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UMBC
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THIS IS MORE STUFF
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THIS IS THE STUFF
Sonoma County
The Problem
Sonoma County needed a way to effectively distribute information to mobile users to improve the quality of tourism. They also wanted to be able to promote events, specials and local businesses. The information needed to be timely, accurate, and able to direct people who were unfamiliar with the area to different locations.
The Solution
We compiled data on attractions such as vineyards, golf courses, spas, museums, and nightlife, then created the only app a Sonoma County tourist needs. With one click, users can find hundreds of events, specials, and places; create their own custom visit based on distance, or activity preference; and receive turn by turn directions to each location. After they enjoy their time, they can share their experience via the applications’ social media integration.
The Results
The app received thousands of downloads and hundreds of positive reviews. Users have commented on the usability and practicality of the information, especially the listing of lesser known spots, and ability to receive directions. Tourists are also using the app to plan their weekends in advance, in addition to receiving information on the fly.
UNLV Alumni Association
The Problem
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas has an active alumni community engaging with their Alumni Association. They keep their graduates up-to-date with news and events, as well as able to stay connected with other alumni through their web-based portal. The Association also offers discounts and deals, and other benefits to alumni. All of these perks are great but keeping alumni informed on the go was a concern.
The Solution
Using the viaPlace framework, UNLV built iPhone and Android apps to show the deals, discounts, and benefits available through the Alumni Association to members while they are out on the town. Benefits are sorted by category and can be filtered based on the distance from the user’s location. Additional features on the app allow alumni to view campus events and connect with classmates over social media.
The Results
TThe Alumni Association at UNLV is now able to better connect to their alumni, and inform them of the benefits of staying involved. Because of this they are seeing better conversion and greater retention of alumni participating in their programs.
Yamaha
The Problem
Boaters are always revving to go, but the very things that keep them on the go – their motors – need regular maintenance and care. Yamaha Outboards needed a way to help keep boaters connected with their dealers, so that they could find a dealer no matter where life or their Yamaha motor took them.
The Solution
Yamaha’s network of over 2000 dealers nationwide was imported into viaPlace’s online registry to feed their dealer locator iPhone app. Users can now search by dealer name, ZIP code or state. The application was extended to produce a way for users to track their time spent in engine break in, find answers to frequently asked questions, and access maintenance schedules associated with their Yamaha outboard motor.
The Results
Yamaha has gotten positive feedback from dealers and from its initial set of users. The app successfully launched at the Miami boat show in mid-February 2012 with hundreds of downloads on its first day and provided Yamaha outboard motor customers an extra sense of comfort and confidence when choosing a motor for their boats.
Johns Hopkins University
The Problem
College campuses are constantly changing – from physical changes, like new buildings, to more frequent changes, like special operating hours or events. Hopkins needed a way to more readily disseminate information to students, staff, alumni, and campus visitors. Additionally, JHU’s campus of more than 40 buildings has become difficult to navigate for new students and visitors alike.
The Solution
Using the viaPlace framework, and with the consulting services of viaPlace’s partner company, Mindgrub, viaPlace created a campus application with local points of interest. Visitors to the Hopkins campus can take a pre-programmed tour or get turn-by-turn walking directions from any point to any other point on campus. The app includes additional functionality which pulls in data from the JHU website and allows users to get more information about the university, such as class schedules.
The Results
The custom iPhone app and corresponding mobile web version (for Android, Blackberry, et al.), has gotten great feedback from students and their families. At the time, Student Advisor, a Washington Post company, rated JHU number two nationwide for colleges with the best social media interactivity. In Fall 2011, JHU moved to the number one spot in Student Advisor’s list. Additionally, the app has won a gold Communicator Award and the Baltimore Business Journal’s Biz Buzz Award for best mobile app.