Digital Analysis

• We are creating an enhanced mobile application for the Philadelphia Zoo. Previously, in 2016, the Zoo created an app that was unresponsive for the public user. Zoo members could not sign in with their credentials, the mobile map was tough to navigate, or the app would constantly crash while in use. Eventually, the app was removed from Apple’s App Store and remains unresponsive on Android’s Google Play. Our solution is to create an application that is not only responsive, but simplifies the mobile experience for the user in mind while simultaneously creating one-of-a-kind experiences for zoo visitors.
• The app will be native and will be fully optimized for mobile devices, both Android and AppleOS. It will also be built in house.

 

Overall Architecture:

• Our application begins with a greeting from the Philadelphia Zoo, alongside 3 menu options: “Buy Tickets” & “Sign-Up for the app” & “Sign in to the app”. We created a flow chart of how a user will interact with this process, ending when the user gets to either the public or member/upgraded version of the app.
  • https://xd.adobe.com/view/601ccf47-f196-48c6-9f36-a6482ab314f2-354f/
• The features for both spectrums will be explained below

 

How does it work? 

• The app will be for the public and will have an upgraded version for those who are members of the zoo.
• The public version will have the following features:
  • Digital map of the zoo that shows locations of animals, exhibits, restrooms, gift shops, and food areas 
  • Events calendar
  • 24/7 video stream of areas around the Zoo360 trail
    • We will give users a couple options for the 24/7 streams. We would like to give them a “taste” of how the members’ version will be, which would have more options and features
• The member version will have the following features:
  • Interactive map; shows where the user is in relation to their destination
    • Geolocation notifications of nearby animals 
    • Guides the user where to go if they click on an animal they wish to visit
    • Shows where other family accounts are based on geolocation
  • Monthly activity schedule for all events.
    • Within this monthly schedule highlight it will feature: activities exclusively for members (i.e. members with kids can enjoy a 90 minute Saturday afternoon Zoo class with one of the Zoo vets to learn more about animals in the wild), season-long events (such as LumiNature, etc.), shows and feeding times, along with push notifications enabled for events that were checked off on the schedule list.
  • Exclusive 24/7 streaming videos of animals 
    • Examples of streaming locations can be an animal’s habitat base or a viewing of one of the new baby animals.
      • The members’ version will have more animals to view
  • Gamification features
    • Certain number of visits can give members prizes ranging from enamel pins to tickets for attractions
    • A Zoo360-related scavenger hunt
      • Social media posts will have riddles relating to animals. The user must find the animal exhibit and the QR code in time to get a prize

• • Digital and physical zoo keys
    • Have machines/kiosks throughout the zoo that once connected via NFC, can allow a digital zoo key to be played
    • The zoo keys can be earned by visiting the zoo a number or times or finding the QR code that is based on a riddle from one a social media post

• • Multiple Accounts
    • Allow members to give out 3 codes to other users in which they can download and view the app with the members’ perks 
      • Similar to streaming sites like Netflix, members will have to pay more if they want more accounts to the app
    • Members can locate where these accounts are throughout the zoo via geolocation

• Add wifi towers and charging stations throughout the zoo with partnerships via Xfinity and/or PECO that are exclusive to members only. 

• • • PECO is already a partner; which would make it easier/more likely to work with them for charging stations.
  • Our app will be battery consuming due. We are hoping that with the charging station, users will be more willing to stay in the zoo, hence a higher chance to spend money.
  • The Wifi towers will give users the ability to view 24/7 streams without the worry of possibly using up their personal mobile data
    • The zoo already has Wifi, but this partnership with xFinity will create goodwill for future partnerships and can possibly give the zoo a discount to its internet bill