Articles
UX in Helsinki
In early spring, I visited the wonderful streets of Helsinki. I gathered my observations to share small pockets of joy that I experienced during my stay. Here are some great examples of UX that I noticed.
1. Museo
This place is free to attend. This museum communicates information through various methods. Enriching guests with an interactive learning experience to create lasting memories. The user is physically able to engage in an immersive experience by touching toys from the 1900s, sitting at a staged café or try-on beach clothes on from the 1910s. As the user travels through the museum, there are unique aspects of Helsinki captured throughout time, such as crime in Helsinki, a typical family bedroom and an orderly classroom. It is a must-see if you’re visiting Helsinki.
2. Snack Buffets
When purchasing a meal, it was common practice for restaurants to offer a buffet for complementary items such as starters, drinks and bite-size desserts. In some restaurants, this costs an additional €5-10 and in others, it is completely free! This was a great option for travellers and families looking for a comfortable spot to eat.
3. Sustainable practices
There are 6 categories for throwing away wrapping and other waste. These bins are labelled clearly with the following: plastic, paper, bio waste, mixed waste, cardboard and plastic bottles. This concept contributes to creating a conscious and greener community. By exposing people to organising their throw-always, Helsinki encourages the public to take ownership and contribute toward a more sustainable world. These bins can be found in airports, shopping malls and public spaces.
4. Labelled lifts
Another opportunity to highlight the great importance of a well-informed lift, likewise to the article ‘UX in Hong Kong’. In shopping centres, it is common for a lift to list all the shop names next to the floor. In the UK, we use the acronym G for Ground floor to show Exit points. Here, I believe they use E for Exit.
5. Interactive Ads
During winter in London, windows are steamed up and there’s not much wiggle room to source your own entertainment. There are two things to do on a crowded bus; either stare at something (my favourite is shoes) or read a static ad. Helsinki takes it further by displaying looped videos to advertise. The ads are enjoyable to watch when window view isn’t available on a crowded bus.
6. Angled-lift
This may make some queasy and awe others. You can watch the science behind how an escalator functions as you travel on a makeshift, glass lift. With the goal of inclusive design, it offers the experience of getting on an escalator for prams and wheelchair users. Travelling parallel to a typical set of escalators, this lift travels at a 45-degree angle from Level 0 to Level -1 (and vice versa). Through the glass, you can stay entertained watching the escalator roll back around like a mammoth conveyor belt.
7. Children’s room
Lastenhoitohuone, a children’s room, caters to all types of possible situations for children aged 0–6. Feeling hungry? There’s a microwave to warm baby meals. Feeling energetic? There’s a huge climbing frame. Travelling with an older sibling? Great! There’s a toddler toilet and nappy changing station.
In Finland, children attend school at 7 years old. Showcasing the huge need for this fabulous, safe zone in shopping centres. Lastenhoitohuone has everything you’d need in a baby room.
8. Virtual experience
Didn’t get a chance to see all the wonderful sites in Finland? Not to worry. At Helsinki airport you can experience the Koli National Park, while relaxing to the sounds of singing birds. The bed-size, leather couches and dimmed lighting deepen the experience of relaxation. This helps tired travellers remain in a state of zen; even with passers walking by.
For those looking to understand the purpose of this experience, there is an information board. This offers details about the virtual forest by informing users about the location, weather and climate of this experience.
Summary
Helsinki is a wonderful city, filled with great UX scattered across the city. As a designer, I took great pleasure observing the public spaces, transport and services offered to the local community. This is my experience of the dynamic streets of Helsinki.
Thank you for reading!
Want to learn more about UX? Find out here.
– Written by Shah