INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

This chapter concentrates on the development of the mobile app which particularizes each interaction discussed in Chapter 4. The interaction between each interface has a physical and virtual repercussion on the user for example, when an emergency has occurred and the submitter activates the emergency protocol, each user receives a notification to evacuate, the application calculates the appropriate route for each user according to their current position within the premises.

This scenario has either virtual and physical actions with repercussion that are explained as follows:

1. Emergency occurrence - Physical 2. Submitter activates protocol - Physical 3. Mobile app calculates route for submitter - Virtual 4. Signal/notification to all users - Virtual 5. Followers receiving notification - Physical 6. Mobile app acquiring location of each user - Virtual 7. Calculation of route to each user - Virtual 8. Users following calculated routes - Physical 9. Mobile app updating location of users and additional occurrences in real time - Virtual

Figure 63 represents the mobile app as an exploded version which illustrates the multiple windows the user is able to access. These windows are explained in depth in Chapter 4 with an overview below for the readers comfort.

• Registration: This is the interface for both the user and the company to gain access to the service provided by the mobile app. The information required by the user is their personal information along with details required for the next of kin in case of emergency. The data obtained from the companies registration allows for building plans to be made available once an emergency has occurred.

• Basic Interface: The basic interface or home screen allows the user to access their profile where they are able to update their personal information and that of their next of kin. The drop-down menu allows the user to access the settings, give feedback on how to improve the app and explore the infromation to learn more about the app.

• QR Scan: This screen can be accessed by tapping anywhere on the home screen and makes provision for users to scan the provided QR of each building they visit to enable live tracking within the building. Once the user has gained access to the building they are still able to access their profile and settings but the push notification function has been made available.

• Push Notification: This function is available to all user who scan the QR code, which allows any user to report an emergency occurrence within the premises. When the push notification is activated, a signal is broadcast to all users within the facility, notifying them of the current emergency. Users are able to disable this function by scanning the exit QR code available at reception when exiting the building. The function will automatically be disabled at COB (Close of Business). This will require people working overtime or into the night to rescan the QR code to regain access to this fuction.

• Navigation: The guidance system will be activated when the push notification has been initiated. The navigation will split up between the submitter and the receivers/followers.

The submitter will receive a calculated navigation from the point of submitting the emergency which will guide the user to safety. The receivers will receive a notification of the emergency occurrence and will be prompted to follow where a route will be calculated for the receivers to the nearest exit.

All users can comment on additional occurrences along the way which will be received by all users. Their routes will be recalculated accordingly to avoid additional occurrences.

The navigational system will lead all users to safety outside the building, but users are responsible for gathering at the predetermined assembly points allocated by management.