State of the Art Analysis: Smartphone App for statistics of commuting
Introduction
It is a grounded theory that statistics have been widely used to convey information as an easy way for everyone to understand. To simplify a trip for a regular subway commuter with a smartphone, a type of statistics of the individuals commuting could be displayed. If a commuter regularly travels the subway with a determined set of stations passing by, the statistics could reflect this trip by showing a map of the subway with the stations highlighted. This is however an example of non-functional requirements of an application feature, whereas a digital ticket or even purchasing alternatives through a smartphone could determine as a requirement for its existence.
Task analysis and concepts
During the interviews we conducted, a recurring pattern that we observed was that many were interested in having statistics of their commuting displayed interactively in their smartphone. To emphasis a bit more on the interactivity, there could be as previously mentioned a map of the whole subway system that lets the user freely see all their trips with different filters depending on different timeframes (days, months, year).
In this context of use, interactivity is key. The application could be developed with many hooks in mind. These hooks could be used to add more functionality, i.e. payment options, subscription data or even just searching for arrival times of a train.
The biggest point of interest for the future of this application could be actual tickets digitalized. Today, we use plastic cards to pass through the turnstiles. We hold them above the detector that unlocks it and lets you pass through. To simplify a trip with this interactive app. the tickets could be digitalized. The data recordings revealed that commuters tend to often get forced to refill their tickets in a kiosk or at a terminal. Having the tickets digitalized and letting travelers purchase them online through this app would take the system a step into the digital future.
Why?
Developing an application is a step towards improving usability and moving technology forward. The paper / plastic tickets 15 years ago underwent the same transition to the types of plastic cards with sensors embedded today.
How?
By allocating resources for developing a steady foundation for the application for smartphones, the regular commuter is introduced to a better lifestyle of commuting. Adding these “hooks” as time progresses allows not only this system to prosper, but also allow other systems relying on this to grow.
Thomas von Prouss
No comments:
Post a Comment