Mobile App Development: The Effect of Smartphones, Mobile Applications and Geolocation Services on the Tourist Experience

摘要

Currently in Bermuda, there is limited access to information about scuba diving sites and shops. Research shows that smartphones and mobile applications are a popular tool used by tourists during travel to look up information and make decisions. The current study aims to design and develop a mobile application that gives access to information and is appealing to users. The application should utilize functionalities such as geolocation services, social media photo and video sharing and reviews. Design development was conducted which consisted of a competitive analysis, card sorting, personas, site mapping, wireframes, user testing, branding, and focus groups. Participants were between the age of 18-60 and consisted of both divers and non-divers. The final branded app was a summation of edits from the user testing with the objective of appealing to users by engaging them, reducing clicks, simplifying information, and gaining repeat users.