What CityMapper, Blippar et al CAN'T quite do?

 Or rather? Maybe they DO it. But those features are not yet flagged up or tailored enough. 





We have been talking, at some considerable length, regarding the many features and advantages which define travel focused applications of late. And one cannot in any way diminish those strengths. However, it is equally important to note that there are a number of urban themes which pervade the travel experience and it is in THOSE areas where the NEXT big app will take off. 


In no particular order, a non exhaustive list, as follows:


1: DISABILITY! 

We assume, immediately, a visible or aesthetically obvious point. Wheelchairs and so on. But think of say, DYSPRAXIA? Visual impairment and all the many iterations of limitation on one's ability to be truly mobile. An app that guides them through EVERY step of a journey, beyond simple tips/directions? ESSENTIAL. And in its way? STILL not 'there', yet. 

2: AGE! 

It is a problem. Older population. They do not all have to decline, btw. Many are living vital lives, to the end. But there is NO room for complacency, either. Dementia. Pacemakers. Spinal degeneration. ALL those things can and do happen and more. So an app that not only ALLOWS for such eventualities but actively integrates it TO the travel planning and execution? PRICELESS. 

3: ANXIETY / WELLNESS /HEALTH: 

Travel, especially in crowds, is not easy, for even the most outgoing and confident of person in transit. Multiply that, however, by the unseen things that can ambush you, suddenly, on a trip. MASKS? DELAYS? CROWDS? POLLUTION?! We need, as a matter of some urgency, to link the travel story to our narrative of a more holistic and pastoral city-scape. And only an app which genuinely, in REAL time, ensures the wellbeing of users? Can make that happen. 


Notice: No ideas as such are given away about HOW to do this and the lost is not extensive or exhaustive. 

#However, there is a company working on all those areas and fusing them into applications to match. 




Comments

  1. Thank you for summarising this. Yes, there is room for improvement in every contemporary travel planning app and service that's out there.

    ReplyDelete

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