Deutsche Bahn | ICE Screens | Redesigning the Digital Passenger Information on the ICE

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Redesigning the Digital Passenger Information on the ICE

Transportation · UX/UI Design · Technology

Client

Deutsche Bahn

Project

ICE Screens

Year

2020 - 2021

At a Glance

Enhancing the accessibility and delight of eco-friendly travel by improving passenger information displays on long-distance trains.

Displays are an indispensable source of information on trains operated by the Deutsche Bahn. They provide up-to-date information about the trip, contribute to a sense of security, and are always available, independent of one's personal device. They are a central element in the interior of the flagships of the long-distance fleet and serve a vast range of customers every day. Deutsche Bahn has used a solution in service for many years. There was customer feedback about unmet needs and hard-to-understand information. The design didn't fit the corporate design of Deutsche Bahn and created a break in the otherwise relatively seamless use of the brand elements and tokens. It was time to improve the information, make it more approachable, and apply a modern, contemporary design in line with Deutsche Bahn brand guidelines.

Our Process

A modular design for the in-train displays was developed over several iterations and validated through numerous user tests.

Learning from what worked in the past and what the researchers collected as feedback from customers and employees, we embarked on a journey with Deutsche Bahn. After several concept iterations and rounds of qualitative and quantitative tests, the team honed the design to fulfill all brand, regulatory, and taste requirements while remaining feasible to implement and run on the existing hardware.

1 / 5

The Blue Screen

A long-standing default across the DB fleet — our starting point, functional but unbranded.

2 / 5

Iterative Process

We explored three distinct design directions, refining them into a single cohesive brand expression.

3 / 5

Thorough Validation

We conducted qualitative interviews in a simulated train environment to test real-world usability.

4 / 5

Flexible by Design

A modular system that scales effortlessly across formats and future requirements.

5 / 5

Fleet-wide Rollout

The new design is now live across the ICE fleet — with expansion already underway.

Highlights

Over 98 million passengers annually travel with an ICE and rely on in-train information displays — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to redesign an icon of transportation.

The ICE train is the flagship of Deutsche Bahn and an icon for fast, comfortable, and sustainable travel in Germany. Since its introduction in 1991, it carried over 1.5 billion passengers. It featured multiple versions of more and more advanced passenger information displays. Deutsche Bahn chose zigzag to collaborate on creating the new generation of this information system to align the design and layouts with the latest brand guidelines. After thorough testing, iteration, and pilot phases, the redesign is being rolled across the ICE fleet. It gets positive reviews from passengers and has won several international design awards.

Modular Design System – Branded, Scalable, Ready for Motion

We extended Deutsche Bahn’s design system into a new medium: in-train displays. By applying brand fonts and colors with precision, we translated identity into layout and motion. The modular structure adapts across content types, screen sizes, and future hardware — paving the way for a consistent, dynamic, and future-ready passenger experience.

Rapid Prototyping – Bridging Constraints with Code

With no hardware upgrades planned, we had to work within the limits of the existing screens and processors — leaving little room for animations or heavy transitions. This made close collaboration with developers essential. Using functional HTML-based prototypes, we created a future-proof solution fit for Chromium environments. The approach accelerated implementation and saved both time and effort.

Inclusive by Design – Meeting TSI and Accessibility Standards

To meet the European Railway Agency’s TSI requirements, we ensured the screens met strict accessibility criteria. This included high color contrast (3:1 and 4.5:1 ratios) and a 35mm cap height for critical information. The result: a clear, legible design system that supports all passengers, fully compliant with both TSI and WCAG AA guidelines.

In the Wild

Few moments are as rewarding for a designer as seeing their work live — here’s the ICE screen system, now part of everyday journeys.

Following a multi-phase design and validation process, the new passenger information displays are now part of everyday travel aboard Deutsche Bahn’s ICE fleet. These real-world images capture how the redesigned system integrates with the train environment — bringing clarity, consistency, and elevated experience to millions of travelers.

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