COMPANY OVERVIEW
Find My Way is a Brisbane-based start-up with a strong foundation in the signage industry. The company identified a gap in the market for businesses to create their own self-managed wayfinding systems. Their software provides an intuitive platform that allows businesses in retail, healthcare, education, events, and more to set up customised navigation systems without requiring extensive technical expertise.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Find My Way aimed to develop a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution that would enable businesses to create easy-to-use navigation systems for their customers. The primary objectives were to offer a user-friendly interface, provide instant access via QR codes, and allow customisation to meet the diverse needs of various industries.
DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
The project was completed under a tight timeline, focusing on delivering a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). for an interactive wayfinding software solution. Using an agile methodology, the team prioritised flexibility, enabling ongoing feedback and continuous iteration. Extensive research was conducted, especially around developing algorithms for calculating the shortest navigation paths, a key feature in wayfinding software.
- Team Involved: The team included UI designers, front-end and back-end developers, testers, project managers, and software architects, all working collaboratively to build a responsive, user-friendly wayfinding software and wayfinder kiosk.
Key Features of the Solution
- Comprehensive Dashboard: A fully functional dashboard enables users to monitor all activities, including detailed reporting and analytics, crucial for interactive wayfinding software performance and user satisfaction.
- User Interface and Project Creation: The platform includes a simple canvas tool that allows users to design and manage wayfinding projects visually. Businesses can easily draw custom navigation routes and place key markers.
- Responsive Design with Map Navigation: The system is built with a responsive design, allowing users to access it across different devices. The map feature ensures seamless navigation on mobile, tablet, or desktop.
- Customisable Branding: Businesses can personalise their wayfinding software by adding logos, colours, and themes to maintain consistent branding.
- Split Payments: The platform integrates payment functionality, allowing for seamless payment management. It supports instant split payments between agents and the platform.
- Accessibility and Safety: Users can choose preferred routes (stairs, escalators, or lifts) and access emergency navigation options for added safety.
DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS
- Development Hurdles: One of the major challenges was building an efficient shortest-path algorithm that could handle different navigation scenarios. Additionally, limited community support for real-time wayfinding technologies slowed the development process.
- Solutions: Adopting an agile methodology allowed the team to test frequently and make incremental improvements. By breaking down the challenges into manageable tasks and leveraging in-house expertise, the team successfully built an accurate, real-time solution that met the project’s needs.
RESULTS
The MVP was successfully developed and deployed across multiple shopping centres and corporate offices as part of a pilot project. Early adopters praised the platform’s simplicity and flexibility, particularly the QR code access and the ability to quickly modify project details. Businesses reported smoother navigation experiences for their customers.
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