The Development of UTP Directory Mobile Apps for New Students and Visitors
by
Nur Syahirah Binti Mohd Rashidy 19000095
Interim Report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) (BIT)
January 2022
Supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wan Fatimah Wan Ahmad
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS Bandar Seri Iskandar
CERTIFICATION OF APPROVAL
The Development of UTP Directory Mobile Apps for New Students and Visitors
by
Nur Syahirah Binti Mohd Rashidy 19000095 A project dissertation submitted to the
Information Technology Programme Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) (BIT)
Approved by,
____________________________
(AP Dr. Wan Fatimah Wan Ahmad)
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI PETRONAS SERI ISKANDAR, PERAK
January 2022
CERTIFICATE OF ORIGINALITY
This is to certify that I am responsible for the work submitted in this project, that the original work is my own except as specified in the references and acknowledgments, and that the original work contained herein has not been undertaken or done by unspecified sources or persons.
_____________________________
(Nur Syahirah Binti Mohd Rashidy)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT ... 6
LIST OF FIGURES ... 7
LIST OF TABLES ... 7
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ... 8
1.1. BACKGROUND OF STUDY ... 8
1.2. PROBLEM STATEMENT ... 10
1.2.1 PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION ... 10
1.2.2 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT ... 11
1.3. OBJECTIVES ... 11
1.4. SCOPE OF STUDY ... 11
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ... 12
2.1. MOBILE TECHNOLOGY ... 12
2.1.1 EXISTING MOBILE APPLICATION ... 14
2.2. TOUR GUIDE ... 15
2.2.1 TRADITIONAL TOUR ... 16
2.2.2 VIRTUAL TOUR ... 18
2.2.3 MOBILE TOUR ... 20
2.2.4 EXISTING CAMPUS TOUR APPS IN MALAYSIA ... 21
2.3. PROPOSED SOLUTION ... 25
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY ... 26
3.1. INTRODUCTION ... 26
3.2. RAD METHODOLOGY ... 26
3.2.1. REQUIREMENTS PLANNING ... 27
3.2.2. DESIGN ... 27
3.2.3. IMPLEMENTATION ... 27
3.2.4. CUTOVER ... 27
3.3 PROJECT ACTIVITIES ... 28
3.3.1 PROTOTYPE ... 28
3.4 REQUIREMENT ANALYSIS ... 28
3.4.1 STAKEHOLDERS ... 28
3.4.2 INFORMATION GATHERING ... 28
3.5 TIME FRAME FOR THE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT ... 29
3.5.1 FYP 1 GANTT CHART ... 29
3.5.2 FYP 2 GANTT CHART ... 30
3.5.3 KEY MILESTONE ... 31
3.7 TOOLS ... 31
3.7.1 FRONTEND ... 31
3.7.2 BACKEND ... 31
3.7.3 HARDWARE ... 32
3.7.4 SOFTWARE ... 32
3.8 SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE ... 32
3.9 SURVEY ANALYSIS ... 33
CHAPTER 4: RESULT AND DISCUSSION ... 37
4.1.1 INTERFACES ... 39
4.2 Pilot study ... 45
4.2.1 QUESTIONNAIRE FOR USER INTERFACE SATISFACTION (QUIS) ... 45
4.2.2 USER FEEDBACK ... 47
4.3 Discussion ... 48
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK ... 49
REFERENCES ... 50
APPENDICES ... 51
ABSTRACT
The popularity of mobile tour guide apps for colleges is fast expanding inside Malaysian institutions, in step with the growth of contemporary technology. Institutions on the other hand, are still attempting to react to this new norm. The typical way of exploring areas in the university is time-consuming and unproductive. Although searching for signs or asking around is a popular solution, there have been cases where the directions provided were incorrect and misleading. The development of the UTP Directory Mobile Apps for New Students and Visitors' is the purpose of this project, which will provide users with an online map to assist in their discovery. Users can simply select their desired destination and embark on a self-guided tour using the UTP Directory smartphone device. New students and visitors to UTP who are unfamiliar with the campus will be the program's primary target users. This mobile app will function as a map navigator, allowing users to conveniently locate places at UTP. The goal of this work is to create a mobile application that includes navigation and information for users. Additionally, to design and implement a mobile application that would assist users in doing self-guided visits, as well as to perform testing and evaluation on the application. The author decided on Android Studio as the software for developing the UTP Directory Mobile Tour Guide Application.
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1.1: Mobile vendor market share Worldwide Figure 1.2.1: MySejahtera statistic COVID-19 updates Figure 2.1.1 Type of Mobile devices
Figure 2.1.2: Smartphone market in Malaysia statistics Figure 2.1.1.1: Number of Android Apps on Google Play
Figure 2.2.1: Sunway Lagoon Theme Park as indoor tour guide apps Figure 2.2.2: Waze as outdoor tour guide apps
Figure 2.2.1.1: Example of traditional tour guide Figure 2.2.1.2: UTP Ground plan
Figure 2.2.1.3: UTP signboard at Academic Complex Figure 2.2.2.1: Airplane 360° photo
Figure 2.2.2.2: Airplane 360° Video
Figure 2.2.2.3: Airplane Virtual Shooting Locations Figure 3.2.1: RAD Model Cycle
Figure 3.8.1: Architecture of the Proposed System
Figure 4.1.1: the flow of the UTP Directory Application for Maps screen Figure 4.1.2: Structure of UTP Directory Application
Figure 4.1.3: UTP Directory Application use case diagram Figure 4.2.1.1: Usability result
Figure 4.2.1.2: Usability result
Figure 4.2.1.3: System Capabilities result Figure 4.2.1.4: Learning result
Figure 4.2.2.1: User feedback on UTP Directory implementation
LIST OF TABLES
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
In this modern era, technology has progressed at the speed of light from time to time. From desktops to laptops, tablets, and smartphones that are performing nearly all of the duties of the Desktop. With the introduction of smart devices, a lot of applications have been created to suit customer demand. The demand has created several opportunities for mobile app developers to create more and more apps.
The tour smartphone applications may be utilised both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor maps are divided into three types: global maps that cover the whole globe, medium-sized maps that include cities and urban areas, and micro or particular maps that cover theme parks, zoos, and campuses. Indoor maps are used to find specific areas inside a building, such as a mosque, gas station, retail mall, or hospital.
1.1. BACKGROUND OF STUDY
According to National Geographic Encyclopedia (2021), A map is a symbolic representation of selected characteristics of a place, usually drawn on a flat surface. Maps are a visual representation of information about the world. It teaches about the world by displaying country sizes and forms, feature locations, and distances between locales. The current map is based on schematics established by our forefathers and can locate the precise position of residences and streets in a metropolitan area.
People in this age have created and utilized maps as a vital tool to assist and ease them in their everyday lives. Wherever they travel, they utilize a map to identify, interpret, and navigate their way around. Maps also enable us to travel to new areas and learn about new things around the world. With the advancement of technology, we can now design and produce maps with finer features and greater accuracy, resulting in the creation of interactive maps rather than static maps. As a result, the map can be shared easily with everyone by using their smart devices, they can also save the map as a picture in formats such as JPG, PNG, GIF, and others. People used to associate maps with navigation or GPS (Global Positioning System) rather than a map in image format on a computer as technology advanced.
In the modern world, most individuals connect and seek information through their smart gadgets, which they may access at any time and in any place. If you're looking for a mobile phone with more functionality than only making and receiving phone calls and text messages, a smartphone is what you're looking for (TechTerms 2010). It's possible to view photos, watch videos, write emails, and surf the web on almost all modern smart gadgets. If you have an iPhone or Android phone, you can run third-party apps that can do a broad variety of functions. Approximately 59.5% of the world's population is now actively using mobile internet, according to Statista (2021). Of this total, over 4.32 billion people are active mobile internet users, making up the remaining 2.6% of the worldwide population as of January 2021.
UTP does not currently have a program or system that provides easy directions to specific locations within the campus. The purpose of this software is to make it easier and faster for individuals, such as new students and guests, to find their way about campus without having to rely on the help of campus security or anybody else. Using the 'UTP Directory Mobile Apps', students at UTP may easily find their way about the campus.
Graph 1.1 depicts the global market share of mobile device vendors from January 2020 to December 2020. According to Statcounter (2020), Samsung has 32.04 percent while Apple has 31.01 percent. Android OS was selected as the operating system for this smartphone since it is the most extensively used open-source platform and the developer community is incredibly active and helpful.
1.2. PROBLEM STATEMENT
1.2.1 PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION
COVID-19 is Malaysia's greatest epidemic of infectious illness since the outbreak started in 2019. Moreover, 30 thousand Malaysians have died as of November 2021 as a result of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, according to the MySejahtera statistic COVID-19 updated apps given in table 1.2.
Figure 1.2.1: MySejahtera statistic COVID-19 updates
Due to the present pandemic, orientation day is no longer recommended to limit viral transmission. As a result, new students and tourists are unfamiliar with the university neighborhood. Additionally, it has been noted that new students and tourists often get disoriented at UTP, particularly those unfamiliar with the region. There is no detailed map or navigation system available for new students and visitors to use when exploring UTP.
The only option for students to get instructions to a destination is to attend an orientation day, ask for directions, or follow signboards indicating in the direction of a site such as a registration location, offices, courses, or cafeterias on their first day at UTP. Despite their efficiency, these procedures are often repetitious, require more work and time to complete, and can produce erroneous or unclear information. As a consequence, having another method of addressing this problem would be very advantageous for new students and visitors to UTP.
1.2.2 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT
For UTP new students and visitors, this project will serve as a guide or navigator to assist them in locating locations throughout the university depending on a preferred destination. The UTP Directory mobile application will help users overcome the issues they are now having with the present method of getting directions to sites around UTP.
With enough technology, this program will use GPS to detect the user's present location, allowing the user to always know where he is. Using this information, the user may rapidly get directions to his or her desired place.
1.3. OBJECTIVES
The following aims will be pursued by this study:
1. To develop a mobile application that provides users with the directory and resources 2. To design and implement a mobile application that would assist users in taking
self-guided tours
3. To conduct testing and validation towards the application created
1.4. SCOPE OF STUDY
Several research areas have been covered in order to produce this mobile application.
The scopes are as follows:
1. This application is only accessible on Android-enabled smartphones.
2. This project will be developed using the Android Studio platform, which is limited to developing applications for the Android operating system, and will make use of the Google Maps API to customize UTP's map.
3. This project involves a grasp of the locations inside UTP and an understanding of the most commonly frequented locations by the project's stakeholders, who are new
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
The second part of this study will look at previous research undertaken by academics and specialists on topics related to this project. Following this chapter, the proposed solution for this project to solve the identified problem from the previous chapter will be offered.
2.1. MOBILE TECHNOLOGY
Ciaramitaro (2011) and Vishnuvardhan and Baira (2017) notice that mobile technology has grown over time to become a tool for accessing the internet, playing games, creating and sharing texts, videos, and photographs. Alternatively, mobile technology may be characterized as internet-enabled smart gadgets that enable users to carry out a range of activities through cell phones, PDAs, laptops, and tablets that can be used anywhere and at any time.
Figure 2.1.1 Type of Mobile devices
According to Statista (2021), smartphone usage is a defining factor in technological advancement as the world gets more linked. Over the last several years, the number of people in emerging countries who own and use a smartphone has steadily increased. The proliferation of low-cost mobile phones and a decrease in the cost of service plans have aided smartphone adoption in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2019, the Asia-Pacific region had a smartphone use rate of 64%, which is expected to climb to 81 percent by 2025.
Malaysia's smartphone market is expected to grow at a steady 5 percent each year in the next years, following the rising trend in the Asia-Pacific smartphone industry. In 2018, the country has around 17.2 million smartphone users. While more than 85% of mobile phone users under the age of 20 own a smartphone, just 30.6 percent of those over the age of 65 do. Despite its troubles with the United States and Google's Android operating system, Huawei remained the market leader among all smartphone manufacturers in Malaysia as of June 2020, according to Joschka Müller.
Figure 2.1.2: Smartphone market in Malaysia statistics
2.1.1 EXISTING MOBILE APPLICATION
Many mobile applications have been developed as a result of the existence of smartphones to address the demand from users for certain things they require. The programs are designed to help people address challenges in their daily lives. Additionally, it highlights the smartphone's capacity to be a gadget capable of doing everything, making it desirable to acquire despite its high price.
The Google Play Store for Android and the Apple App Store for iOS are the two most popular app stores, with almost universal coverage and a vast potential audience. According to Artyom Dogtiev (2021), there are 3,300,000 Android applications and 2,200,000 iOS applications accessible on Google Play. Thus, Android app stores emerged as the industry's largest and most diversified section. This is partly due to the open nature of the Android ecosystem. Android applications may be installed from several sources, not only the Google Play store.
In terms of Android OS apps, AppBrain (2014) predicts that there are 2,693,568 apps available in the Play Store market, with a 13 percent proportion of low-quality apps as of November 24, 2021. As the number of accessible apps declines, Google will remove low-quality apps from the store once per quarter. All of these apps are available on Google Play, which makes software available for free in all countries except those subject to US embargoes.
Figure 2.1.1.1: Number of Android Apps on Google Play
2.2. TOUR GUIDE
There is a tour guide system accessible in today's technology era to assist folks in easily acquiring routes to sites. There are two kinds of tour guides: indoor and outdoor. It is a self- guided tour system that consists of signposts and designated walking paths that teach the user by reading the signs and following the markers that indicate the way to each place.
Figure 2.2.1: Sunway Lagoon Theme Park as indoor tour guide apps
Figure 2.2.2: Waze as outdoor tour guide apps
2.2.1 TRADITIONAL TOUR
Before advanced technologies, like mobile maps and GPS were available, people are concentrating on communication in which they assist one another as two modes of communication. According to Abdul Muqit (2020), a Tour Guide is someone who works in a region they are intimately aware of and gives tours of a city, a park, or a specific place. They provide commentary, lead the trip, and ensure that everyone has a good time.
Figure 2.2.1.1: Example of traditional tour guide
During that time, we must confirm that the tour guide is reliable and knowledgeable about the area or site. A tour guide's ability to communicate well with tourists or those who use the service is also vital. It will be a major issue if they are unable to speak with one another. The process of visiting or investigating locations will be ineffective, and additional issues may arise in the process.
Tour guides play a significant role in ensuring that tourists enjoy their time in a particular location and leave with fond memories of their visit. If the tour guide is unable to deliver excellent service, the people will have a negative impression of the location, causing them to lose faith in the tour guide. Apart from hiring a tour guide, before the introduction of GPS, people utilized signboards on the road to offer directions to local sites. When it comes to finding directions to their destination, most people rely too heavily on signboards. Signboards, for example, are posted in various locations throughout UTP, as shown below.
Figure 2.2.1.2: UTP Ground plan
Figure 2.2.1.3: UTP signboard at Academic Complex
Even when the information is already supplied by the owner of the building or location, locating it on the provided signboards or floor plan is challenging. The visitor will need to spend time locating the information kiosk to receive the floor plan of the structure.
Furthermore, if they get lost in the building again or need directions to another site, it will take time to return to the position of the information kiosk. As a result, having a portable map that can be simply downloaded via a smartphone and utilized anytime and anywhere will be much easier. Nobody will have to go around asking passers-by for the floor layout and signboards.
That will undoubtedly grow more effective and easier.
2.2.2 VIRTUAL TOUR
Because of the presence and advancement of technology, we now have a virtual tour guide in our environment. During the COVID-19 outbreak, there were at least hundreds of local tour platforms offering virtual tours through Zoom and Google Meet, according to Ranny Rastati (2020). A virtual tour, also known as a panorama tour, is a series of panoramic photos that the spectator may see as a movie with music and other effects. The goal of a virtual tour is to engage the viewer in a 3D experience of the location shown on the tour. The spectator may have a life-like experience even if they are not physically there in the site by seeing the virtual tour.
For instance, AirPano is a virtual travel experience with 360-degree aerial views of the globe that will be extensively adopted by leading western firms by 2021. Google, Microsoft, Adobe, Facebook, LG, Samsung, and Nokia are among AirPano's customers and partners. Apple has named the AirPano Travel Book iOS app as one of the best applications of 2014.
Figure 2.2.2.1: Airplane 360° photo
Figure 2.2.2.2: Airplane 360° Video
Figure 2.2.2.3: Airplane Virtual Shooting Locations
However, such a map will not assist the user in determining the direction to the available locations. As a result, a virtual map will not be able to help this project solve its current challenge. It is more successful at advertising locations since the user may glance around the building and its surroundings using the 3D experience. Someone who has never visited that location can readily picture what it looks like and does not need to go to the sites on his own to enjoy the view and the architecture. Additionally, UTP has established a virtual tour in which visitors may quickly explore various locations inside the institution by using the virtual map found on the university's official website, www.utp.edu.my. It has been seen as a method for
2.2.3 MOBILE TOUR
Mobile devices are small and portable, and they are available in a variety of shapes, colors, and designs. Additionally, several kinds of mobile devices, including cell phones, PDAs, and tablet PCs, are available and may be monitored by GPS, Bluetooth, RFID, and Wi-Fi. However, mobile devices have some limitations that should be considered carefully, including limited computing power, less memory and storage space, limited colour, limited bandwidth, expensive wireless connections, small screens, and some users having difficulty using the keyboard on mobile devices versus PCs.
The phrase "mobile tour guide" refers to a range of tour guide programs that operate only via mobile devices. The creators have developed and launched many mobile tour guide apps on the Google Play Store. Even though it performs almost similar activities, this category encompasses a variety of distinct kinds of mobile tour guides. The usage of a tour guide application is not limited to visitors to major cities or other countries. It may be used to build both outdoor and interior maps. The aims and motivations for designing such an application might span a broad geographic region or a narrow geographic area. Mobile tours are classified into two types: inside and outdoor tours.
1) Indoor Tour
Any kind of map that is utilized within a building or covered environment will be covered by an indoor mobile tour guide application. Airports, department stores, shopping malls, and museums are all examples of public spaces. This kind of map uses building floor plans to create a personalized map that may be used as an internal tour guide.
2) Outdoor Tour
In terms of outdoor mobile tour guide applications, this category may be divided into three main kinds of maps depending on the area covered by the map. Google Maps, Open Street Map, and Waze all provide users with the ability to identify the best route to any location covered or specified by the map on a daily basis.
2.2.4 EXISTING CAMPUS TOUR APPS IN MALAYSIA
Because of the nature of this project, which entails building a mobile campus tour guide application, the author will need to do extensive research in order to have a better grasp of how to create and produce a suitable application for UTP. The following are some examples of mobile campus tour guide apps that are currently available.
No Mobile Application Description
1.
USM Virtual Tour
Figure 2.2.4.1: USM Maps
USM Virtual Tour is an application that uses GPS and augmented reality (AR) technology to assist users in locating specific locations on the USM campus.
This version was created for the USM Penang Main Campus.
USM Campus Map has a few useful features, including the following:
• Accommodation
• Administrative Centres
• Bus Stop
• Cafeteria
• Campus Services
• Wi-Fi Hotspot
• Sport Facilities
This application is very beneficial due of the campus's size. The map is straightforward and accessible. This app is ideal for new students at USM or visitors to the university for the first time.
Additionally, it is advantageous since it
2.
TARCApp
Figure 2.2.4.2: TAR Campus Maps
TARCApp is a GPS-enabled application that assists users in locating a place on the TAR UC campus. This version has been designed specifically for the TAR Main Campus in Kuala Lumpur.
TARCApp provides users with three primary navigation options: Home, Student, and Alumni. When a person logs in as a student, they have access to their Class Schedule and Exam Results.
Additionally, this application has a few capabilities, including the following:
• News
• Online Application
• Programme Offered
• KL Campus Virtual Tour
• Library
• Contact Us
The fact that the campus map currently exists in Google Maps will aid in the creation of this application. For this application, the developer just changes an existing map. It is one of the greatest tour guide applications since it provides the quickest way and allows the user to choose between stairs, lifts, and others. It is quite beneficial.
3.
MMU Mobile
Figure 2.2.4.3: MMU Maps
MMU Mobile is a GPS-enabled application that assists users in locating specific locations on the MMU campus.
This version was created for MMU's Cyberjaya, Melaka, and Nusajaya campuses.
MMU Mobile Apps allow user to view all MMU Campus at Cyberjaya, Melaka and Nusajaya with providing information regarding Faculties, Facilities, Café, Shop, Clinic and location of ATM & CDM. It also have few functionalities such as:
• Programmes
• News
• Hotlines
• FAQ
• Maps
• Service Desk
With consistent Wi-Fi coverage around campus, their application may be used by anybody, regardless of internet connection. This tool is useful since it covers practically all of the important locations on campus. This programme also tells users of their current location, which is an important function for a map.
4.
ISKL in Panorama
Figure 2.2.4.4: ISKL Panorama Maps
ISKL in Panorama is a mobile application that assists users in locating specific locations on the ISKL campus through an interactive campus map. This version was created for the ISKL Kuala Lumpur Main Campus.
ISKL website offers a Panorama view to explore their campus just by clicking on the interactive campus maps. There are three main focus buildings at ISKL which includes:
• Academic Facilities
• Performing Arts Centre
• Athletics Facilities
To use this programme, the user must have an internet connection. The navigation component is easier to build since the routes are already available in Google Maps. All sites of interest are color-coded, which makes it much simpler for the user to distinguish between them.
Reflection
The usage of GPS as a receiver for directions and as a navigation app is the common thread linking all of the mobile apps described above. Furthermore, it reveals that numerous Malaysian institutions have already created campus tour guide apps for their campuses. As a consequence, UTP must create a mobile tour guide application that is available to a wide variety of stakeholders, not only students. The above-mentioned problems may be easily addressed with the availability of a campus tour guide application.
2.3. PROPOSED SOLUTION
The author has selected Android Studio as the platform on which to construct the UTP Directory Mobile Tour Guide Application. Due to the author's limits on other languages accessible for developing an android application, it was chosen as a feasible solution for building this tour guide application due to the learnability of the functionalities in contrast to other platforms.
Because the user is unfamiliar with the UTP environment, the mobile application will have a function that will allow them to ascertain their current location. In terms of the UTP map, the author utilizes the Google Maps API to create a customized map for this application, since Google Maps recognizes certain routes inside UTP. As a result, the current version of Google Maps may be used to travel routes inside UTP.
Furthermore, using portable and simple-to-use smart devices, this mobile application will be able to guide project stakeholders throughout the institution. Knowing their current location allows users to quickly get instructions to any place by selecting one of the various access routes.
Additionally, this project will benefit and benefit the user since it will enable them to effortlessly explore and enjoy UTP's surroundings rather than being focused on navigating to their goal. Additionally, the author believes that since people are continually informed on new technologies, this application will be warmly embraced by the community. Further details regarding this research will be covered in Chapter 4.
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY 3.1. INTRODUCTION
There are many approaches to developing a mobile application. To accomplish this project's objective, the author chooses the rapid application development (RAD) technique. While the project is still in progress, more adjustments will be made to ensure that the final result provides the greatest user experience possible.
3.2. RAD METHODOLOGY
Rapid application development (RAD) is a common software development project management method. The key advantage of a RAD technique is the ability to complete projects quickly, which makes it an appealing option for engineers working in a fast-paced setting such as software development. This quick turnaround is made possible by RAD's focus on eliminating the planning phase and maximizing prototype creation. RAD helps project managers and stakeholders to easily monitor progress and communicate in real-time about emergent challenges or revisions by decreasing planning time and prioritizing prototype iterations. As a result, efficiency improves, development accelerates, and communication improves.
Figure 3.2.1: RAD Model Cycle
According to Matthew Martin (2021), To build software in a short amount of time, less attention is given on planning and more emphasis is placed on development activities. This provides the user with immediate access to something to see and use, as well as a chance to give feedback on the delivery and their requirements. RAD is an appropriate paradigm for this project since the author has to construct a modular system in 3-4 months.
3.2.1. REQUIREMENTS PLANNING
All significant and associated project background information was obtained during the first stage, as defined and clarified in Chapter 1. During the early stages of development, the author revealed the genuine problem that prompted the idea of creating a mobile navigation app for UTP. The author ascertains the requirements based on the issue description via observations and a few interactions with the affected parties. During this requirement phase, the project's scope was decided. At this point, the author has also presented the feasibility analysis, as well as the project's functional and non-functional requirements.
3.2.2. DESIGN
After scoping the project, it's time to start working on it, fleshing out the user design via several prototype iterations. The project's diagrams, interfaces, storyboard, and flow were all specified in detail at this phase. At this stage, the label to be used in constructing the UTP configurable map has been explored. Each screen of the program must be appropriately developed to provide the user with a positive user experience when using the application in the future where it shouldn't be overly difficult.
3.2.3. IMPLEMENTATION
The author began development on the app at this time. Each prototype iteration was created utilizing the analysis and design developed in prior rounds. Changes to the prototype will be made at this stage if any recommendations are made or if any errors are discovered. The author must ensure that the prototype will work and that it will be suitable for pilot testing. Each of the application's functions should work.
3.2.4. CUTOVER
This is the stage at which the completed work is ready for publication. Conversion of data,
3.3 PROJECT ACTIVITIES 3.3.1 PROTOTYPE
This prototype is the initial design for UTP Directory Mobile Apps in Appendix A. The interfaces consist of four simple main menus which are Account, to allow user login via external account and keep users logged in. Maps, allow users to navigate to the selected destination faster and easier. News, to allow users to access the latest news and discussion topics published or announced. The setting, allows users to switch to a different set of settings and configurations.
3.4 REQUIREMENT ANALYSIS 3.4.1 STAKEHOLDERS
The following are the stakeholders in this system:
3) New students of UTP 4) Visitors of UTP 5) Staffs of UTP 6) Students of UTP
3.4.2 INFORMATION GATHERING
The data for this project is gathered through interviews and questionnaires with targeted users and stakeholders, as well as observation of other universities' existing mobile navigation applications and comments from pilot users about their experiences with the prototype version of this mobile application afterward. Generally, the approach utilized to orient foreigners to UTP is to place signs in a few spots that direct them to their goal or the site of the activities they are participating in. Furthermore, if visitors arrive at UTP without attending certain events for which signage has been created, they must seek guidance from the security officer at the main entrance of UTP, who will orally explain the way. As a result, it will be simpler and more convenient for people unfamiliar with UTP locations to reach their destination on their own with the assistance of a navigation program that functions similarly to Google Maps in providing directions.
3.5 TIME FRAME FOR THE PROJECT DEVELOPMENT 3.5.1 FYP 1 GANTT CHART
3.5.2 FYP 2 GANTT CHART
Table 3.5.1.2: Gantt Chart for FYP 2
3.5.3 KEY MILESTONE
No. Milestone Completion Week
1. Requirement Gathering Week 5
2. Methodology Week 6
3. Proposal Defense Week 12
4. Interim Report Submission Week 12
5. Prototype Development Complete Week 25
6. Dissertation and Technical Report Week 28
7. Project Submission and Presentation Week 29
3.7 TOOLS
In this part, the author discusses the instruments used to perform the research. This tool may be used to create a prototype, which can be used as solid evidence for achieving the study's result. It encompasses the creation of front-end, back-end, hardware, and software applications.
The front end is essentially the user's main display layout. The author created the user interface using a range of tools.
3.7.1 FRONTEND
Android Studio is the official integrated development environment for Google's Android operating system. An Android app's user interface (UI) is composed of a hierarchy of layouts and widgets. Because Android offers an XML vocabulary for ViewGroup and View classes, most of the user interface is specified in XML files. The author also has used Maps fragments to make it easier to modify an activity’s appearance at runtime.
3.7.2 BACKEND
Users will be unable to watch any of the backend actions or processes, but they will be able to view the output through the User Interface. The back end is critical for data storage, data retrieval, and data organization. Additionally, the author utilizes Firebase's major functions,
3.7.3 HARDWARE
One of the pieces of hardware utilised in this project is an Android smartphone. The author also used a laptop and view the development process using emulators. Its objective is to code on a real smartphone and to test the application in realistic circumstances. Due to the fact that this software is only available for Android users, it is incompatible with other devices.
3.7.4 SOFTWARE
Software is the most critical component of every IT project. Firebase is necessary to facilitate the storage, sharing, and tracking of news activity and serves as a cloud database and authentication mechanism. Because Firebase is a Google product, its quality and reliability are unmatched.
3.8 SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
The prototype should be run on any device that runs the Android operating system, whether it's a smartphone or a tablet. For the program to work properly, it must be connected to the internet and the GPS must be turned on. The user will be unable to determine his current location without an internet connection and GPS.
The UTP Directory Mobile Application will primarily interface with the Google Maps Engine server to determine the user's current location and will store and provide routes from the current location to the destination through the application's local database. The architecture of the Proposed System is in Appendix B.
3.9 SURVEY ANALYSIS
Questions Summary
1. Age
According to the pie chart above, 88.1 percent are between the ages of 18 and 25, 10.4 percent are between the ages of 26 and 35, and just 1.5 percent are between the ages of 36 and 45. As a consequence, the majority of respondents are between the ages of 18 and 25.
2. Gender
From the pie chart above, 56.7% are male and 43.3% are female. As a result, most of the respondent’s gender that answering this survey is male.
3. Do you own a smartphone?
From pie chart above, the percentage is 100% that answering yes, which mean all respondents own a smartphone .
4. If yes, please choose your smartphone type
From the pie chart above, 50.7% choose Android and 49.3% choose iPhone as their smartphone type. As a result, most of the respondent are using Android although iPhone has a close gap.
5. What is your status in UTP?
From the pie chart above, 62.7% is a new student, 31.3% is current student at UTP, 3% is UTP staff and 3% is outside visitors. As a result, most of the respondent are new student that are currently in 1st year 1st semester at UTP.
6. Are you familiar with UTP campus map above?
From the pie chart above, 47.8% are not familiar, 28.4% are familiar and 23.9 are not sure. As a result, most of the respondent are not familiar with the UTP Campus map shown in the questionnaires.
7. Do you think UTP campus map should be include in UTP Directory mobile apps?
From the graph above, 91% strongly agree, 6% agree and 3% undecided.
As a result, most of the respondent strongly agree that UTP Campus map should be include in UTP Directory Mobile Apps.
8. Overall, do you think this UTP Directory mobile apps will be helpful for new students and
visitors? According to the graph above, 86.6 percent strongly agree, 10.4 percent agree, and 3% disagree. As a consequence, the overwhelming majority of respondents think that UTP Directory Mobile Apps will benefit new students and visitors.
9. Which feature of the app are most important to you?
From the graph above, 95.5% choose Campus Map, 44.8& choose Campus News, 34.3% choose Staff Directory and 40.3% choose Parking as the most important features that should be available in the mobile apps.
10. What features would you like to add to the app?
Few respondents responded to this question with their own opinions and recommendations for how to improve the applications' functionalities.
4. Opening hours of building/cafe
5. A voice system to tell the preferred direction 6. Services availability
7. ATM and CDM location 8. Spot to chill up in UTP 9. Toilet directions 10. List of café inside UTP 11. Grab/Taxi spot in UTP
12. Facilities/store open or not feature 13. Get notification of parking space 14. Speed test for UTP Wi-Fi 15. Event calendar and reminders 16. Booking facilities
CHAPTER 4: RESULT AND DISCUSSION
Chapter 4 is the most critical section of this endeavour. It encompasses the whole of the project's results.
4.1 Prototype
This project concluded with the development of a prototype, which was subsequently installed into an Android smartphone to test the application's functioning. The details of the application will be discussed in further depth below.
Figure 4.1.1: the flow of the UTP Directory Application for Maps screen
Figure 4.1.3: UTP Directory Application use case diagram
According to the application's structure, the user must perform a few steps to obtain the routes to their desired location. The actors in the use case diagram reflect the project's functionalities from both the user and developer viewpoints. Both the user and the application administrator can see the UTP map.
4.1.1 INTERFACES
The user interface of an application is everything that the user can see and interact with. In this situation, staff, students, and the UTP administrator will be able to access this interface.
1.
Figure 4.1.1.1: Welcome Screen
For the welcome screen, the user will be able to see this screen pop-out for few seconds before user can see the selection screen.
2. For selection screen, user will be able to
choose to login or sign up to create new account. If the user already have an account, user can proceed to login screen.
3.
Figure 4.1.1.3: Login Screen
For login screen, user will need to input their email and password in order to enter the main menu screen. If user input wrong username or password, user won’t be able to proceed to the main menu screen.
There are 3 user created for login to the UTP Directory applications which is Student, Staff and admin. Admin account has been created for updating news and information regarding the university. For student and staff, user can always create new account.
4.
Figure 4.1.1.4: Signup Screen
For sign up screen, user will need to input their email, password, name, mobile and type of user in order to create new account. After finish input all the details, user will need to login using email and password. Other details such name and mobile will be store in account screen. For type of user selection, user will need to choose staff or students.
5.
Figure 4.1.1.5: Main Menu Screen
On the main menu screen, there are four menus at the bottom of the screen where users may see maps, news, profiles, and settings.
6.
Figure 4.1.1.6: Maps Screen for GPS access
If this is the user's first time using the maps screen, they must authorise the applications to access their device's location. Only then will the user be able to see their present location.
After being able to view the maps screen, user can use their mouse cursor to select their starting point and end point in order to view the total distance and time needed.
Figure 4.1.1.7: Maps screen 7.
Figure 4.1.1.8: Profile Screen
For profile screen, user will be able to view their details such as name, email, contact and type of user they are.
8.
Figure 4.1.1.9: News Screen
For news screen, user will be able to see latest details and information regarding UTP. In this section, only admin will be able to access the create news button while other user can only view.
9.
Figure 4.1.1.10: Setting screen
For setting screen, there are two type of setting which is to select distance unit and map type.
User will be able to choose either to view in kilometre or miles for distance unit. User also will be able to choose either normal or hybrid for map type.
Figure 4.1.1.11: Setting screen for Map type
4.2 PILOT STUDY
The author conducted an online pilot study with UTP respondents thru Microsoft Teams and Zoom by sharing the screen and allowing the respondent to use the apps from the author’s side.
To begin, respondents received a short briefing about the goal of the assessment, how to use the software, and that they would be required to complete a feedback form after their usage of the app. The following are the final results of the testing:
4.2.1 QUESTIONNAIRE FOR USER INTERFACE SATISFACTION (QUIS)
The goal of the questionnaire is to get user feedback on the usability of an interface and to aid in the design or redesign of systems. The questionnaire asks the user to rate the interface in many areas, including usability, consistency, system capabilities, and learning. The results are as follows:
a) Usability
As a result, as demonstrated in the figure below, most of the respondents felt confident to use the apps with 76.2%.
b) Consistency
As a result, as demonstrated in the figure below, system consistency has a positive value for a sequence of interfaces with 70% compared to other elements.
Figure 4.2.1.2: Usability result
c) System Capabilities
As a result, as demonstrated in the figure below, system capabilities have a positive value for correcting mistakes with 66.7% compared to other elements.
Figure 4.2.1.3: System Capabilities result
d) Learning
As a result, as demonstrated in the figure below, system learning has a positive value for investigating new features with 81% when compared to other elements.
Figure 4.2.1.4: Learning result
4.2.2 USER FEEDBACK
Figure 4.2.2.1: User feedback on UTP Directory implementation
The graph above depicts the final question answered, which is whether respondents believe the
scale 4 as Agree and 1 rated 3 as neutral. Some of the comments and suggestions made by pilot users are included below.
• “It’s a good idea, especially for new students like me”
• “Nice apps but it would be better with Grab/Taxi spot in UTP”
• “This app would be more useful if it has an Event calendar and reminders”
• “I would like to recommend for this apps to allow users get notification of parking space”
• “ I need this kind of app but can we add booking facilities”
4.3 DISCUSSION
UTP Directory Mobile Apps survey has been conducted through WhatsApp, University’s email, and shared link using Google Form. The questionnaire has been distributed from Week 7 until Week 9 to get students’ comments and feedback on UTP Directory Mobile Application for further improvement on the project. This Questionnaire has a total of 10 questions with 67 respondents. The results gained from these questionnaires helped the author to know and prioritize the improvement and alteration to be done for future work.
To conclude, all respondents have their smartphones, and most of them are using Android OS. From the graph above, 95.5% choose Campus Map as the most important feature that should be available in the mobile apps, 86.6% strongly agree that UTP Directory Mobile Apps will be helpful for new students and visitors. Also, from the suggestions above, only a few opinions will be acceptable such as ATM, CDM, and toilet directions because the main purpose of developing UTP Directory Mobile Apps is to provide directions and resources to users.
In conclusion, the questionnaire conducted for this project was successful and the results gained from this study helped to know and prioritize the improvement and alteration to be done for future work. The future recommendations will be further discussed and explained in the next chapter.
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK
In conclusion, the majority of users possess a smartphone and the majority of them run Android OS. Additionally, Campus Map has been identified as one of the most critical aspects that should be included in mobile applications. Users believe that UTP Directory Mobile Apps would be beneficial for new students and visitors. Thus, by developing a mobile navigation application for this project, the targeted users will be able to simply and independently obtain routes to UTP locations. The UTP Campus Tour Guide mobile application has been recognized as a suitable starting point for guiding and directing new students and visitors in quickly and effectively locating instructions to sites around UTP.
Additionally, it will be more beneficial to give several routes inside UTP and as much information as possible for future work on this project by giving an estimated time, start point, and finish point, as well as images of the selected destination. Concerning the non-functional need, future attention should be focused on the application's maintainability. For future work, the application should be able to connect users with their Microsoft or Google accounts as it will be more beneficial in terms of authentication.
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APPENDICES
Appendix A: Initial Design of UTP Directory Interface
Appendix B: Architecture of the Proposed System
