LÜP is a wearable ticketing system designed to simplify the way people access and pay for public transit. Created as part of a cross-disciplinary competition, this project reimagined transit access through a human-centered lens — replacing outdated card systems with an RFID-enabled silicone wristband that pairs with a mobile app.

The solution was honored with first place in the MWest Challenge and received $7,000 in startup funding. As lead industrial designer, I spearheaded the product concept, design, and user research. My background in psychology and user behavior directly informed many of our decisions, particularly around ease of use, accessibility, and emotional engagement.

The Challenge

Urban transit systems are increasingly strained by rising ridership, outdated technologies, and inefficient user flows. Traditional fare cards are easy to lose, inconvenient when carrying bags, and often limited to a single network. I observed these pain points firsthand through user shadowing and interviews at metro stations, revealing frustration with delays and physical interaction with the system.

Solution

LÜP was designed to eliminate the friction of traditional fare systems by offering a more intuitive, wearable alternative. Instead of fumbling for cards or navigating multiple apps, users simply tap their wristband to access public transit. The system is built around flexibility—multiple wristbands can be linked to a single mobile account, making it easy for families or shared users to travel together. Security was also a key focus: no personal data is stored on the band itself. Instead, all information is managed securely through a cloud-based app, which allows users to check balances, view transit history, and manage linked accounts with ease. The wristband itself is adjustable, durable, and waterproof—designed to be as low-maintenance as it is user-friendly.

Learnings

Working on LÜP was foundational in my transition from physical product design into digital product thinking. I realized that great design isn’t just about form—it’s about reducing friction, solving real user problems, and making systems feel effortless. I became deeply interested in how physical and digital systems intersect, and how behavioral psychology can drive better UX outcomes.

Where This Project Took Me

LÜP became the spark that lit my journey into UI/UX. It gave me hands-on experience designing for systems at scale, working with constraints, and balancing stakeholder needs with real user insights. Now, as I pivot into full-time digital product design, I bring with me a grounded understanding of users from both psychological and physical perspectives—and a passion for building tools that feel as intuitive as they are impactful.