Utilizing Technology to Promote Campus Well-Being
Enhancing Campus Mobility: Beacon-Based Solution for Elevator Efficiency
Client Profile
A distinguished Business School with a rich heritage, recognized as one of the world’s most esteemed business schools. Founded in 1990 under the banner of the School of Commerce, Accounts, and Finance by New York University.
Industry
Education
Business Requirements
- Develop a mobile app that motivates students and faculty to use staircases.
- Create a web platform for administrators to oversee user accounts and content.
THE MAVA PARTNERS’ SOLUTION
MAVA Partners’ team has created a mobile application leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to monitor the mobility of both students and faculty on campus. This beacon-driven app additionally provides real-time statistics, offering insights into metrics such as building entry counts and stairwell usage frequency.
To enhance engagement, gamification elements have been seamlessly integrated, fostering competition among app users. Participants are ranked according to the distance they walk, the number of stairs they ascend, and the calories they burn. Top achievers are duly acknowledged and prominently featured within the app. Both individuals and groups are duly incentivized for their consistent use of stairwells.
Development
The application monitors stair usage by utilizing the communication between cell phones and beacons/Bluetooth Smart transmitters strategically placed in stairwells. Mobile apps for both iOS and Android platforms have been crafted using PhoneGap, a versatile open-source framework for developing mobile applications that work seamlessly across different devices. The calculation of calories burned is based on user movement patterns and their frequency.
For the web administration panel, we have harnessed the Catalyst web framework in Perl, providing a robust platform for overseeing and managing the application’s various aspects.
We’re also working on additional features in the development pipeline, including the implementation of heat mapping, options for users to join administrative focus groups, a mechanism for reporting facility issues, participation in school market research initiatives, and the completion of surveys.
Key Features
- Leverages iBeacon Technology for Location-Based Services
- Accessible to All Stern Net ID Holders
- Accurately Measures Stair Climbing Activity
- Monitors Body Weight Fluctuations Across Time
- Toggle Tracking on and Off at Your Convenience
- Engage Anonymously in the Tracking Process
- Highlights Leading Achievers on a Competitive Leaderboard
Positive Outcomes for Business
- The noticeable uptick in stair usage among students.
- Enhanced student engagement through Gamification.
- The substantial decrease in elevator wait-times and energy savings.
Technologies Used
- BLE
- Estimote
- Perl
- Catalyst
- PhoneGap
- iBeacon