Weiyun, these are top questions, and new ones too!
1
What is the effect of this sophisticated DDDWS on typically "dumb" passengers? Will passengers be willing to dynamically participate in the system and interact, considering there are juniors, seniors, mobility challenged etc?
The computer system is called DDDSA but it has nothing to do with passengers. Waverail passengers do not what you would normally call interact.
Waverail passengers have to observe one simple rule:
IF YOU WANT TO ALIGHT, BE AT THE BACK.
Nearly as simple/stupid as: "Step beyond the open door if you want to go to the level at which the lift is right now.
The collary to this 'If you do not want to alight, go to the front' is not mandatory. A person who does not care, or a person who forgot, or a frail person (frail and elderly are expected to be advised not to walk in Waverail!) will just have a stop at the station (without getting off the car) and then automatically continues with the next wave.
2
Beyond the direct users, how can you simplify the message to any potential VC boss/customer to effectively sell the concept, without them getting into a brain jam trying to understand the concept?
I can't; who can? Need urgent help this one.
3
Does the system satisfy the KISS Principle criteria? Based on personal experiences, the KISS Principle can be the deal breaker in life.
Overall I think Waverail is simple (KISS) for passengers.
a) there is virtually no 'taking the wrong train', no stress (for instance for tourists and me in at Central) to choose the right platform (any Waverail station has only one platform, see Video Networks). All that can go wrong is that you go south instead of north. (Remember there is never more than one line on a Waverail track, and only one line in Central, see Video on Networks)
b) Yes, walking in train is less simple than in a conventional train; but with single line Waverail you can stay seated too, it just takes you a bit longer. I see the walking issue as an expression of 'I am in control where I am going, not the driver', and thus a positive, a new lifestyle. With a network it is a bit more complicated but by then people will know all the ins and outs.
c) How will the behavioural dynamics be? Who knows? From observing I expect an Aussi Waverail to have lots of passengers in the front, some at the back and a distinct empty section in between.
Like anything new it is intriguing, I admit.
Do I clear the bar? Blast me if not - put it higher if yes