moovel Go v2 - Handsfree Mobility

The 'moovel Go v2' is - as you might have correctly guessed - the successor of the 'moovel Go v1'. As we have had great experiences with the v1, we now aim to bring the new display out into the real world. The v2 will build on what we have learned from its predecessor and feature information display and booking interaction ... but this time: hands free!

After the v1 had been part of our office furniture for quite a while, we found it to be a real game changer. Luckily we never had a fight about who got the closest car2go, but we did actually see how we were adapting to having constantly available information. And we also noticed some shortcomings in our little smiling cloud:

• No printer! (too slow and has a high level of maintenance)
• Maybe able to display more modes of transport
• Can we do it also handsfree (as seen in gesture apps like knocktounlock)?

The video of the v2 was the proof of concept, and that set the stage for Alex: He converted our click dummies and product mockups into an actual working app. The app feeds the display with information on the closest car2go, just as before.

But that's not where Alex's app ends: it also converts the iPad, which the 'moovel Go v2' is running on, into a ultra low energy bluetooth beacon. When in range of a 'moovel Go v2' display, mobile devices can respond to this technology and enter the 'listening' mode. This mode enables the device to detect the knocking gesture, which reserves the closest car2go (providing that the client has registered).

So from the technical side, the v2 is getting closer and closer to being a pre-series model. But since we can't just nail an iPad onto a wall, we'll need a suitable product display design. This is where Benedikt and Marco come into play. They are currently working on how the customer interacts with the 'moovel Go v2' from the visual side.

The video portrays a café situation as a possible setting for the 'moovel Go v2'. Being in a public environment also brings some challenges in terms of product design. Instead of dealing with a given group of people (as in an office), it needs to be understandable and usable for a wider range of people.

So picking up elements from designs that already exist may be a good way for displaying the message of the v2. We are currently experimenting with both case and interface (how the numbers are displayed), to find out how this mobility information can effectively be transmitted to users. We'll keep you updated on that via our blog.

Other questions that still need to be answered in the future development of this project are:

1. How can other modes of transport be displayed?
2. How will users be informed about the 'knock-knock' feature?
3. How can maintenance be kept as low as possible?

As we are experimenting with all these features, updates will be posted on the blog. Since the project status is running, consider this report to be updated regularly.

have been part of the 'moovel Go v2' during their internships!