Wednesday 27 February 2013

Week 3 - Concepts


Week 3  -  More discoveries and more developed initial concepts
 
This will be the last week of discoveries as now we all need to be will be focusing on developing concepts and ideas from the collective research and creating a vast pool of ideas.  Then developing the more realistic and possible solutions for the present climate and situation of the aviation industry.  This week, I have been trying to find out more about the development of the BRIC countries.  I think that because these are still developing, they are more susepticle to changes and taking on board issues we have had in the past.  In a way they can learn from our mistakes, and develop a much more sustainable country.
 
Looking at the trends in smart phones, it is very obvious that the world is becoming more and more proficient in using smart phones. Initially in 1998, aged 20-29 users took a majority of 68% of the mobile internet usage in China. In 2012, that percentage has shrunk to 30% and the other demographics have caught up significantly. I would say its not unreasonable that the majority are able to use smart phones. However, there a great change in the market share of smartphone sales. Andriod has overtaken iOS users, and are easily the two biggest selling. All other operating system phones have been declining in the worldwide sales, including RIM, symbian (most significantly)and windows.

In my opinion, I think the iOS is the way forward in regards to security. IOS have managed to eliminate malware by their contraints and meticulous check on apps within their apple app store. Passengers need to be safe from any data collection and spyware when flying, as this is a vulnerable area. Credit card details, personal information and pins could be taken whilst going on holiday and may come back to find their bank accounts wiped clean, households burgled etc.
Therefore, I think that smart phones will become a way of engaging with airline's customer base. There have already been many apps which does a variety of useful as well as fun things whilst travelling in 2009, and now in 2012 Virgin has released a Virgin Atlantic app and also a Flying Without Fear app. It allows users to check-in, check flight details and has maps of route journeys. However, I think there is a lot of room for improvement, considering there seems to be many bad review and also features which could be implemented.


- Detailed map of seating on airplanes

- Updates on general delays, airport status

- Gate maps for difference airports

- Flight tracker

- security line length and wait times

- alternative flights to same destination


Also, another aspect which seems to be trending fast in China is microblogging. It is a quick and short update, which often just a link to a website, video, picture, with little editing. Something similar is liveblogging, which is like a live broadcasted transcript online. This is for when bursts of commentary or information is broadcasted/uploaded on the blog. I think these could be adopted for use within the airport environment to help inform customers and also keep them updated on important information.





References:




Notes for myself:
Smartphone usage and guidance for smooth, efficient navigation onto flight.
Younger audience,self-service - frees up staff, and allows better customer to staff ratio
iOS is free from malware and spyware
microblogging is a much more instantaneous. Impulse, reflex action – Holiday montage?
Airline blogging and displaying of loyalty and events, life-changing events
I went to see Taj Mahal, and was the best time of my life”, share pictures and stories and boosts airline experience.........in a way,“ I travelled by Virgin” sense of pride?
Live blogging can help connect passengers or families split by poor seating arrangements.
In-flight games for short journeys where entertainment is not available.

No comments:

Post a Comment