Inspiration
We were inspired by the frustration that comes with waiting at crowded bus stops and the lack of tools to help commuters make better decisions here at NC State. We wanted to create a solution that not only addresses this issue but also makes the whole commuting experience more engaging and efficient. This was achieved through gamification using a point reward system, incentivizing people to actually partake in the application.
What it does
BusQuest allows users to see how busy a bus stop is based on historical trends and patterns. The app encourages commuters to visit less crowded times by offering rewards and incentives through a gamified system, making their travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. These points that they get for traveling on off-peak hours can be redeemed for not only in-app resources such as cosmetic items and avatar frames but also tangible products like a discount coupon at Hill of Beans or Wolfpack Outfitters.
How we built it
We built BusQuest using data collected from bus systems and traffic patterns, and designed a user-friendly interface developed in TypeScript to display this information. We added a gamification layer that tracks user behavior and rewards them for showing up at less crowded times, encouraging better commuting habits using hand drawn resources to make user experiences unique. This design was then transferred onto Android Studio with the intent of rolling out to a mobile market.
Challenges we ran into
One of the challenges we faced was the lack of real-time data, which limited our ability to provide live updates. Instead, we relied on historical data and patterns, which required careful analysis to ensure the app's suggestions were as accurate as possible. We also had to ensure that the gamified system was intuitive and motivating without overwhelming users. Furthermore, we had tried to implement user authentication using Clerk, however it proved difficult when trying to merge both the frontend and backend elements as the service was very strict about inter-process communication.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We’re proud of how we created a system that encourages positive commuter behavior in a fun and engaging way. Even without real-time data, we’ve managed to make a valuable tool for reducing crowding at bus stops and improving the overall commuting experience. Furthermore, the ability to learn new skills and work together as a team to overcome hurdles was a great experience. We may have spent more time designing and creating concepts than other groups, but as a result we had a clear picture of our end product and could work towards it easily.
What we learned
We learned a lot about how to work with historical data and patterns to make predictions that still feel useful to users. Additionally, we found that gamification can really enhance user engagement, but it needs to be implemented thoughtfully to keep users motivated without making the app feel too complex.
What's next for BusQuest
Next, we plan to integrate real-time data to make the app more dynamic and accurate. We also hope to expand the bus systems covered and add new features like social sharing and rewards for consistent use. Our goal is to collaborate with transportation agencies such as GoRaleigh to create a more seamless and powerful tool for commuters across North Carolina and the country as a whole.
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