Date of Defense
4-16-2024
Date of Graduation
4-2024
Department
Computer Science
First Advisor
Jason Johnson
Second Advisor
Colin MacCreery
Third Advisor
Steven Carr
Abstract
This project aimed to address the challenge of enhancing visitor engagement and information dissemination at the Kalamazoo Nature Center (KNC) through the development of an integrated mobile and desktop application system. This initiative arose due to the limitations posed by traditional mobile applications which often become outdated and need to be updated by a dedicated software team. This project was designed for any user of the KNC desktop app to be able to update content on the mobile app, without the need of a dedicated software team.
The mobile application was designed for visitor use, enabling them to access up-to-date information about trails, exhibits, and events by navigating through the app or with a simple QR code scanner. The application operates on both Android and iOS platforms using the Flutter framework, ensuring broad accessibility and ease of use. It supports offline functionality to cater to areas within the KNC with limited internet connectivity, using over-the-air updates to refresh content periodically.
Conversely, the desktop application was developed for KNC staff, facilitating the efficient update of information displayed on the mobile app. It operates on Windows and employs a user-friendly interface that requires no advanced technical skills for content management. This system enhances the staff's ability to update announcements, event details, and trail information swiftly and effectively.
One of the critical aspects of this project was its cost-effectiveness; both applications were developed using free software tools, with the only potential costs being associated with app publication on digital stores. Moreover, the applications use Google Drive for cloud storage, providing a cost-effective solution for data synchronization between the mobile and desktop applications.
Throughout the development process, the team faced several challenges, including the initial lack of a space to host the files, later rectified by using Google Drive, and the constraints related to internet connectivity on-site. These were addressed by automating the update process and optimizing the applications for low-connectivity environments. Furthermore, ethical considerations were meticulously managed to ensure that the content update process safeguarded against unauthorized or inappropriate modifications, thereby maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of the information provided to visitors.
The applications were rigorously tested to ensure functionality and user-friendliness, with extensive trials conducted to validate the QR code system and the robustness of the content management features on the desktop application. Future enhancements could include integrating geolocation features, improving content update speeds, and expanding the types of data hosted on the platform.
In conclusion, the Kalamazoo Nature Center's mobile and desktop applications represent a significant advancement in the way environmental and historical information is delivered to visitors. They not only enhance the visitor experience by providing real-time, accessible information but also streamline the content management process for staff, exemplifying a successful integration of technology in environmental education.
Recommended Citation
Tebben, Jacob, "Kalamazoo Nature Center Mobile Application" (2024). Honors Theses. 3852.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/3852
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access
Defense Presentation
desktop_demo.mp4 (5026 kB)
Desktop Demo
desktop_sync.mp4 (2609 kB)
Desktop Sync
mobile_demo.mp4 (104607 kB)
Mobile Demo
mobile_sync.mp4 (860 kB)
Mobile Sync
Comments
Co-authored with:
Laziz Alimov
Grand Deljevic
Logan Malone
Ryan Phillips
Zachary Pryor