Traffic Lights System

Vicki Sotiros | Costina Iordache

history

1868 1912

1920 1923 2010

2010

the team

TRAFFIC

LIGHTS

PEDESTRIANS

MOTORISTS

TRAFFIC

CONTROLLER

1

4

3

2

TEAM LEADER: In a timed

scheduled of

“green”, “yellow”, and “red” lights

control the flow of traffic and

interaction between motorists

and pedestrians.

Members of team that make

up predominance. Motorists

utilize signals as direction; sign

of whether it is safe to

continue or contrastingly stop.

Pedestrians are newer, yet

essential team members. In

respect to crosswalks, pedestrians

also follow light signals in order to

know when to cross, when not to

cross, and how much time they

have to do so.

The controller was more

predominant in the early stages of

the team in that now most are

mechanically controlled and on a

set time schedule. Few still exist.

THE TEAM MODELThe traffic system although hierarchical in

physical structure, functions cyclically.

MECHANICAL HUMAN

COLLABORATION

ADAPTING TO

WORK

ENVIRONMENT

PROBLEM

SOLVING

OPEN

COMMUNICATION

TEAM WORKhow the members interact

MAKE AN ANALOGYHow an unconventional team can relate to

something as simple as baking.

efficacy

WHY IT’S EFFICIENT

• Although there are team “leaders” v. “members”, the group

utilizes an open communication that allows any member to

step in when problems arise. This leads to a more rapid

problem solving process and moreover, better functioning

team.

SUPPORT

• From interviews conducted with the human components of the

system (i.e. pedestrians and motorists), most people believe

that the traffic lights system works adequately. The traffic

system team has created a sense of trust within its members

as well as other independent users.

PROBLEMS

• Most pedestrians disobey traffic light indications

• Members take cues from traffic and cross when they

think it’s safe

• Lights can signal green to an empty street causing

delays for other system participants

• Some motorists do not respect the yellow signal

• Motorist attempt to find loop holes in system thus

benefiting their traffic experience

• A lack of feedback triggers more problems

• System malfunctions can be quite timely to solve thus

creating opportunities for possible accidents and

congestion

• A presented difficulty in problem solving in result of

many, various constituencies; all of who want their

needs prioritized

conclusion

CURRENT MODELThis team model is very efficient despite its complexity. It

achieves effectiveness through collaboration, willingness to adapt, and open communication.

effectively coordinates traffic

adapts to users and working environments; builds trust

solves problems in timely manner

SUGGESTIONSDespite a proven difficulty in attending to all suggestions, the

team is in need of additional fluidity in communication. The further acknowledgement of all external suggestions for improvement would be highly beneficial.

reflection

OUR TEAM DYNAMIC

• Assessment: We first made sure to understand the

assignment and then come up with an idea we were both

interested in and agreed upon.

• Communication: Just like the team we observed, we were

very efficient in that we made sure to communicate with each

other constantly. We set goals, planned ahead, and most

importantly scheduled our allotted time given.

• Execution: In executing our project, we were successful in

splitting up work equally through playing upon each of our

individual strengths. A cohesive execution was also possible in

that we observed, discussed, and analyzed together and in

person.