The group is now in position where a wide range of background research has been conducted. This takes the form of Similar Applications, Market Research and Literature reviews for specific features. Consequently, determining a short-list of features which the TravelSafe app will utilise is the next design and engineering step of the project. As the project has the final objective of producing a fully researched and designed idea which is then ready to be subjected to qualitative and quantitative testing (which will require more funding and time than a group project is able to), we have enlisted the help of individuals who are considered experts in their field. In order to objectively evaluate the short-list of app features we have used purposive sampling to select a number of experts from ranging backgrounds. These include Engineering, Web Applications and Solutions, Web Master, and Senior Technical Advisor. This is a guidance solution regarding how we should structure and decide on the features of the TravelSafe app without breaching extensive qualitative and quantitative testing.
The experts were identified as being useful or relevant to our project interests, and then were contacted via email. This provided an easy medium for conversation without being formal. Initial contact with the expert explained our project scenario and requested that, if they were willing, should read the short-list of TravelSafe feature apps and answer 4 short questions regarding these. In addition we strongly encouraged any other thoughts or guidance throughout. Each expert gave permission to use their name, job title, expertise and answers in our portfolio. The feedback received can be found in the Expert Opinions post.
The short-list which the experts were presented can be found below:
1. Safest Route Generator – This generates three safest routes from point to point in real-time
2. Area Information Safety Rating – This is used for areas using open data crime statistics and social media
3. Local Travel Information Updates – This provides local bus and train times, locations of these, and weather information Weather updates.
4. Safety Information – This is generated from locational based RSS feeds from embassies, social media and news feeds.
5. Emergency Contact Information – This is done through user input which an individual stores travel information such as flight numbers, travel insurance, credit card numbers, and emergency contact details.
6. Downloadable Resource Pack – This allows the user to choose a location and download above features (such as travel information or safety information) which can be accessed while offline. This combats roaming charges while travelling.
7. Blogging Features – e.g. photo and video with GPS location – Links to social media e.g. photo and video
post uploads, blog posts.
8. Family Alerts – This features a danger button to send location to designated contacts, and/or emergency services or the police.
9. Flight Information – This provides information from airport/airlines with notifications for specified Pack offline.
This post also represents that the group has chosen appropriate design and engineering choices that directly link to the marking criteria, which are vital to understanding which features that the product will have. These are based on Contextual Factors such as market analysis, evaluation of existing products, and identification of app features. There is evidence that the design and engineering steps (app features) have been chosen intelligently (by reference to literature and analysis) to produce a conclusion of professional quality, leading to a successful product.
In addition there is evidence of Structure and Story, as the post explains why these were chosen, how they were chosen, and that these will shape the development of the project.
Written by Briony.