Developing The Concept

When creating the original app in final outcome was a flash file. This section will look into the making and development of the original one.

The app will require an additional app for the QR scanner, but these can be gotten from a app market depending on the phone for free. From there the user can scan a QR code on the package of a Fairtrade product. To begin with, several different codes were created, to see the outcomes they have. The first code when scanned the user receives the words “It Works!’.Originally the app was going to have a password to unlock different pieces that the user would get from scanning the OR code.

The next one created was linked to a page on my own website. It had the same effect as the previous code, expect it took the user to the website. This code is now disabled as the web page it was directed to has now been taken down. This one seems more appropriate as a database can be stored on the website so that when one user finds a code, it can be stored and used in the app, rather than having the delay of having to input a code like the previous one.

Once the QR code is scanned, the user will then be asked to log in if they are not already logged in. This is so that the users information is stored for them and doesn’t get mixed with other users information. Once logged in, the user can then view their new jigsaw piece and also a letter from a producer. The letter will give the user an insight to the life of the producer before and after Fairtrade has helped them. After viewing the letter and new piece, the user can then go and place the jigsaw piece in it’s puzzle. There will be several puzzles all dedicated to different products and brands involved with Fairtrade. Once a puzzle is complete, the user can then enter a competition or play a mini game to be entered on a scoreboard.

The process of this can be seen on a blog documenting the progress of making the original design. This can be seen at http://de0966.blogspot.com/.

The Benefits
The benefits of this application are wide. For starters, the app promotes Fair Trade, making even more recognisable as more people learn what it means. It also means that people will be more open to it as it is something they see more of, recognise and decide to try. Another benefit of the app is that it demonstrates the amount of Fair Trade products there are, as well how your regular brand is incorporating Fair Trade into their products. This will eliminate the perceived idea that Fair Trade is expensive. In some cases it may by more than your regular, but in the end it is never that much and the user may be will to switch and become loyal to that new brand. The app is also good for companies who sell the products too as it takes them into account for people looking for different products. This could change where people shop as it is introducing them to places they may never have thought to go and this generates sales for that company.