DSDN 112: Project 2

Navigation Interface
Research

For the first studio session we had for this project, we were properly introduced to the second and last project for this paper. For this weeks homework, we are asked to have 3 concepts for our app. I have research around, having a look at existing apps, existing gadgets and have a fair few ideas that come to mind. But with this project there are 2 choices for us, we can either create an app for this modern day, or one that will be used later on in the distant futuristic future. I am still unsure on what my 3 main ideas will be yet, so I', just going to clear my mind of every idea I have and develop them to better ones later. 

Here are my modern day ideas:

I wanted to focus solely on the idea of using and incorporating this app idea, into everyone's iPhone, smart phone or android. To create an app just solely for students who need to navigate their way around the campus of Victoria University of Wellington. My first app idea is going to require me to walk around the whole Kelburn campus, and take photos similar to google street view. This way, the student will know where to go and what the place exactly looks like. The different idea with this app, is that it is a downloadable one which means it doesn't require internet access, just a one time download and then you can set your 2 location, point A to point B giving you the best directions to go with the hallway views.

The second idea is similar to the last one, but more simplified. Instead of real images used, it is more of a animated version of the map. Pretty much a simple walk here then walk there, turn right etc direction system. Using the exact map but all computer generated and drawn images instead of real life photos.

With every great idea there are always cons that go along with it. One thing I know for sure is that the hallways or building itself changes and aren't always exact, like the major construction that's going on at the moment near the library in Kelburn. If the app were to come out now, it wouldn't be perfect say in a years time. This will mean a lot of constant updates for the users which require a lot of downloading. I have an iPhone at the moment and believe it's annoying enough having to update all the apps I have. 

Here are my futuristic ideas:

Have you watched the latest blockbuster Total Recall? Directed by Len Wisemen and starring Colin Farrell. It is a science fiction/futuristic film, where there was a part of the film that caught my interest, and everyone else's for that matter. They had a mini 'cellphone' held on the inside of their palm/hand, where they could make phone calls. But the fascinating thing that happened was whenever they put their hand flat on the glass, a little screen would pop up on the glass like a hologram type of thing. They were able to interact with it, make video calls as well. An idea of this could be incorporated to my app idea of the future, where students can place their hand on glass, and use this new invention to find their way around using the in-built navigation within the palm of their hand. Developing this idea more, I could have this used on all different types of surfaces, like a table for example using a simple infrared hologram, like the ones we have today.