4/25/2013 home - 1 designed, developed, and executed by jonathan kabay
TRANSCRIPT
4/25/2013 Home - 1
Designed, Developed, and Executed by Jonathan Kabay
4/25/2013 Need for App (Students)- 2
Lack of effective communication strategies around the RMU campus has led to students difficulty on finding events throughout the University resulting in a decline in student involvement.
• Many students around RMU, especially commuters have trouble finding events throughout campus every day.
• The only reliable source of information is the RMU website which is rarely updated every day, a sign leaving campus on the LED panel, or simply by word of mouth.
• It is important both for the reputation of RMU as a University and for the student population to build a community with the student experience.
• In order to increase student involvement in the community whether it be attending sporting events or participating in an on campus study group, we need to expand the way in which information is reached to students.
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The RMU Underground App would givestudents complete control of the university.
• With this app students can click on any building and view every bit of information they wish to know about.
• Instead of searching online for reviews for professors, students could just open this app and view reviews right there.
• Sometimes students don’t receive notifications about events being held on campus, with is app students will receive alerts for any event being held on the campus.
Need for App (Students)- 3
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Every type of student will find this app very useful for any issue they may have.
• If a student is attempting to locate an open computer lab or just an empty class room, this app will provide them with the availability of every room on campus.
• Incoming freshman or transfer students would be able to utilize the 3D tour feature, in order to familiarize themselves with the campus.
• If a student is looking for a something to eat they would be able to click the café and view the specials for that day, and utilize the chat feature to see if it was any good.
Need for App (Students)- 4
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Students will benefit socially from this app with the class network feature of this app.
• If a student is struggling with a problem on the homework they would be able to make a post in the class chat room requesting help with the problem they are having.
• Students will have the ability to add or create a group with other students helping them communicate very easily.
• Students who do not live on campus or students who just don’t know very many people on campus can benefit from this app by utilizing the chat feature to become a bit more social with other students.
Need for App (Students)- 5
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The app will be the centerpiece of a new program to entice students in the technology field to attend RMU.
• A new program will be launched incorporating the new RMU Underground App, in which students manage and develop the app further.
• The project will be limited to exceptional students in different technology fields, including computer science, multimedia, and software engineering.
• Faculty from each of these departments will aid the students in the process.• Integration of new curriculum will be necessary for the success of the project.
Need for App (University)- 6
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The students wouldn’t be the only ones to benefit from this app. Robert Morris could also benefit in many ways.
• The university could see approximately how many people are attending an event by utilizing the GPS feature and also receive feedback from the students about the event.
• Robert Morris could partner with local business who would like to place a small advertisement within the app.
• If an event on campus isn't expected to draw a large crowd, Robert Morris could provide students with incentives to attend the event.
Need for App (University)- 7
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This app provides an academic advantage for Robert Morris students that most universities can’t offer.
• If a student is struggling with a class or needs some help with their homework, the student would be able to access the tutoring schedules available for the center for student success.
• Selected students would be in charge of maintaining the app. which would provide students with real world project management skills.
• Students would be able to receive assistance with their class work from professors by directly messaging them within the class network.
Need for App (University)- 8
4/25/2013 Development- 9
The initial programming development of RMU Underground will require the hiring of outside mobile app agency.
• The app will need to be database driven and coded to link into the registrar server active at RMU’s main campus.
• The design phase will be developed by the Media Arts department which will provide content, layout, and user flow structures to the development agency.
• Coding, Testing and Debugging the app will cost around $50-$100 per hour which in total should take roughly 550 hours or roughly 3 and a half weeks to complete, totaling $55,000.
• An outside 3D rendering agency will also be hired for the 14 classroom building navigation.
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Each classroom building at RMU will be 3D rendered by a professional architectural rendering firm.
• Most design agencies charge roughly $40 per second through animation (3D walk through) which will include only hallways, design elements, and navigation.
• Since RMU’s classrooms only support roughly 12 buildings, the total cost of animation for one building would be approximately $12,000.
• $40 per second x 60 seconds = $2400 x 5 minutes per building = $12,000 x 12 buildings = $144,000 Total cost of 3D rendering 12 buildings.
Development- 10
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With the total design and initial development, the cost of RMU App would be approximately $199,000.
$144,000
$5,000
$15,000
$35,000 DesigningProgrammingTestingMaintenance
Development- 11
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The use of paper proto-typing, a human-computer interface concept, will help usability testing for students who use the RMU Underground App.
• Our design team will use paper for their presentation to a larger group of students who have interest in using RMU Underground.
• Paper proto-typing will help the development team identify missing components within our application.
• The user interface and its key components are tested and re-evaluated for the development of the app.
• Users often have needs that the RMU development team isn't aware of, or the team may have a mistaken assumption about what functionality will satisfy a user requirement.
• The use of embedding RMU email into our app was a need by one of our testers, stating it was a key component to their experience, rather than using Gmail.
Development- 12
4/25/2013 Communication Plan- 13
Having an effective communication strategy is essential to promoting the overall success of the app.
• Communication should be focused on the students as well as professors in the university.
• Professors can be encouraged to incorporated it into their own curriculum. • Most students have smart phones which are capable of having the barcode reader,
which will directly lead them to the RMU website to download.• Advertisement flyers with the app logo will be distributed on campus and
surrounding businesses.
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Another effective way to communicate the RMU Underground App is through social media.
• The RMU App will be displayed on the RMU Facebook page allowing students to download the app.
• RMU’s twitter account will also display a link to the app once developed.• Once the app is finalized, an email will be sent to everyone in the university
regarding the finalization of the app.
Communication Plan- 14
The goals set for the app will be 50% use among students, while the new program’s goal will be a 10% increase in enrollment.
• Because the app relies on users interacting to get the full functionality from it, the percentage of students using the app will determine the success of the project.
• A goal of 50% of students using the app will be set for 2 years after completion of the app.
• In addition, the new program for developing the app should create interest in enrollment at RMU for technology students.
• A 10% increase in enrollment for relevant fields after 2 years will be deemed a success.
4/25/2013 Goals - 15
4/25/2013 3D Touring- 16
The home page or main page of the app will feature an overhead 3D aerial map of the whole university, which will display the buildings and landmarks.
• Building information can be activated or accessed by one tap of the finger.• Each building of the university will be 3D rendered with computer software so that students
can have 2 options exploring a building. • One of the options of exploring will be a rendered using 3D software that manipulates the
complete inside layout of a building or classroom• The second option is having a floor plan layout which users can access to view professors
and scheduled classes in each room.
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Login to Campus Map Proto-type
3D Touring- 17
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Virtual 3D tours give students the ability to locate any class or room number within that building and find out exactly the information below through a drop down menu.
• Students can display which class is being taught in the room.• Students can display which professor is teaching it.• By clicking on the professors name, information and ratings of the professor are shown by previous
students who attended the same class the previous semesters.• If the student has his / her GPS and Class Schedule information enabled, other students could view who
is attending the class.• Students who are scheduled to be in that particular class can enter their class network
3D Touring- 18
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VIRTUAL 3D TOUR PROTO-TYPE
3D Touring- 19
4/25/2013 Map and Floor Plan- 20
Floor Plan exploring displays a technical digital diagram of the whole building that allows the student to visually see how the building in structured, numbered, and which current classes are being taught at that given time.
• Floor Plan exploring is a secondary alternative in viewing the building as a whole.• Students can easily view a building they’re familiar with while knowing which class is being occupied.• Students also are provided the same information as the virtual mode such as, classroom number, name,
professor information, and which students are scheduled in the class / room.• Students are also able to view their current location in the building, if he or she is present while
searching inside.
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FLOOR PLAN TOUR PROTO-TYPE
Map and Floor Plan- 21
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Non-Scheduled classrooms, such as a computer lab and library, can be monitored with the use of GPS technology.
• If a student has their GPS location active, their signal will alert RMU Underground her or she is occupying the room.
• Other students who need to use the computer lab, can view if the room is empty or full given the fact there are only fifteen to twenty computers available in that particular room.
• If the room is full, students are able to send messages to those users occupying the room, asking them if they’re finished.
• Since some students won’t have GPS enabled in a room, users can send messages to those who do asking them if there are seats open in a room.
Map and Floor Plan- 22
4/25/2013 Portal - 23
Students can create groups to organize their friends and events.
• Students will be able to create groups, called “Portals”, for common interests, and add other students to them.
• Portals can be organized as on-campus groups, clubs, teams, classes etc.• Portal members will be able to communicate efficiently, dropping events onto the
map and broadcasting messages to the Portal.• Portal events can be broadcast to the entire campus, alerting all students to an
activity occurring in that area.
4/25/2013 Professor Search- 24
The RMU Underground App has a feature where before registration students can search professors and find their ratings before committing to that class.
• The student can open up the app where they will see a drop box to search for the classes they need as well as search the professor.
• The ratings for each professor will be provided from students who have taken the class before.
• The search button will be very convenient to the student’s eye so there will be no confusion.
• The feature of being able to search for professors as well as get their rating is essential for the app and will ultimately improve student life.
• Once registered the students will be able to leave their own ratings of the professor and class they have taken for future students.
4/25/2013 Event Listings- 25
The RMU Underground app will provide the student body with effective communication about upcoming and current sporting events and activities by sending messages to students, being displayed boldly on the main menu of the app, and as a red marker over the location of the activity on the interactive campus map. • The RMU Underground App will provide the RMU students with information for that specific
day or even the upcoming days revolving around any and all events happening on campus right at the palm of their hands.
• Once an event is issued, a leader of the group (club, frat, etc.) or student can post this information on the network allowing other users to simply log into the app to access the time and place of meetings or various activities.
• Football, basketball, and other games can also be scheduled to display within the network as well through a list alerting students with a message of the upcoming events. This information can also be accessed on the main page of the app as well.
• Once a user clicks over the football field or Sewall center, they will notice an event is going on that day when that building has a red marker over it, allowing for an easy way to scroll over the entire campus for current events happening.
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The RMU Underground App can provide students with increased opportunities to attend tutoring and open lab sessions by allowing professors and other students to post these events which will be delivered to students within seconds, allowing them ample time to plan ahead and attend. • The RMU Underground App can also be beneficial in regards to education, allowing
professors and students to post tutoring sessions scheduled to take place that day or upcoming days.
• All too often students struggling in a particular class were not notified of a tutoring session or open lab (for biology and nursing majors) in time to attend.
• The RMU App will allow for this information to be transmitted within seconds allowing the users to find and locate the sessions with ample time to attend.
• Similarly to the notifications for sporting events, the tutoring sessions will also be displayed on the main screen of the app, sent as a message to students, and be displayed as a red marker over the location on the interactive map.
Event Listings- 26
4/25/2013 Privacy - 27
The GPS portion of the RMU Underground App can bring about privacy and safety concerns involving the student population, however the “invisible” option on the app allows the location of the student to be hidden to others while still be viewed by the police for emergencies.
• The RMU Underground App uses GPS navigation which can bring about questions regarding privacy and safety.
• During an interview with Jeff Schmetzer (member of the RMU police dept.) concern for students safety was top priority and a main issue surrounding adoption of the app.
• The RMU Underground App however has an option on the main screen where students who have the app can become “invisible” to others. Ensuring their privacy in that no one can see where they are located on campus.
• Though students may be “invisible” to others their location is still visible to the RMU police department in case of emergency.
4/25/2013 Safety - 28
Due to the almost instant communication provided through the RMU Underground App in the case of an emergency students and police are notified of the incident within seconds, while the GPS function provides the location of students and the threat.
• The RMU Underground App provides many benefits to the campus police and to students in regards to emergency situations.
• On every login, students will notice a “SHOUT” button which is used for extreme emergencies incase someone does break in the building or if there’s a fire, etc. it acts as a good safety measure and according to Jeff Schmetzer ( RMU police) is a reason for adopting the app.
• Once a shout is sent, everyone in the building gets an alert sent instantly to their phone, almost like a loud ringtone.
• Once a shout is pressed, whoever activated it must enter their user id and password again and type the message or reason of the alert.
• The Underground App goes on instant lockdown, police are notified instantly, and your GPS / Location is sent to police so they know exactly where you and approximately the number of people in each building.
4/25/2013 Safety- 29
To get an idea of how EMS members would feel about our app, we interviewed a retired firefighter. James Ivancik said that the app would be useful in an emergency.
• Interview with retired career firefighter, James Ivancik. Now a volunteer firefighter after retiring from the Ambridge Fire Department.
• When asked if app would be useful, Ivancik responded yes. Said would help to locate students and the dept. would know how many personnel are required to rescue people involved.
• When asked about the ease, he said that the ease of our app cannot be underestimated in an emergency.
• Mr. Ivancik said that it would be worth putting time and effort into because it would make the fire departments response more efficient and help to reduce the number of casualties.
• Mr. Ivancik said that he would not make any changes to our app but likes that the ability to zoom in on specific buildings is important and would be helpful to the search process.
4/25/2013 Abnormal Usage- 30
The RMU Underground App may face some abnormal challenges.
• Users may misuse the app by looking up where and when they would be in a particular building, though students can prevent this within the privacy settings.
• The app may add another distraction factor to students while in the class.• The event network could not be up to date for events that may be cancelled.• The professor rating function could be given false information about professors.
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Due to the overload of information and potential for user error, the app could cause direct denial of service.• The huge amount of information with updates, locations, and virtual map updates
may overload the network causing it to slow down.• If RMU Underground is tied to the RMU web server, this potentially could cause an
extreme slow down in bandwidth throughout the campus.• Since students are assisting in developing the app, they can possibly obtain other
user’s information.
Abnormal Usage- 31
4/25/2013 Stakeholder Analysis- 32
Stakeholder Influence Benefits Resistance
Students-General High Communication, navigation, scheduling, event planning
Always located, possible security threats, technology required
Students-Technology Medium New honors program, real experience
Uninterested in mobile development, time constraints
Administration High Increased exposure, prestige, increase in enrollment
Cost, security threats
Staff Medium Ease of communication with students
Distraction to students
Potential stakeholders will have an influence on the overall success of the app.
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Students will be the target audience for the app, and will be the measure of success.
• The success of the app will be determined by the percentage of students using it.• Students will have full access to the app's functions, including the 3d rendered
map, the event network and communication with classmates.• Students may take issue with the live updating of position and the possible security
threats, which leave personal information vulnerable.• Users must have the proper technology to actually use the app.
Stakeholder Analysis- 33
Students in technology fields will have a new projectinvolved with the app after its completion.
• A certain group of technology students will be allowed to maintain and develop the app further after completion; as such they will hold an important stake.
• This new project would attract students by offering a chance to get real experience in their field in exchange for credit.
• However, the project must be led by students, and should no students be qualified or want to participate, the program will stagnate.
4/25/2013 Stakeholder Analysis- 34
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The possibility of the project itself hinges on the administration. Increased exposure and enrollment are major factors in their decision.
• The administration will be the group responsible for actually enacting a plan to create the app.
• The development of this app would increase RMU's exposure in the world of technology.
• The increased exposure and prestige would entice more prospective students to study here in the field of technology.
• Software development can get expensive, and this could hold back the project.• Having so much personal information in one place could be a security risk, and a
breach could mean lawsuits.
Stakeholder Analysis- 35
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Faculty and staff will also have access to that app, though less than students. Use of the app may be discouraged.
• The staff will have limited access to the app, and thus will hold less influence than others.
• The app will allow for a new means of communication to students, for example, in the event class is moved or canceled.
• Functions of the app itself provide a new distraction for students, possibly deterring use.
Stakeholder Analysis- 36
4/25/2013 Development Risk- 37
The possibility of an insufficient infrastructure could lead to costly renovations.
• During development, it may be discovered that the current infrastructure at RMU is inadequate to handle so many requests.
• At this point, upgrading the infrastructure itself would be beneficial anyway.• Replacing current access points and Ethernet with more modern technology would
alleviate this issue.• This would fundamentally increase the cost of the project.
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Due to the project being maintained by students, there is a possibility that the app's code could be broken.
• After the project is completed, students will take over maintenance and further development.
• There is a possibility that during this new program, a student could break the program beyond repair.
• Standard procedure will be to keep a working copy at the beginning of the semester and only roll out new versions when absolutely complete and necessary.
• The students working on the project will be those chosen by faculty who show the ability to work on a delicate project such as this.
Development Risk- 38
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There is a possibility that no students will be available to maintain the project, so outside help can be hired.
• The new project will only involve students qualified to do so, and will be entirely optional.
• As a result, there is a possibility that no students qualify for the project in a semester, or no students volunteer for the project.
• The project will then be effectively put on hold, though still monitored by staff.• In the event it is needed, RMU can outsource maintenance and upgrading.
Development Risk- 39
4/25/2013 Teacher and Student- 40
The class network allows students and professors to communicate during and out of class, ensuring guidance for every project or challenge a student may face every semester.
• If a student needs help with an assignment or simply doesn’t understand it, he or she could message someone who’s also in the class.
• Class chat rooms are always open and can only be accessed by any student who is scheduled in that class, which eliminates the need to create a forum elsewhere on a third party application.
• Class chat rooms will be always active during and after class hours to ensure 24/7 availability of assistance for each student.
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The class network can also be utilized by professors allowing them to post home work assignments and assist students with questions or problems they might have.
• Professors will be able to login to RMU Underground and post assignments for each class they’re teaching throughout the semester.
• Students are able to send professors direct messages through the app, allowing future assistance and questioning on assignments.
• Utilizing class networks will also help eliminate possible late work for students who miss class due to illness or family emergency.
Teacher and Student- 41
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The day in the life of our RMU Underground App will assist students in a more convenient, effective way ensuring their experience and tuition is well spent.
• Every semester, students can effectively locate and pin point their exact registered classroom through our navigation portal.
• Students have access to professors teaching the courses and are able to view ratings and comments for that particular professor.
• Students are able to message and communicate with other students who commented and rated that specific professor on their teaching ability.
• Students will also have direct access to their RMU email and messaging system integrated within the app.
• Students can also view other peers who are registered for that same class as well, determined if their class schedule is shown and not hidden.
Teacher and Student- 42
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The event network will bring a whole new meaning to student involvement for daily and monthly activities throughout each semester.
• Students can get more involved into RMU’s 85+ student organizations, clubs, and intramural sports.
• The office of student life can develop and coordinate student programs directly through our app, with live updated events for every location around campus.
• Having the opportunity for everyone to participate in a intramural and club sports event ensures students that RMU values student involvement.
• The Jefferson Health and Fitness Club could also have events listed for training sessions, which will encourage those students to utilize one of the many free amenities the university offers.
Teacher and Student- 43
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The RMU Career center can fully integrate their services into assisting students in successful, challenging, and meaningful careers.
• Career and counseling sessions can be posted and noted for upcoming days and times.
• Students can customize which careers and degree programs they’re in, which allows them to view proper job openings and positions through ColonialTRAK.
• Students can also view a list of upcoming services and resources for career development, which includes development skills such as Resume Writing, Interviewing and Job Search Strategies.
• The office of student civic engagement can post and notify students of possible volunteering activities which will offer them an excellent way to adapt to work environments and to test out skills learned in classrooms.
Teacher and Student- 44
4/25/2013 Student Survey- 45
The RMU Underground App survey was given out to fifty students to calculate the actuality of the Apps convenience to its students.
• Those who responded to the Underground RMU survey consisted of 28 men and 22 women.
• The students who responded were given at random in which the majority of the students ranged in 18-24 years old.
• The Underground RMU App survey was directed towards students of all backgrounds to figure out how convenient the app would be to it’s fellow students as well as perspective students.
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To figure out who should sponsor the RMU Underground App a question was asked to see what type of phones students primarily use. It was calculated that majority of students own iPhones.
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%
What type of phone do you primarily use?
What type of phone do youprimarily use?
Student Survey- 46
4/25/2013
Overall students said that the RMU Underground App would be very useful and improve student life at Robert Morris University.
• Most students stated that they would use the app at least 1-4 times a day, and more than 10% of the students said that they would use it more than 5 times a day.
• Students agreed that the Underground RMU App would increase their social involvement (clubs, sports, extracurricular activities) with a majority of 80% either saying yes or maybe. With only 14% saying no or they are not sure.
• Almost half of the students that took the survey said that the RMU Underground App would improve their academic performance.
• 98% of Students agreed that the Underground RMU App would benefit potential students. Comments were made such as “Great Idea!” and “It sounds very cool, and I hope I get to use it before I graduate!”.
Student Survey- 47
Appendix
1 Intro2-5 Need for App related to students6-8 Need for App related to university9-12 Development13-14 Communication Plan15 Goals16-19 3D Touring Function20-22 Map and Floor Plan Function23 Portal Function
24 Professor Search Function25-26 Event listings Function27 Privacy28-29 Safety Integration30-31 Abnormal Usage32-36 Stakeholder Analysis37-39 Development Risks40-44 Teacher and Student Interaction45-47 Student Survey
4/25/2013 Appendix - 48
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Questions?