Project Management MOTE MARINE AQUARIUM Team Si Sirena Bridging the gap between scientific research and society by developing an interactive mobile application for the users through its partner, the students of Ringling College of Art and Design.
Team Alexandra Holmes Andrea Longoria Elizabeth Brissette Nikelle Mackey
Mission Mote Marine Laboratories The Marine Policy Institute’s primary mission is to improve the connection between scientific research and society. This involves providing timely, credible policy assessments and advice to decision-makers and stakeholders. Analyses will include diverse aspects of an issue (marine science, economics, societal components) and the ramifications of potential solutions. The Institute synthesizes and integrates research from a diverse range of scientific disciplines in addition to conducting its own research on the societal aspects of marine science. It stimulates better communication among different stakeholder groups, translating and mediating wherever possible.
Project Management Our mission is to develop an engaging experience through a mobile application for the guests and patrons of Mote Marine Laboratory. Our objectives include: 1. Developing a prototype application 2. Educating patrons about Mote’s events, marine life, and exhibit content 3. Developing an application that may act as a fundraising touch point 4. Bringing awareness of Mote’s mission 5. Bringing awareness of extensive scientific research 6. Developing an engaging experience before, during, and after visiting the aquarium
Special thanks to Mote Marine Laboratories! Special thanks to Stacy and Aly!
Table of Contents Mission
Summary
About
Meet the Team
Milestone 1
Research Analysis on Existing Apps
Milestone 2
Stakeholder Analysis
Milestone 3
Prototype
Milestone 4
Work Breakdown
Milestone 5
Project Scope Brief
Milestone 6
Budget and Cost
Milestone 7
Risk Assessment
Milestone 8
Contingency Planning
Citation
Resources
Meet the Team Alexandra Holmes Allex Holmes. I make films for people who need a break from the stresses of reality, and gives them an escape to another world. Besides filmmaking, her passions are writing and photography. These three mediums, whether combined or separate, help her tell stories in a way that she loves, and in a way her audience will understand.
Andrea Longoria Andrea Longoria is a motivated individual who loves to learn and teach. People and goals motivate her, she is passionate about cultures, languages, and helping the environment. Andrea is passionate about marketing and business. Once she graduates, she would like to contribute to the world through social media, nonprofit organizations, sponsors, and donors. Andrea wants to make the world a more compassionate place by bettering education and future opportunities for children in need.
Elizabeth Brissette Elizabeth Brissette is a sophomore Business of Art and Design student. Elizabeth strives for entrepreneurship and wishes to create products and designs that give a greater meaning to consumerism and sustainability. Building the bridge between creativity and functionality while remaining fun will be my greatest achievement.
Nikelle Mackey Nikelle Mackey shares her stories through a kaleidoscope of different mediums. In a broad retrospect, she creates stories through media productions, particularly through digital illustrations, photography, written screenplays, written novels, films, and cosplay; with her overall favorite part being able to piece the story together. Nikelle loves to collaborate on story projects with people who share my passion for storytelling.
Milestone 1 Milestone 1 contains information about 8 different mobile apps that can be downloaded and analyzed. We grouped these apps into 5 different dimensions: menu map, interactive activities, social media experience, educational, and story. Each app contain similar content, but two apps stood out with very interesting features, the Smithsonian and the San Diego Zoo. The Smithsonian mobile app has an interactive feature that allows the user to create their own scrapbook. The San Diego Zoo app has many interesting features, but one is particularly effective. This feature updates interactive posts, thanking the zoo’s donors, sponsors, and patrons for their involvement.
Milestone 1 My Disney Experience My Disney Experience is an interactive smart phone or tablet application that assists guests while in the park as well as outside the park. People using the app are able to plan their next visit before they even reach the park.
Museum Fribourg Freiburg This application is multi-lingual which includes English, Italian, French and German. The application is quiet simple. It a with only has four tabs which include: guided tour, news, temporary exhibitions and practical information. This app provides information of unique objects exhibited in the Museum.
San Diego Zoo It provides educational information about the users favorite animals. The app includes easy ways to find information about their activities, dining, shows, shopping and more. It is also used as a type of social networks which also links their users to the popular social networks we know and use today. Additionally this app includes a live cam to give their users an option to go on a virtual journey.
Seafood Watch App This app provides the most current recommendations for seafood and sushi. Also it gives complete information about how each item should be fished or farmed. Users can contribute to the app, adding the names of restaurants and stores in the U.S. where they’ve found sustainable seafood.
National Parks by National Geographic National Parks by National Geographic is designed to interact with twenty-five of America’s most visited national parks. Included are photo galleries, visitor information, and maps.
Dolphin & Whale 911 by NOAA Help stranded or injured marine mammals with Dolphin & Whale 911 by NOAA. With live feedback and communication from oceanic research experts, you can save a life.
Milestone 1 See & ID Dolphins & Whales by NOAA See & I.D. Dolphins and Whales by NOAA provides extensive information on oceanic species at the touch of your finger tips. This free application will keep you entertained and informed with vivid pictures, descriptions, and locations of all different marine life.
MyGeoTrex The Arizona edition of MyGeoTrex allows access to content on the mobile device while visiting the Museum. When people are close by the museum exhibit, a pop up notification will appear on the screen of the app.
Louvre HD This app provides viewers with 400 of the Louvre’s most well-known paintings, allowing the customer to see all that the museum has to offer without leaving their home.
Smithsonian The Smithsonian Mobile app was built collaboratively with the museum’s visitors. With this app, people can search collections, access tours, podcasts and other apps. It uses augmented reality (AR) to share the behind-the-scenes work of the Smithsonian’s museums, research centers, libraries, archives, and affiliates in your neighborhood.
Explorer: American Museum of Natural History This app allows viewers to search through popular exhibits, learn more about tours, and locate food, shops, restrooms, and exits in the American Museum of Natural History.
Summary of Comparison Every app analyzed has its positive and negative features. We read several customer reviews to compare the quality and functionality of each app. The most commonly mentioned quality of the apps were their user-friendly appeal; reviewers valued a simple layout and easy-to-use menu. More complex applications were unanimously given negative reviews.
Title
Disney Experience
San Diego Zoo
National Parks
Smithsonian
Dimensions Menu and Map
Interactive, GPS Enabled map visiting the park. Generalized and restricted when outside the parks.
Directory includes: Visitors information, Exhibits, Animals, Map, Media.
Global and interactive map views with filtering by activity and seasonality.
Plan your visit with museum hours, locations, floor plans, and more. Tour collection highlights, watch videos, and listen to podcasts.
Interactive Activities
Get wait times for attractions and show times while Keep reservations and activities organized.
Shows videos and pictures of animals while giving you info on the animals. Able to share and write comments.
Sharing through Facebook, email, and Twitter.
Log in via Facebook or Twitter to comment on our museums, collections, exhibitions, and artifacts.
Social Media Experience
Add activities to your Wish List and share plans with others through Family & Friends.
A link to follow them on twitter, send them an email, a message, has a link that takes you to their facebook.
Personalized user space to track your favorite parks, activities, itineraries, photos, and more.
Augmented reality to discover the behindthe-scenes work of the Smithsonian’s, and affiliates in your neighborhood.
Educational
Find character greeting locations and times.
Updates posted to people thanking for donations. Has their own news explaining how they help the animals and community.
Photo tips from National Geographic photographers and Stunning photo galleries for each park.
Search our collections to make connections between museums, history, art, and science.
Story
View FASTPASS return times for the park you’re in.
Experience with the apps and watch videos, pictures and see the different exhibits and map.
Collectible park stamps.
“Favorite” events and exhibitions to create your own custom tour or scrapbook of your visit.
Title
NHM Fribourg
MyGeoTrex
Louvre HD
AMNH Explorer
Dimensions Menu and Map
Map that shows you how to get to the museum, a plan of the museum, library opening hours, address and phone number.
Event schedule notification within any GeoTrexpedition.
2300 paintings of more than 800 masters of painting.
Museum routes and directions to exhibits, a cafe, or anywhere else in the Museum using the quickest route possible.
Interactive Activities
Important information of selection of interesting and unique objects exhibited in the museum.
Single application provides access to unlimited venues.
Adding paintings to My favorites.
Museum highlights or in-depth guided tours, Bookmark own tours, and experience digital exhibits.
Social Media Experience
Showcases different rooms, pictures and explanations of the animals.
Facebook and Twitter links.
Downloadable content, social media. Publication of paintings on Facebook.
Share an interesting exhibit through email, Facebook, or Twitter.
Multi-language capable.
Multi-language capable.
Download of paintings in high resolution and access to HD versions of paintings.
Learn more about select items from the Museum’s vast collection during visits or browse exhibits from anywhere in the world.
Guided tours for exhibits.
Full Trex creation management from the MyGeoTrex website.
Separation of paintings by genres and authors.
Fossil Treasure Hunt: Use clues to find specimens and exhibits in the Museum’s fossil halls.
Educational
Story
Milestone 1 Field Research Before heading down to Mote Marine Laboratory, our team prepared questions to the guests, faculty, and volunteers. Each team asked the same questions at different days and different times before coming back together to compare results.
Prepared Questions 1.
What questions to you ask the most here at Mote Marine?
2.
What would you use to an app after visiting Mote Marine?
3.
What would you want in an app while you are visiting?
4.
What is your favorite exhibit?
5.
What is appealing about the Aquarium?
6.
What social media websites are you using?
7.
What programs are you visiting?
8.
How did you hear about Mote Marine?
9.
Did you know there is a diner here?
10.
Did you know you could do events here?
Research Log Day: February 6th, 2014: Thursday Afternoon
Day: February 7th, 2014: Friday Morning
People Interviewed: 11 people
People Interviewed: 11 people
Top Key Observations
Top Key Observations
1. Photos being taken
1. Photos being taken constantly
2. Adults reading all the information
2. Reading of the signs
3. Kids reading only the shorter texts
3. Pointing at various things
4. Interactive areas were always explored
4. Kids sometimes cannot see lower exhibits and must be lifted up
5. Doing all interactive activities such as:
5. Videos being taken (Not as common as photos)
a. Touching the animals
6. Communication with volunteers
b. Feeding the sharks (most of them that came in families)
7. Touching exhibits/ animals
c. Finding the animals in the tanks
8. Looking for fish within tanks
6. Many visitors ask questions to volunteers
9. Attracted to the shark feedings
7. People gathered around tank when animals were fed
10. 6th graders on field trip doing scavenger hunt
8. Most visitors took time to read the signs next to exhibits
11. Lots of pulling people over to different areas to share information
9. Favorite exhibits seemed to be shark tank and jellyfish
12. People liked to read names of fish and then say them out loud
10. Not a lot of visitors in the late afternoon
13. Not a lot of reading (Especially icon keys) during the temporary exhibition
11. Visitors engaged in conversation with volunteers 14. Lots of questions regarding past visits from customer to volunteers 12. More visitors outside--most likely wrapping up their trip 15. No one chose to acknowledge aspects beyond their visual interests 13. Visitors took their time exploring all of the exhibits
Milestone 1 Field Research On Thursday, during our field research we observed many of the adults reading carefully the information on each animal in the aquarium. The adults also engaged in any interactive activities, they seemed as intrigued and excited about the animals as much as the children were, just less obvious.
Then on Friday most of the research we observed was people trying to interact with the animals. The children were fascinated, and seemed to want the animals to acknowledge them. We also observed a group of school children working on an assignment. The children ran in every direction looking for fun facts and information for their worksheets, while also enjoying the exhibits. When the staff and volunteers of Mote Marine came out to either feed, clean, or play with the animals, groups of people would gather and watch the interaction.
Milestone 2
Milestone 2 Key Stakeholders Mote Marine Laboratories has many trusted stakeholders, including patrons, sponsors, benefactors, captains and partners, who contribute to Mote Marine extensive research and education outreach programs. The stakeholders importance with decision making and budging we have created a visual stakeholder map. In the map,stakeholders are split into categories with an icon symbolizing a group of stakholders. The categories of stakeholders are associated with color-coordinated symbols placed in either of the four phrases. While these stakeholders are associated either internally or externally with the development of Mote Marine Laboratory, they are also in involved in a function of the development process. Each stakeholder has input regarding the funding, design, development, and launching of the app.
Four phrases of the application
Funding
Developing
Guests
Patrons
Benefactors
Sponsors
Design
Launching
Ringling
Mote
Mote
Board of Trustees
ABC 7 - WWSB TV
Elizabeth Brissette
Michael’s on East Gourmet Group
SCICOM Data Services
Airgas
FCCI/FEISCO
Mommy Magazine
Scuba Quest
AJAX Paving Industries, Inc.
Fish Florida
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
SeaSide Garden Retreat
Alice Holmes
Florida Underwater Sports
Mosaic
Serbin Printing, Inc.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Fran Bays Independent Beauty Consultant
Mote Education
Siesta Key Crystal Classic
Andrea Longoria
Frederick Derr & Company, Inc.
Mote Marketing
Siesta Key Sarasota Vacation
Animal Medical Clinic of Gulf Gate
Fury Water Adventures- Key West
Mote President
SignZoo
Anna Maria Oyster Bar
G. Loomis Roc Co.
Mote Researchers
Southwest Airlines
AT&T The Real Yellow Pages
Genova Products
Mote Volunteers
SRQ Magazine
Axe Inc Technologies
Graham Interiors
New Balance Sarasota
Stephen Diasio
Badcock Home Furnishings
Greg Aragon
Nikelle Mackey
Sun Hydraulics Corporation
Bank of America, N.A. Client Foundation
Gunn Printing
Northern Trust Bank of Florida
Sun Microsystems Computer Company
Bass Medics
Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel
Ocean-Pro
SunTrust Bank
BB&T Bank
Honda Marine
Other areas
TECO Energy Foundation
BB&T Insurance Services
Insurance Benefit Consultants
Pinellas
TECO Peoples Gas
Blake medical center
(IBC)
Progress Energy
The Sarasota-Manatee Originals
Bob’s Machine Shop
Island Building
Publix Super Markets Charities
Tropicana Products, Inc.
Bright House Networks
Island Discount Tackle
Pure Fishing
United Natural Foods, Inc.
Caldwell Trust Company
Janssen Pharmaceutical
Reef Innovations, Inc.
UPS
Camp Logic
Jason Mathias Studios, Inc.
Sabal Trust Company
Verizon
City Holmes Beach
Jockey International, Inc.
Sam’s Club #4772
Walt Disney World
Coldwell Banker
Koala Tee (Custom Apparel)
Sam’s Club #8201
Westcoast Shutters of Florida, Inc.
Daiichi Hooks
Manatee County
Sarasota Bay Parrot Head Club, Inc.
Whales of Randy Puckett
Dolphin Aviation, Inc.
Marina Jack
Sarasota Ford
Willis A. Smith Construction
Economy Tackle
Sarasota Herald-Tribune
KEY
Partners
Ringling
Community
Steve Diasio Alexandra Holmes Andrea Longoria Elizabeth Brissett Nikelle Mackeye
Manatee County Pinellas Other areas
Patrons Animal Medical Clinic of Gulf Gate Bass Medics Caldwell Trust Company Coldwell Banker City Holmes Beach Daiichi Hooks Fish Florida Florida Underwater Sports G. Loomis Roc Co. Greg Aragon Gunn Printing Helmsley Sandcastle Hotel Insurance Benefit Consultants (IBC) Island Discount Tackle Jason Mathias Studios, Inc. Sam's Club #4772 Sarasota Bay Parrot Head Club, Inc. SeaSide Garden Retreat Sun Hydraulics Corporation SunTrust Bank Westcoast Shutters of Florida, Inc.
Mote President Marketing Education Researchers Volunteers
Captains Airgas Bob's Machine Shop Fury Water Adventures- Key West Sarasota Herald-Tribune Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Northern Trust Bank of Florida SCICOM Data Services
Sponsors Blake medical center BB&T Insurance Services BB&T Bank Camp Logic Economy Tackle Fran Bays Independent Beauty Consultant Island Building Koala Tee (Custom Apparel) Siesta Key Sarasota Vacation New Balance Sarasota Ocean-Pro Pure Fishing Sam’s Club #8201 Siesta Key Crystal Classic
Guests External
ABC 7 - WWSB TV AJAX Paving Industries, Inc. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. AT&T The Real Yellow Pages Bank of America, N.A. Client Foundation Bright House Networks Dolphin Aviation, Inc. FCCI/FEISCO Frederick Derr & Company, Inc. Genova Products Graham Interiors Honda Marine Janssen Pharmaceutical Jockey International, Inc. Marina Jack Michael's on East Gourmet Group Mosaic Publix Super Markets Charities Sabal Trust Company Sarasota Ford The Sarasota-Manatee Originals SRQ Magazine Serbin Printing, Inc. Southwest Airlines Sun Microsystems Computer Company Tropicana Products, Inc. UPS Verizon Walt Disney World Whales of Randy Puckett Willis A. Smith Construction
Benefactors Anna Maria Oyster Bar Axe Inc Technologies Badcock Home Furnishings Mommy Magazine Progress Energy Reef Innovations, Inc. Scuba Quest TECO Peoples Gas United Natural Foods, Inc.
Internal
Milestone 3
Milestone 3 Prototype App Taking our finding into account, we planned out and sketched possible design interfaces of the application. We outline menus and drop down features as well as possibilities for social interaction. We concluded the most important aspect of the app was interaction, so we thought about how we could use a interactive aspect for each part of the application.
We broke it down into two interfaces. One of the interfaces is a personalized menu of the user(s). The other interface, Connect, is a way for the app users to connect to other app users. This allows people to be social and connect however they want. If they did not want to be constantly connected, they have the optionto change that in their settings.
APP DESIGN FUNCTIONS My Favorite: -My Favorite Media (Image/video) -My favorite Education -My favorite Chat! -My favorite Help/support -My favorite Aquarium -My favorite Laboratory About MOTE: -Mission of MOTE Chat!: -Q&A With a Volunteer / researchers Support MOTE: -Shop -Adopt an animal -Stickers -Donate -Join -Volunteer -Venue Rental Visiting the Aquarium: -Pronunciation of fish / exhibit currently at MOTE -Videos on current exhibits (Ringling) -Aquarium Map +Info on how the aquarium is set up -Daily Events & Times Calendar -Games Laboratory: -Current Events / met milestones video (Ringling ) -Science (Categorize by project & upload PSA [ringling]) Media: -ALL past present uploaded media Need to utilize video because based on interviews and market research that is what children like. I think the only way to share the science is by dumbing it down for children simplifying for easy interaction
Milestone 4
Milestone 4 Work Breakdown A work breakdown structure is a key project deliverable that organizes the team’s work into manageable sections. It visually defines the scope into manageable chunks in a way our team can understand. The top level is the final project. From there, we identify the major functional deliverables before subdividing them into smaller systems and so on. When completed, a well-structured work break is suppose to have its elements logically connected.
Considered Guidelines of the Structure:
The top level represents the final project Sub-deliverables contain task assigned to a department, unit, or person All elements of the work breakdown are not necessarily on the same level Each element is considered a task in which it will take time to complete
SWOT Prototype
Testing Design Mote Marine App
Budget Development
Research Concept App Research
Market Research
Milestone 5
Milestone 5 Project Scope List After forming the work breakdown , we took into account the combined objectives and requirements necessary to complete the project.
Project Objective Bridging the gap between scientific research and society by developing an interactive mobile application for the users through its partner, the students of Ringling College of Art and Design.
Deliverables
Information the Aquarium, Map, Scavenger Hunt Games, Homework
Calendarh Interactive Chat and Socialize
Videos and Photos
Easy ways to support Mote
Milestones (1)
Research Analysis
Due: January 16th
(2)
Stakeholders
Due: February 6th
(3)
Prototype
Due: February 20th
(4)
Breakdown Structure
Due: March 20th
(5)
Project Scope
Due: March 20th
(6)
Estimated Budget
Due: April 3th
(7)
Risk Assessment
Due: April 10th
(8)
Contingency Planning
Due: April 17th
Technical or Social Requirements
Need some type of electronic device capable of holding an app
Needs wifi or cell phone service
Takes a certain amount of data and space
Limits and Exclusions
Incapable device
Limited space
Limited funding
Not having all features
Reviews
Mote Marine
Milestone 6
Milestone 6 Budget We have accumulated a variety of features that will make the app interactive. These features will give the app the fun and educational edge we are aiming for. We have listed the approximate cost of each feature and created a second budget which essentially contains all that we want but for an affordable price.
Budget 1 Chat! My favorites Settings Support MOTE w/pay pal Visit the aquarium Background Facts Current Exhibit Game Share icon Pictures & Videos
Budget 2 $2,500 $5,000 $5,000 $1,500 $500 $1,000 $1,000 $500 $3,000 $500 $5,000
Total $29,000
About MOTE Visiting MOTE Support MOTE w/pay pal Info Scavenger Hunt Share icon Facts Background Current Exhibits
$2,000 $500 $1,500 $500 $3,000 $500 $1,000 $1,000 $500
Total $10,500
Comparison Chat! Needs: Host & support, consent updating, researchers and volunteers to constantly be active on the chat, and glitches it would be costly to fix Solution: Social media icons, for example click the Facebook icon and send a message to MOTE Current Exhibits Needs: Updating Solution: Link to Facebook to post questions. Scavenger Hunt Needs: QR code, Scanner, Site/page Solution: Gallery and the info game will give the user a challenge to find information at record time. My Favorites Needs: Hosting, Server Solution: Share icon- click the share button and choose what social media page you would like to share the picture or info with. Pictures & Videos Needs: Set up a data base, Hosting, Must pay server Solution: Gallery with info
Milestone 7 & 8
Milestone 7 Risk Assessment In Milestone 7 different risks associated with the development of Mote Marines mobile application were assessed in terms of varying situations. Eight internal risks are categorized as a major risk, moderate risk, or minor risk. These risks are labeled from 1 through 8, 1 being the highest risk and 8 being the lowest. Major risks include the user relevancy in regards to how relevant the user considers this mobile app and its function. This is considered the most valuable variable the project contains. In milestone 8 contingency planning has been outlined for the possible risks that may occur. Each risk includes a response, plan, trigger, and who the responsibility of the action will refer to. Reducing the risk is suggested for all risks associated with the development and post implementation of this mobile application. The responsibility of implementing the suggested contingency plan’s are given internally to the designer if related to function or to Mote Marine’s relevant board officials such as the marketing or education board if considered an executive decision.
A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H.
Interface Problems (3) User Relevancy (1) Designer Technical Skills (2) Inability to update frequently (4) Lack of marketing (8) Social media relevancy (5) Time (Takes too much, not enough spent) (7) Budget (6)
Major Risk = A Moderate Risk = B Minor Risk = C Likelihood G
B
A
E Impact
C
F
A
A
Milestone 8 Contingency Planning
Proposal
Proposal •
Simple
•
Clean
• Engage • Learn •
Easy to Use
The basic menu is divided into four main components, About MOTE, Share, and Support MOTE. At the bottom of the screen, random fun facts appear for people to enjoy. When a person hits a button to go into another menu, the button highlights into a different color.
Under the Menu: Contact: Connects with Mote Staff, Volunteers, and Researchers through social media like facebook. Post a question on facebook and a representative of Mote will answer. Learn More: Learn more about the programs and what Mote has to offer. This navigation will offer insight on what Mote is currently working on. Membership: Find out what you can do for Mote Marine and how you can be a part of it.
Proposal Support MOTE: Support an Animal: Help support Marine life by adopting an animal and choose from the animals on the list. Donate: Find ways to donate to Mote Marine. Join: Find out how to become a member and the benefits. Shop: Take a look and see what Mote’s gift shop has to offer. Stickers: Buy little stickers to remember the occasion and support marine life at the same time. Venue Rental: Rent a spot near the park for an event of your choice. Volunteer: Find out how to be a volunteer.
Visit the Aquarium: Current Exhibits: Find information on the current and upcoming exhibits. Hours: See when the aquarium will be open. Prices: Find information on tickets and pricing. Map: Link to an interactive map on your phone, rather than have to waste paper. Scavenger Hunt: Play a scavenger hunt game using the current exhibits. Players are asked a question and its up to them to find the right display.
Proposal Share: What would you like to share? Pictures: Take a picture and through the app, post it to Mote Marine’s gallery or hash tag it with their name attached to a social media site of your choice. Text: Ask a question, make a statement, voice an opinion, or share your experience, to Mote’s Marine social media. Videos: Post and share a video of the exhibits to YouTube or Facebook.
Resources
Mote Marine
http://www.mote.org/
Mote Marine Aquarium
Mote Marine Laboratory 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236
kimbrough Library
Ringling College of Art and Design Library
Itunes
Application Research and Reviews
Interviews
Daniel Conde - Computer Programmer
Volunteers and Researchers