April 19, 2016

By Jonathan De Leon

Launched through a technology plan in 2013, the Dominican mobile app continues to be highly underrated.

The ability to utilize Canvas, check your email and see times and menus for meals on campus are only some of the things that can be done with the touch of a finger. There have recently been some changes made to the app in order to increase user experience and convenience.

One such change is the new find a laundry machine section. This feature is extremely useful for residents. The ability to find a laundry machine without having to search every single floor was a popular request.

Another is the find a workstation section feature. This allows students to pinpoint the exact location of an empty spot.

The faculty and staff directory is an updated feature. It was a bit outdated, but the update assures that students are able to search for any faculty or staff member in any department.

Jill Albin-Hill, the vice president of information technology said, “Changing from Dub Labs to Modo Labs changed the entire interface of the app.”

The ability to change the way the content of the app was presented any device (phone, computer, tablet, etc.) fulfilled the goal of making the user experience friendlier.

She also mentioned that one of the ways they determined what changes needed to be made was through the use of heat maps, which determined what areas of the app got the most attention.

However, there is an even more promising change coming soon: the Rave Mobile Safety system. According to the system’s website, “the app enhances safety on campus through real-time interactive features that create a virtual safety network of friends, family and Campus Safety.”

Features of the app include the panic button, tip texting, personal guardians, safety timer and safety profile.  

“We are in the final stages actually of working with the village (of River Forest) and through public safety to then integrate the Rave Guardian app into our app,” Albin-Hill said.

delejona@my.dom.edu