GENERATE IDEAS FOR A NEW INTERACTIVE MEDIA PRODUCT FOR A CLIENT BRIEF
My app Idea:
My idea is to create an app for the Cambridge City Council which will allow tourists and visitors of Cambridge to gain information about the city. This will give them information regarding shopping locations, tourist visits and it will provide them with a map to help them get around. This links to my brief because it will be created on a interactive multi-media product, such as mobile devices but could also be adapted to an informational kiosk.
This means that the app will give ideas about locations to visit, activities to do and places to shop. The app could provide this information depending on what type of experience the user wants and how they would like to view the city. The main purpose/function of the app would be to give out information about different locations, visits, shops and tourist attractions within Cambridge and it could create a personal experience considering that they don't know where they are.
There will be a few different interactive features within the app, this is to engage the audience and keep them interested in the app. So I will use a quiz feature which will test the knowledge of the user on Cambridge, the questions will be based on places they can visit and information provided within the app.
My idea is to create an app for the Cambridge City Council which will allow tourists and visitors of Cambridge to gain information about the city. This will give them information regarding shopping locations, tourist visits and it will provide them with a map to help them get around. This links to my brief because it will be created on a interactive multi-media product, such as mobile devices but could also be adapted to an informational kiosk.
This means that the app will give ideas about locations to visit, activities to do and places to shop. The app could provide this information depending on what type of experience the user wants and how they would like to view the city. The main purpose/function of the app would be to give out information about different locations, visits, shops and tourist attractions within Cambridge and it could create a personal experience considering that they don't know where they are.
There will be a few different interactive features within the app, this is to engage the audience and keep them interested in the app. So I will use a quiz feature which will test the knowledge of the user on Cambridge, the questions will be based on places they can visit and information provided within the app.
Purpose:
The purpose of my application is to help people plan their visit to the City of Cambridge. For example, the app could provide the user with information on a topic which they want to know information about. Another feature purpose of the app could be to help students who are new to Cambridge, this is because it give out a lot of information about the area. Also it provides a map to help the user navigate the city and prevent them from getting lost. I will provide information about all of the locations and latest things which are happening in Cambridge (events). This is all designed to inform and provide the user with information which will help them get around Cambridge, whilst giving historical facts and places for them to visit.
Client Needs:
My client is the Cambridge City Council, and the Cambridge City Council wants to utilise advancements in modern technology and want to use these to advertise the City of Cambridge and provide information about the city to people of what is available to do and places for them to visit within Cambridge. The council have asked for a new interactive multi-media product to be developed that is able to be viewed on a number of devices. I have chosen to create an app which targets people (spesificaly tourists) and anyone else who doesn't know much about Cambridge. These people should be eathier visiting or moving to Cambridge and it is going to tell them about Cambridge and it's many different aspects.
The client has specifically stated that the app must do the following:
To make sure that my application does feature these above, I will make sure that the application is available and optimized for Apple Devices (specifically Iphone 8), eventually the app will be able to be modified to be used on other devices (Ipads and Android devices). The app will be able to raise the profile of Cambridge by being available on these multiple platforms and available online/offline. The app will also give hyperlinks to different estabkishments within Cambridge and it will raise the individual profile of different places and businesses in Cambridge.
It will also be providing the latest information about the different places within Cambridge, the information wont be any older than 6 months and it will give you key information about things such as location, opening and closing times and what type of entertainment the place provides. The app will also give hyperlinks to websites of the place which the user is looking at. This means that the user will be able to access even more information about Cambridge.
The client has specifically stated that the app must do the following:
- Raise the profile of Cambridge on the internet
- Be a source of information for locals about what events are happening.
To make sure that my application does feature these above, I will make sure that the application is available and optimized for Apple Devices (specifically Iphone 8), eventually the app will be able to be modified to be used on other devices (Ipads and Android devices). The app will be able to raise the profile of Cambridge by being available on these multiple platforms and available online/offline. The app will also give hyperlinks to different estabkishments within Cambridge and it will raise the individual profile of different places and businesses in Cambridge.
It will also be providing the latest information about the different places within Cambridge, the information wont be any older than 6 months and it will give you key information about things such as location, opening and closing times and what type of entertainment the place provides. The app will also give hyperlinks to websites of the place which the user is looking at. This means that the user will be able to access even more information about Cambridge.
Target Audience and their needs:
The Target audience for my app will be tourists visiting who are of the ages 20+, they will also be of both genders. They will also be of Middle Class and above, they will also may have a family. They would be from abroad visiting England, they could be coming to Cambridge for a day or few. Because my app is for use of many people, I will have to make sure that it appeals to a varying audience. To do this I will have to create a few factors within my app that appeal to this audience but also focuses on my target audience.
These are:
All of the points I mentioned above are orientated to the client's brief. This is because the Client wants an application which is easy to use and gives out information about Cambridge to the user. All of these points clearly are focused on the clients brief and it shows I will be adding clear interactive features which allows the user to access the information provided in the app. It also shows that the application can be used on a kiosk format.
These are:
- A search bar, so people can find things quick and easy
- Video clips and photos, for aesthetic and also will help the user
- Easy to use, so anyone can use the app
- Recommendations, sights and shops
- A quiz on the history and facts of Cambridge
- Background information
- Embedded Google Maps, so people can find locations
All of the points I mentioned above are orientated to the client's brief. This is because the Client wants an application which is easy to use and gives out information about Cambridge to the user. All of these points clearly are focused on the clients brief and it shows I will be adding clear interactive features which allows the user to access the information provided in the app. It also shows that the application can be used on a kiosk format.
Content:
In my app, I plan to have a few different interactive features. I will also include features which aren't interactive, these are backgrounds, text and images. The interactive features are:
On my app, I will have a menu at the bottom which links all of the pages together. This allows the user quick access from each page should they wish to know/do something else. The buttons will be for the pages: Home, Map, Info, Quiz, Grand Arcade and Visits. I intend to create this by creating individual icons which clearly identify each page and is easy to use. This will help with the navigagtion for the app and improve the overall user experience.
- Map- I will use a map within my application, this will be designed to help the user navigate the city of Cambridge. This is very important for my application, the reason for this is that the app is designed to help people know about Cambridge, and this will help them find places that they want to go. This will allow the user to be more relaxed whilst visiting the city, and it will make everything familiar.
- Video- I will be using a Promotional Video for Cambridge within the application, this will help the user to gain more information whilst visualising locations which they may go and visit. This will also help to create tourist attraction to some locations as it promotes those places.
- Quiz- I am planning to use a Quiz within my application, this will test the user on information which I have provided them within the app. This will help the user to understand the city of Cambridge better and make them feel more confident when going around the city.
- Scrollable text - Within my application I will include scrollable text, this will help me to include information in one page, which will help me promote the city more and allow the user to gain more information.
On my app, I will have a menu at the bottom which links all of the pages together. This allows the user quick access from each page should they wish to know/do something else. The buttons will be for the pages: Home, Map, Info, Quiz, Grand Arcade and Visits. I intend to create this by creating individual icons which clearly identify each page and is easy to use. This will help with the navigagtion for the app and improve the overall user experience.
Format:
The format which I wish to create my application for is the iPhone 7. This is because this device is the latest Apple iPhone model and it has the most recent released iPhone IOS version. Therefore the format I will be using is designed for IOS, I will also use this as I own an IOS device and I am familiar with the format. This is also a good format to create my application on as it is good for the user because it is simple and easy to use. It also has a large user base so many people can download the app. Apple stated in 2015 that apple had sold over 700 million iPhones, this shows that it has a large user base and would be great for me to create my app on this platform.
Platform Budget:
As most professional apps cost quite a lot to create, I will have to create this application on a low budget. I would typically need a few people to help me with the creation of this application, but as I am on tight budget I will need to do a lot of this myself. A typical coder would cost around about £40, but as this is a really simple app to create, I will do this myself. Also, if I wish to use photos, I will either need to hire a photographer or gain permission for photos I wish to use. I could take the photos myself, but they wouldn't look as professional. To host my application, I will need to hire a hoster. These can have a price range of around £2 up to £10, which isn't very much. Also, my app could be vulnerable to others claiming rights or copying it, to prevent this I will need to apply for a Patent. To get one of these I will need to approach the government and apply for one. There isn't and available price which I could find but I am aware that there will be one when applying for a Patent.
Specification Documents:
Generating Ideas:
Rough outline designs:
Moodboard:
Moodboard by Oscar JH Carter on Scribd
Navigation Map:
Storyboard:
PRODUCE A PLAN FOR THE CREATION OF THE INTERACTIVE MEDIA PRODUCT FROM THE GENERATED IDEAS
Work plan (e.g. GANTT chart, resources, tasks)
Gant Chart by Oscar JH Carter on Scribd
Idea generation (e.g. mind mapping, mood boards)
Commercial considerations (e.g. sponsor, advertising space)
For my application I will be able to have room for commercial considerations, such as sponsorship. This could be done on my visits page as I will be showing things which can be done around Cambridge. I could gain money from Event owners who wish to have their event featured or advertised on that page. This could promote their event as it will cause interest in my app users to go and visit that event. However, there is the issue that I could promote a product without the permission of the product owner. This could leave me with a fine for using copyrighted images and information. Also it goes against the intellectual property act as I am stealing someone else's company and work.
For my Application in regards to Commercial considerations, I could get another sponsor such as Scudamore's Punting Company. They could advertise my application at one of their sites, I can also advertise their company on my application and possibly creating an offer for that company. Such as £5.00 off a Punt with Scudamores when show this page on you Cellar device to an employee.
For my application I will be able to have room for commercial considerations, such as sponsorship. This could be done on my visits page as I will be showing things which can be done around Cambridge. I could gain money from Event owners who wish to have their event featured or advertised on that page. This could promote their event as it will cause interest in my app users to go and visit that event. However, there is the issue that I could promote a product without the permission of the product owner. This could leave me with a fine for using copyrighted images and information. Also it goes against the intellectual property act as I am stealing someone else's company and work.
For my Application in regards to Commercial considerations, I could get another sponsor such as Scudamore's Punting Company. They could advertise my application at one of their sites, I can also advertise their company on my application and possibly creating an offer for that company. Such as £5.00 off a Punt with Scudamores when show this page on you Cellar device to an employee.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
My Graphical User Interface (GUI) has to be very easy to use and view, this is because my age range for my target audience is quite big. This will allow different ages of people to use the application because if it is easy to use then almost anyone can use it. To make sure that the GUI is basic and understandable enough, I will make sure that there are only a few pages (I will be using six) as it is easy to navigate and remember. Also, the Icons and buttons need to be understandable in what their purpose is. This will help the user know what they are about to do before doing so. I aim for my Graphical User Interface to be as visually and aesthetically pleasing as it possibly can, this is because many people will be using this and interacting with the features. If it doensn't look like this it will put people off from using it and make them want to use another application. In the written areas, I need to ensure that all of my text is readable and correct. If I have any spelling mistakes, it will put the users off as they may think that they are using an app which isn't completed to a professional standard.
I have downloaded an application which is very similar to the one which I want to create. This application is called Cambridge Travel Guide and Offline city Map. This application will help with inspiration when creating my application, this is because it has a very simple GUI and that is the style that I would like to go for. The app has very aesthetically pleasing images of Cambridge and all the buttons are simple and easy to understand. This app has a professional look to it which I wish to go for. So I am hoping that my app will look like this once it is complete.
My Graphical User Interface (GUI) has to be very easy to use and view, this is because my age range for my target audience is quite big. This will allow different ages of people to use the application because if it is easy to use then almost anyone can use it. To make sure that the GUI is basic and understandable enough, I will make sure that there are only a few pages (I will be using six) as it is easy to navigate and remember. Also, the Icons and buttons need to be understandable in what their purpose is. This will help the user know what they are about to do before doing so. I aim for my Graphical User Interface to be as visually and aesthetically pleasing as it possibly can, this is because many people will be using this and interacting with the features. If it doensn't look like this it will put people off from using it and make them want to use another application. In the written areas, I need to ensure that all of my text is readable and correct. If I have any spelling mistakes, it will put the users off as they may think that they are using an app which isn't completed to a professional standard.
I have downloaded an application which is very similar to the one which I want to create. This application is called Cambridge Travel Guide and Offline city Map. This application will help with inspiration when creating my application, this is because it has a very simple GUI and that is the style that I would like to go for. The app has very aesthetically pleasing images of Cambridge and all the buttons are simple and easy to understand. This app has a professional look to it which I wish to go for. So I am hoping that my app will look like this once it is complete.
Product navigation map Storyboarding of pages/screens
Accessibility - how will the user access the content?
I plan to make my application have really easy access, this is so it overall improves the user experience of the application. I will have a simple menu at the bottom of the application, this will make the application really easy to navigate. I will make sure that the buttons are really easy to navigate because I will use simple understandable Icons and label them too. There will be 7 different Icons in the menu at the bottom of the screen, these will be for; Home Page, Map, Information, The Grand Arcade, more - Which leads to Quiz and Visits. The user will simply be able to scroll thought the text features giving them the best accessible experience possible. The application will be available on the iPhone 7 and eventually all IOS devices.
I plan to make my application have really easy access, this is so it overall improves the user experience of the application. I will have a simple menu at the bottom of the application, this will make the application really easy to navigate. I will make sure that the buttons are really easy to navigate because I will use simple understandable Icons and label them too. There will be 7 different Icons in the menu at the bottom of the screen, these will be for; Home Page, Map, Information, The Grand Arcade, more - Which leads to Quiz and Visits. The user will simply be able to scroll thought the text features giving them the best accessible experience possible. The application will be available on the iPhone 7 and eventually all IOS devices.
Interactivity - what actually are the interactive bits on the App?
Within my applications, I will include many different methods of interactivity and entertainment of the users. First example, I will have a quiz, which will be the biggest form of interaction and entertainment provided in the application. The questions in the quiz will be quite simple, but also related to Cambridge. Also, considering the questions, I ensured that they are suitable for people of all ages, which means my app will be accessible to anyone who is visiting Cambridge. There is also a map in the application which will help the users navigate Cambridge, it will also show them key areas and link information which could be helpful for getting around and the places they may see. There will be other forms of interaction, there will be a video which the users can watch which provides them with some key information on the City of Cambridge, and also some of the text will be interactive too. The main menu system is another form of interaction, as this allows the users to select which page they want to go to, and see where everything is. This is done via clickable icons and therefore allows this interaction.
Within my applications, I will include many different methods of interactivity and entertainment of the users. First example, I will have a quiz, which will be the biggest form of interaction and entertainment provided in the application. The questions in the quiz will be quite simple, but also related to Cambridge. Also, considering the questions, I ensured that they are suitable for people of all ages, which means my app will be accessible to anyone who is visiting Cambridge. There is also a map in the application which will help the users navigate Cambridge, it will also show them key areas and link information which could be helpful for getting around and the places they may see. There will be other forms of interaction, there will be a video which the users can watch which provides them with some key information on the City of Cambridge, and also some of the text will be interactive too. The main menu system is another form of interaction, as this allows the users to select which page they want to go to, and see where everything is. This is done via clickable icons and therefore allows this interaction.
EXPLAIN THE LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES RELATING TO PRODUCT IDEAS
Legal issues:
Copyright:
Copyright is definitely an issue which will come up when I create my app. This is because I am planning to use pictures and different fonts, and if I use some that don’t belong to me I could face some Copyright issues. As the things that I need are likely to be copyrighted, there are only a few things that I can do. I can contact the original owner of the copyrighted item and ask for permission. However, there is a chance that they will want me to pay for these and this will be difficult as I am building this app on a small budget. I can also hire a photographer to take photos for me, but again this will take up a lot of my budget, so I may have to take the photos myself. Also, a font will also have to be considered for copyright issues, I may have to create my own font and then copyright it specially for the app, however this will be expensive as well. If I do use any of the above form someone else, I will have to make a contract specific to that agreement, this is so they can’t claim any of the money I make from the app. It is also so they can’t take the case to court if they think they have the rights to
the content after I bought it. Also, as the app itself could be re-created by others, so I will need to apply for a Patent to make sure that no one is able to re-create the app.
Copyright is definitely an issue which will come up when I create my app. This is because I am planning to use pictures and different fonts, and if I use some that don’t belong to me I could face some Copyright issues. As the things that I need are likely to be copyrighted, there are only a few things that I can do. I can contact the original owner of the copyrighted item and ask for permission. However, there is a chance that they will want me to pay for these and this will be difficult as I am building this app on a small budget. I can also hire a photographer to take photos for me, but again this will take up a lot of my budget, so I may have to take the photos myself. Also, a font will also have to be considered for copyright issues, I may have to create my own font and then copyright it specially for the app, however this will be expensive as well. If I do use any of the above form someone else, I will have to make a contract specific to that agreement, this is so they can’t claim any of the money I make from the app. It is also so they can’t take the case to court if they think they have the rights to
the content after I bought it. Also, as the app itself could be re-created by others, so I will need to apply for a Patent to make sure that no one is able to re-create the app.
Libel:
There are some potential issues around Liability when creating my app, this is because I will be talking about Cambridge and the people within it. Liable is the defamation of a character or place, which means giving out information about a person or place that is incorrect, thus causing a negative effect on the place or character. This would easily affect my app because I am supplying facts about Cambridge and people in it. To prevent this issue occurring, I will need to make sure that my facts are 100% correct and backed up by others. I will do this by researching in reliable sources, and backing their results up with another source. I will also write under information supplied where I got it form and the date. As I will also be adding a section which takes you to websites, there will be an information section with the supplied link. I will make sure that the information is quoted from the website's actual information section, that way my facts aren’t wrong and the website owners can’t complain.
There are some potential issues around Liability when creating my app, this is because I will be talking about Cambridge and the people within it. Liable is the defamation of a character or place, which means giving out information about a person or place that is incorrect, thus causing a negative effect on the place or character. This would easily affect my app because I am supplying facts about Cambridge and people in it. To prevent this issue occurring, I will need to make sure that my facts are 100% correct and backed up by others. I will do this by researching in reliable sources, and backing their results up with another source. I will also write under information supplied where I got it form and the date. As I will also be adding a section which takes you to websites, there will be an information section with the supplied link. I will make sure that the information is quoted from the website's actual information section, that way my facts aren’t wrong and the website owners can’t complain.
Intellectual Property Rights:
The intellectual property rights are very likely to affect my app. This is because I will be using images, fonts and other workers to help me with the creation of this app. The client will be the owner of the app as they are the ones paying for it to be created for them, so all the rights will go to them. As I could also use a photographer for the pictures, I will have to pay them to take the photos, so therefore those pictures don't belong to the photographer as they are under contract and are being payed to take them for me. Another issue will be the fonts, if i decide to create my own font and pay for it, it then belongs to me and no one else can use it. So I have to make sure that it has a patent so I have the rights to it. Also, it means that no one can sue me for using another font which I don’t have the rights to. As workers are possibly being payed to code for me (I will be the one coding), then their ideas will not have to be told to me. This is because they are under contract and they are being payed to come up with them, this is so they can't recreate the app with the knowledge of the app which I wish to create.
The intellectual property rights are very likely to affect my app. This is because I will be using images, fonts and other workers to help me with the creation of this app. The client will be the owner of the app as they are the ones paying for it to be created for them, so all the rights will go to them. As I could also use a photographer for the pictures, I will have to pay them to take the photos, so therefore those pictures don't belong to the photographer as they are under contract and are being payed to take them for me. Another issue will be the fonts, if i decide to create my own font and pay for it, it then belongs to me and no one else can use it. So I have to make sure that it has a patent so I have the rights to it. Also, it means that no one can sue me for using another font which I don’t have the rights to. As workers are possibly being payed to code for me (I will be the one coding), then their ideas will not have to be told to me. This is because they are under contract and they are being payed to come up with them, this is so they can't recreate the app with the knowledge of the app which I wish to create.
Personal Data Protection:
The Personal Data Protection Act will control how individuals personal information/data is used by a business or the government (information like bank details and addresses). I will not have to worry about this legal issue as my application will have no form of users putting in their personal data and sending it. As this legal issue isn't really relevant to me, I won't have to worry too much about it, but I will still have it in mind when I am creating my app.
The Personal Data Protection Act will control how individuals personal information/data is used by a business or the government (information like bank details and addresses). I will not have to worry about this legal issue as my application will have no form of users putting in their personal data and sending it. As this legal issue isn't really relevant to me, I won't have to worry too much about it, but I will still have it in mind when I am creating my app.
Identity Theft:
Identity theft won't be an issue when creating my app, this is because this legal issues can only happen when someone puts in their own personal information and someone else can see it. Or when someone can put in another person's details and then act like they are that person.
This won't be an issue in my app as I won't have a section where personal information can be imputed, but I will still make sure that I am considering this during the creation of my application.
Identity theft won't be an issue when creating my app, this is because this legal issues can only happen when someone puts in their own personal information and someone else can see it. Or when someone can put in another person's details and then act like they are that person.
This won't be an issue in my app as I won't have a section where personal information can be imputed, but I will still make sure that I am considering this during the creation of my application.
Cyber Stalking:
Cyber Stalking won’t be an issue when creating my application, this is because this legal issues can only happen when someone puts in their own personal information and someone else can see it. And they harass that user on the app or with the details inputted, another media platform. This won't be an issue in my app as I won't have a section where personal information can be imputed, but I will still make sure that I am considering this during the creation of my application.
Cyber Stalking won’t be an issue when creating my application, this is because this legal issues can only happen when someone puts in their own personal information and someone else can see it. And they harass that user on the app or with the details inputted, another media platform. This won't be an issue in my app as I won't have a section where personal information can be imputed, but I will still make sure that I am considering this during the creation of my application.
Ethical Issues:
Missrepresentation:
Misrepresentation is an Ethical issue which could possibly come up when creating my application. Misrepresentation is when a location or group of people are generalized, which will give off an impression which isn't true. This could be presented through photos or written information.
To prevent this Ethical issue from happening, I will make sure to include all groups of people and consider which photos to use thoroughly, I will also make sure not to give opinions on these groups and locations. I will also have it checked by a testing audience to make sure that these issues don't come up.
Misrepresentation is an Ethical issue which could possibly come up when creating my application. Misrepresentation is when a location or group of people are generalized, which will give off an impression which isn't true. This could be presented through photos or written information.
To prevent this Ethical issue from happening, I will make sure to include all groups of people and consider which photos to use thoroughly, I will also make sure not to give opinions on these groups and locations. I will also have it checked by a testing audience to make sure that these issues don't come up.
Decency:
Decency is another Ethical issue which I will have to consider when creating my application. I need to make sure that all the content I want to use is appropriate. My app needs to be appropriate for people of all ages, so I will look at some regulatory bodies and see what is needed. For example, I won't be able to show people talking drugs within my app. To make sure that the application is decent, I will test it agains the selected regulatory bodies and then also test it against an audience, they will check that the app is working and that none of the issues come up.
Decency is another Ethical issue which I will have to consider when creating my application. I need to make sure that all the content I want to use is appropriate. My app needs to be appropriate for people of all ages, so I will look at some regulatory bodies and see what is needed. For example, I won't be able to show people talking drugs within my app. To make sure that the application is decent, I will test it agains the selected regulatory bodies and then also test it against an audience, they will check that the app is working and that none of the issues come up.
JUSTIFY THE PLANNED INTERACTIVITY AND RANGE OF MEDIA CONTENT TO MEET A CLIENT BRIEF
My application is called "The Cambridge Guide" which will be an app to help new people discover Cambridge. The name will allow the audience to quickly know what this app is for. This will be easy to find aswell if someone was to search for something like this as the name is simple and very relevent to its topic. Here are the ideas I have come up with on how I plan the app to appear like.
This is the first logo / app icon I have created for the application. I really like this as it is very simple yet it is clear what the app is about. This will allow the audience to have a quick understanding on what the app is about. However, I feel that this colour may not be quite as aestheticaly pleasing for this application, as its very dark and not very happy looking. So I dont think that I will use this Icon for the application. |
This is the second logo / application icon I have created for my Cambridge application. I really like this more simplistic style of this logo and the overall design of this. The design is very simple and the colours are much more aesthticaly pleasing in comaprison to the black version I created earlier. This icon is very clear and it will allow the users to quickly understand this application. If they saw this on the app store it would be clear that this is an app for Cambridge.
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App Designs and Layout:
Interactive Benefits and Limitations in my application:
Benefits:
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Limitations:
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