RCR: Poway-Midland Railroad Digital Experience
RCR: Poway-Midland Railroad Digital Experience
A Design-Based Research capstone by RCR team transforming the Poway-Midland Railroad website from static history into a dynamic digital destination — using real-time data, interactive tools, and visitor-centered design.
RCR Interactive Train Schedule System
Live ride info + digital reservations
About
Current
Static PDF timetable causes visitor confusion and missed rides.
Purpose
Replace with live, accurate train status 24/7. Reduce station congestion, capture ridership data, and make reservations seamless — so volunteers spend less time answering 'when is the next train?' and more time operating.
Impact
RCR Virtual Railroad Tour
Explore Old Poway Park from anywhere
About
Current
No online way to experience the railroad before visiting.
Purpose
Attract new visitors and preserve history digitally. Create a virtual preview that turns online viewers into on-site riders — plus a lasting educational resource for schools, families with mobility limits, and history enthusiasts who cannot visit in person.
Impact
RCR Live Train Tracker
GPS-based real-time train positioning
About
Current
Visitors wait blindly at the station with no ETA.
Purpose
Show exactly where the train is and when it returns. Reduce idle wait times, improve visitor satisfaction, and give volunteers operational data to optimize departure spacing — while demonstrating IoT technology as a park attraction itself.
Impact
RCR Volunteer Management Portal
Digital tools for volunteer coordination
About
Current
Manual scheduling and paper timesheets burden coordinators.
Purpose
Automate shift fills and hour tracking. Keep 50+ active volunteers engaged without burning out coordinators — ensure better shift coverage on busy days, track hours accurately for grants, and give volunteers an easy way to commit, swap, or communicate.