shop from locally-owned brands.
percent of all artists remain largely undiscovered — forever.
percent of inflation rise in the last six months is attributed to company profits.
percent of UK adults had bought craft in 2019.
percent of people coming to stations are not travelers, but actually use them as hubs for shopping and dining.
Key Insights
Stations Dominated by Chains
Rising UK Income Inequality
Unused Spaces Offer Opportunity
Modular Design Aids Affordability
Pop-up Hurdles: Location and Costs
Development
The Proposal
A modular pop-up service for small businesses and artists in train stations, boosting the local economy and expanding outreach.
Design Inspiration
Dieter Rams Functionalist design movement
Idea Generation
Modular Design
Modular design in pop-ups ensures flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and easy maintenance, making them versatile for various needs and accessible for small businesses.
Materials and Manufacturing
Tap on the white dots to learn more
Square Aluminum Tube
Sheet-moulding Process
Service Design
As Vendor/Exhibitor
As User
Pop-up Eligibility
Must be a local resident or from the train’s destination area, with a low net worth and income.
Rating System
Facilitates customer feedback to ensure quality and ethics, doubling as a transparency and trust-building marketing tool.
ComUp, short for Community Pop-Up, features a logo that embodies the essence of community—depicting people gathered under a roof, a nod to the pop-up concept. Moreover, this design morphs into an upward-facing arrow, symbolizing growth and progression.
Branding
Final.Design
Features
Positioned in Station Platforms and Lobbies
Customizable for Multiple Uses
Selling Manchester Delicacies in London
Artisan Selling Handmade Crafts
Musician Showcasing New Album
