The research process for developing an idea that can help tourists and travellers improving their experience began by browsing airline and hotel booking websites. Most of the sites that provide assistance for people who want or need to travel are linked to a wide range of social media which gives them the opportunity to share opinions with friends and acquaintances about different aspects regarding the services offered by the companies.
The emphasis was engaged on a particular aspect of the travellers’ experience, therefore this blog will cover the post-trip and during-trip customer needs regarding parties and events. More specifically the type of communication channel that is simpler and more frequently utilised, which is the iPhone.
The basic idea is developing a concept that helps the user make free time easier to plan, which is linked to a social media so that the consumer can share ideas about the topic with friends. As mentioned above, the software would be utilised for iPhones because people find it effortless to get a news feed about their favourite events on the phone, rather than checking their email or searching the internet for them.
Searching for other iPhone applications was the next step of the process. In the research activity several applications similar to the concept mentioned have been found:
Here’s a tip for a great app for iPhone that uses your location to locate cool events nearby! The Spoonfed Event Radar answers the simple question: What’s on around me now? The location based application puts thousands of events at your fingertips, wherever you are whenever you want and is available to download from the iPhone app store. Spoonfed Radar (2010). Available at: http://blog.gisuser.com/?p=4639 [Accessed 07/11/10].
New City Event Finder is software for smartphones that helps to bring relevant events to the forefront, as well as make connections amongst friends and their activities. New City Event Finder (2010). Available at: http: //www.eptin.net/ncef.html [Accessed 07/11/10].
It is known that trying to improve an old application rather than coming up with something new can be more effective, because the basis of the idea is already there and the attention can be focused on the other complex functions of the software.
A few changes can be made to the applications mentioned which can help improve the experience of the customer. Some of the features that will be further developed in theory are social media connection, GPS, augmented reality, 3G and digital map (briefly analysed), advertising events and parties, details about the parties and events.
Thursday 18 November 2010
Focusing on the Customer Needs
The first customer need is getting information about the parties and events in the current location or the one about to be visited. Communicating with friends about the activities and plans that the costumer wants to share is another demand that the concept is dealing with. Some of the other issues are: making on-line booking available (when required) and easy to use, finding out what types of events and parties are taking place, having details about the host, and also finding out the entrance fees, food, drink costs and other fees. This information needs to be available for the person who attends the party. The main types of occasions that the application addresses to are highlighted below:
The second customer need is concentrated on the other type of user which is the host. The theory is based on advertising. Once connected to the system, the person who wants to go to an event receives updates on a regular basis. A significant growth in the number of people that use social media shows that linking the app to them makes it a more effective strategy to spread the information faster, therefore more people are likely to find out all the information they need about the event or party. This simple way of presenting a service can be the most effective method to advertise events and parties.
The second customer need is concentrated on the other type of user which is the host. The theory is based on advertising. Once connected to the system, the person who wants to go to an event receives updates on a regular basis. A significant growth in the number of people that use social media shows that linking the app to them makes it a more effective strategy to spread the information faster, therefore more people are likely to find out all the information they need about the event or party. This simple way of presenting a service can be the most effective method to advertise events and parties.
The Concept in Detail
To satisfy the customer need I have come up with an iPhone application that pleases a wide range of people in terms of age and preferences. The app is linked to a website version of the application from which users can perform the same actions from the computer as from the iPhone. The website for the application is used to widen the app’s appeal.
The application covers two objectives: advertising parties and events and making it easier for iPhone users to find them with the help of their device.
It is thought that age can be an impediment regarding technology consumption. That, however, is not the case. An example of booming success is found in social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
There are more than 200 million active users currently accessing Facebook through their mobile devices. People that use Facebook on their mobile devices are twice as active on Facebook than non-mobile users. Facebook. Available at: http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics. [Accessed 18/11/10].
Anyone who has spotted conference delegates tapping Twitter updates into their mobiles will know that social media is an increasingly common feature of live events. Henderson, N., 2010 Conference & Incentive Travel.
Another market that has shown great success is smartphones like Apple’s iPhone, confirmed by Palenchar:
DALLAS — AT&T activated a record number of iPhones and other integrated 3G devices in its fiscal third quarter, with iPhone activations hitting 3.2 million and integrated-device activations hitting 4.3 million. Palenchar, J., 2009 AT&T Q3 ¡Phone Sales Break Record, TWICE: This Week in Consumer Electronics Vol. 24 Issue 22, (p4-12, 2p)
The first purpose of the application is making advertising simple and effective. The host would have to pay a fee when advertising and anyone should be able to submit parties, even marking them private (in which case, only certain people can view the post), as long as the announcement meets certain conditions. The app should be linked to a social network, such as Facebook, so that the consumer can connect with friends and find them easily when they want to tell them about the party. The host can submit his or her contact details such as phone number, email. Information about the party or event can be also submitted, such as type of party or event (e.g. Halloween party, tea party, sport match, concert etc.), age range, number of people attending, dress code.
An additional method to promote the application is taking photos during the events and parties which were advertised via the app. The next step is uploading them onto the website where anyone can see them. Here is an opportunity for potential new customers that find certain types of events tempting. For this process, a team of photographers are required in order to take pictures of the guests. This, of course, is a charged service for the host. The attendees get their pictures taken for free. Downloading the photos, on the other hand, requires paying a small amount of money for the users. They cannot download for free due to copyright infringements, thus ensuring security that no other person apart from those who were present at the event can keep their photos.
The second feature of the app implies checking ticket availability and on-line booking (if applicable) via iPhone. One issue might occur when tickets that have already been paid for have been forgotten or lost by the attendee. However, with the phone app, the user gets a text message confirming their purchase backed with a code used to gain access to the event or party. If they decide they don't want to attend, they can cancel the tickets online or by sending a free text via the application to the host and get part of their money back. With regards to bookings, attendees might outnumber the venue occupancy. For that reason tickets would be issued on a first come first served basis.
Another feature is the ability to view details regarding the venue, such as photos which can be uploaded directly from the iPhone via the application onto the website. Users can also view what type of food and drinks are served so that they can check if a certain drink is available or if there is a vegetarian option on the menu. Entertaining can be provided and easily fulfilled when knowing the basic details about them, therefore centred on the activity that takes place on the different socialising sites mentioned, a series of weekly events will be recommended to the user.
The combination of multiple technologies has only encouraged people from all generations to successfully interact with one another through networking.
The application covers two objectives: advertising parties and events and making it easier for iPhone users to find them with the help of their device.
It is thought that age can be an impediment regarding technology consumption. That, however, is not the case. An example of booming success is found in social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
There are more than 200 million active users currently accessing Facebook through their mobile devices. People that use Facebook on their mobile devices are twice as active on Facebook than non-mobile users. Facebook. Available at: http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics. [Accessed 18/11/10].
Anyone who has spotted conference delegates tapping Twitter updates into their mobiles will know that social media is an increasingly common feature of live events. Henderson, N., 2010 Conference & Incentive Travel.
Another market that has shown great success is smartphones like Apple’s iPhone, confirmed by Palenchar:
DALLAS — AT&T activated a record number of iPhones and other integrated 3G devices in its fiscal third quarter, with iPhone activations hitting 3.2 million and integrated-device activations hitting 4.3 million. Palenchar, J., 2009 AT&T Q3 ¡Phone Sales Break Record, TWICE: This Week in Consumer Electronics Vol. 24 Issue 22, (p4-12, 2p)
The first purpose of the application is making advertising simple and effective. The host would have to pay a fee when advertising and anyone should be able to submit parties, even marking them private (in which case, only certain people can view the post), as long as the announcement meets certain conditions. The app should be linked to a social network, such as Facebook, so that the consumer can connect with friends and find them easily when they want to tell them about the party. The host can submit his or her contact details such as phone number, email. Information about the party or event can be also submitted, such as type of party or event (e.g. Halloween party, tea party, sport match, concert etc.), age range, number of people attending, dress code.
An additional method to promote the application is taking photos during the events and parties which were advertised via the app. The next step is uploading them onto the website where anyone can see them. Here is an opportunity for potential new customers that find certain types of events tempting. For this process, a team of photographers are required in order to take pictures of the guests. This, of course, is a charged service for the host. The attendees get their pictures taken for free. Downloading the photos, on the other hand, requires paying a small amount of money for the users. They cannot download for free due to copyright infringements, thus ensuring security that no other person apart from those who were present at the event can keep their photos.
The second feature of the app implies checking ticket availability and on-line booking (if applicable) via iPhone. One issue might occur when tickets that have already been paid for have been forgotten or lost by the attendee. However, with the phone app, the user gets a text message confirming their purchase backed with a code used to gain access to the event or party. If they decide they don't want to attend, they can cancel the tickets online or by sending a free text via the application to the host and get part of their money back. With regards to bookings, attendees might outnumber the venue occupancy. For that reason tickets would be issued on a first come first served basis.
Another feature is the ability to view details regarding the venue, such as photos which can be uploaded directly from the iPhone via the application onto the website. Users can also view what type of food and drinks are served so that they can check if a certain drink is available or if there is a vegetarian option on the menu. Entertaining can be provided and easily fulfilled when knowing the basic details about them, therefore centred on the activity that takes place on the different socialising sites mentioned, a series of weekly events will be recommended to the user.
The combination of multiple technologies has only encouraged people from all generations to successfully interact with one another through networking.
Potential Technologies Involved
The technologies that will further be analysed are GPS (Global Positioning System), 3G, digital mapping and augmented reality. The application has a GPS and a virtual map, so that it can direct the guest to the party. Getting to certain venues in big cities can be quite difficult when being in hurry and getting lost 15 minutes before the event starts is not very helpful. The system would have a clear guidance about how to get to the party. A countdown can be enabled so that the guest knows how much time is left until the party or event starts, so they can get a text message before it starts and get a notice about any modifications that the event might undergo.
A digital map is the condensed version of a road atlas. The fact that it is more detailed increases accessibility and usability. Currently, the system only allows for a basic outline of building/ venues. The digital map can be further developed by showing greater details of the building/ venue layout. This way anyone who enters the building can get accurate directions. This elaboration might raise setbacks regarding costing and time; therefore further research on the economic impact must be foreseen. In order to improve the functionality of the iPhone application, the research and development must take place at least on a national level eliminate any technical glitches that might occur.
As mentioned, the GPS and the digital map help the user to find the party location, but also to see where other friends are. A global positioning system is based on satellite transmission. When people find themselves in a venue, often they lose their friends, so this is an effective way to find them. If the application is turned on both iPhones, people should be able to find each other. This can be a suitable way to find them because phoning them during a party or a football match is useless. This means that the user has an interactive map on the screen which can be used to locate people and places accurately. The map is interactive, meaning that the client can scroll in any direction needed.
In addition, to make the tool simpler to use, augmented reality can be correlated to the GPS. This is thought to be an effective method to help users find their way faster and in a more accurate manner. Augmented reality is a virtual world merged with real world features which is interactive in real time. Also, most augmented reality devices have a tracking system integrated into the hardware. Therefore, combined with a GPS means that looking on the screen while holding the phone in a desired direction shows the user what he can find in that focus. The merging of the two technologies will ensure the user will be kept up-to-date with any changes that occur regarding location.
Augmented reality – AR, as it has quickly become known – has only recently become a phrase that trips easily off technologists' lips; yet we've been seeing versions of it for quite some time. The idea is straightforward enough: take a real-life scene, or (better) a video of a scene, and add some sort of explanatory data to it so that you can better understand what's going on, or who the people in the scene are, or how to get to where you want to go.
Arthur, C., 2010 Augmented reality: it's like real life, but better [WWW]. Available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/21/augmented-reality-iphone-advertising [Accessed: 14/11/10].
Another technology that could be involved is 3G or 3rd Generation. This tool implies having wireless internet connection available on the iPhone no matter where the person using it is located. Although Wi-Fi can take the place of the 3G, its use is limited. Wi-Fi is a wireless local area network and it involves resting in a certain zone where the router is installed in order to keep Wi-Fi compatible devices (e.g. laptops, phones) connected. The application needs internet connection in order to enable the iPhone link to other friends’ profiles and allow them to locate each other. When going into certain venues that do not have Wi-Fi, the iPhone application cannot be used, therefore 3G seems a decent option to be considered. However, there might be issue with this device because 3G requires some particular countries having a licence in order to use it.
One of the main reasons for the development of the 3G system to make higher value services available to as many users as possible world wide, using a universal design of the handset. Blanchard, C., Security for the Third Generation (3G) Mobile System, Network Systems & Security Technologies. Available at: http://www.isrc.rhul.ac.uk/useca/OtherPublications/3G_UMTS%20Security.pdf [Accessed: 17/11/10].
The technologies mentioned can be used in parallel with one another; nonetheless, all of them are currently in use. The GPS, the 3G and augmented reality are the essential basis for this application to function. The Wi-Fi is mentioned as a substitute technology for the 3G, but has limited connectivity. The digital mapping, on the other hand, allows for an enhanced interaction for the attendee as they get to familiarise themselves with the surroundings. Even so, the data base needs further development on the building floor plans. As a whole, the application has great potential to put in use a combination of technologies that are already in existence, but will create new uses in the information systems.
A digital map is the condensed version of a road atlas. The fact that it is more detailed increases accessibility and usability. Currently, the system only allows for a basic outline of building/ venues. The digital map can be further developed by showing greater details of the building/ venue layout. This way anyone who enters the building can get accurate directions. This elaboration might raise setbacks regarding costing and time; therefore further research on the economic impact must be foreseen. In order to improve the functionality of the iPhone application, the research and development must take place at least on a national level eliminate any technical glitches that might occur.
As mentioned, the GPS and the digital map help the user to find the party location, but also to see where other friends are. A global positioning system is based on satellite transmission. When people find themselves in a venue, often they lose their friends, so this is an effective way to find them. If the application is turned on both iPhones, people should be able to find each other. This can be a suitable way to find them because phoning them during a party or a football match is useless. This means that the user has an interactive map on the screen which can be used to locate people and places accurately. The map is interactive, meaning that the client can scroll in any direction needed.
In addition, to make the tool simpler to use, augmented reality can be correlated to the GPS. This is thought to be an effective method to help users find their way faster and in a more accurate manner. Augmented reality is a virtual world merged with real world features which is interactive in real time. Also, most augmented reality devices have a tracking system integrated into the hardware. Therefore, combined with a GPS means that looking on the screen while holding the phone in a desired direction shows the user what he can find in that focus. The merging of the two technologies will ensure the user will be kept up-to-date with any changes that occur regarding location.
Augmented reality – AR, as it has quickly become known – has only recently become a phrase that trips easily off technologists' lips; yet we've been seeing versions of it for quite some time. The idea is straightforward enough: take a real-life scene, or (better) a video of a scene, and add some sort of explanatory data to it so that you can better understand what's going on, or who the people in the scene are, or how to get to where you want to go.
Arthur, C., 2010 Augmented reality: it's like real life, but better [WWW]. Available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/21/augmented-reality-iphone-advertising [Accessed: 14/11/10].
Another technology that could be involved is 3G or 3rd Generation. This tool implies having wireless internet connection available on the iPhone no matter where the person using it is located. Although Wi-Fi can take the place of the 3G, its use is limited. Wi-Fi is a wireless local area network and it involves resting in a certain zone where the router is installed in order to keep Wi-Fi compatible devices (e.g. laptops, phones) connected. The application needs internet connection in order to enable the iPhone link to other friends’ profiles and allow them to locate each other. When going into certain venues that do not have Wi-Fi, the iPhone application cannot be used, therefore 3G seems a decent option to be considered. However, there might be issue with this device because 3G requires some particular countries having a licence in order to use it.
One of the main reasons for the development of the 3G system to make higher value services available to as many users as possible world wide, using a universal design of the handset. Blanchard, C., Security for the Third Generation (3G) Mobile System, Network Systems & Security Technologies. Available at: http://www.isrc.rhul.ac.uk/useca/OtherPublications/3G_UMTS%20Security.pdf [Accessed: 17/11/10].
The technologies mentioned can be used in parallel with one another; nonetheless, all of them are currently in use. The GPS, the 3G and augmented reality are the essential basis for this application to function. The Wi-Fi is mentioned as a substitute technology for the 3G, but has limited connectivity. The digital mapping, on the other hand, allows for an enhanced interaction for the attendee as they get to familiarise themselves with the surroundings. Even so, the data base needs further development on the building floor plans. As a whole, the application has great potential to put in use a combination of technologies that are already in existence, but will create new uses in the information systems.
Reference List
Arthur, C., 2010 Augmented reality: it's like real life, but better [WWW]. Available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/21/augmented-reality-iphone-advertising [Accessed: 14/11/10].
Blanchard, C., Security for the Third Generation (3G) Mobile System, Network Systems & Security Technologies. Available at: http://www.isrc.rhul.ac.uk/useca/OtherPublications/3G_UMTS%20Security.pdf [Accessed: 17/11/10].
Facebook. Available at: http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics [Accessed 18/11/10].
New City Event Finder (2010). Available at: http: //www.eptin.net/ncef.html [Accessed 07/11/10].
Palenchar, J., 2009 AT&T Q3 ¡Phone Sales Break Record, TWICE: This Week in Consumer Electronics Vol. 24 Issue 22, (p4-12, 2p)
Spoonfed Radar (2010). Available at: http://blog.gisuser.com/?p=4639 [Accessed 07/11/10].
Blanchard, C., Security for the Third Generation (3G) Mobile System, Network Systems & Security Technologies. Available at: http://www.isrc.rhul.ac.uk/useca/OtherPublications/3G_UMTS%20Security.pdf [Accessed: 17/11/10].
Facebook. Available at: http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics [Accessed 18/11/10].
New City Event Finder (2010). Available at: http: //www.eptin.net/ncef.html [Accessed 07/11/10].
Palenchar, J., 2009 AT&T Q3 ¡Phone Sales Break Record, TWICE: This Week in Consumer Electronics Vol. 24 Issue 22, (p4-12, 2p)
Spoonfed Radar (2010). Available at: http://blog.gisuser.com/?p=4639 [Accessed 07/11/10].
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