C8: Willow In Nature!

Our team is a multi-disciplinary group of second year students from McMaster University that aims to tackle the problem of conservation area safety and etiquette. Our Sustainable development goals are in line with sustainable cities and communities (11) and Life on Land (15). Background research was done regarding the older population and their relationship with technology, the use of QR codes, making information more accessible to disabled people and solutions to prevent soil erosion in parks. Our 'How might we' question was revised to 'How might we increase conservation area safety and etiquette for the younger population.' Three possible solutions were in play, but ultimately, the electronic guide was chosen as it allows for an enhanced navigation of the parks. The positives include the simple interface while the negatives include the costs and electricity required for this solution.

Our team aims to improve the conservation of parks and enhance the experience for newcomer youth with Willow In Nature, an interactive electronic guide equipped with educational, accessibility & functionality related features.

In 2019, a study related to the elderly and internet showed that it was difficult for the elderly to use new technology due to their passive attitude to change, decayed memory and attention. Another study highly suggested the use of digital technology to educate people on conservation. It implied that with more adjustments in accessibility, it would be the best tool to raise awareness (Arts, Wal & Adams, 2015). A case study on the appropriateness of using quick response (QR) codes presented findings that they provide a cost effective and potentially powerful tool for the provision of information (Schultz 2013). Lastly, one of the many detriments to conservation areas is based on the problem of soil erosion with increasing numbers of tourists wandering around the park. The use of trail markings as a form of guidance, prevented visitors from accessing areas they didn't need to be in (Buchwal et al. 2021). Our solution aims to address issues of park safety and etiquette by supplementing newcomer trips with our electronic guide, Willow. Research highlights technology as an effective way to educate people, but a difficult change for the elderly, which is why our target is towards the younger community. The use of QR codes would also be included as a function of the guide to increase accessibility. The guide would serve as a trail marking as it would be stationed at 3 checkpoints in the park (beginning, middle, end), effectively increasing park etiquette and safety.

Details

• Modeled after electronic guides in shopping complexes
• Targets the younger population to guide them through unfamiliar conservation areas and hiking trails
• Includes map, help service for emergency, safety guidelines, text to speech function,

Pros & Cons

Supporting research

• The electronic guide can provide designated, extended messages for newcomers (Mony & Joe, 2008).
• Digital technology will help to create better frameworks and comprehensive knowledge for conservation areas (Arts, Wal & Adams, 2015).

Details

• Using imagery to increase accessibility for all populations
• No technology needed
• similar to the signs for road safety
• Can be implemented through the partnership with government

Pros & Cons

Details

• Visitors will be asked to wear the jacket that has a physical map on it
• No need for technology
• increase accessibility and safety
• painted both sides of the jacket (front & back)
• Less likely to lose compared to a paper map
• waterproof material

Pros & Cons

1. Physical obstacles: as the device is set to be installed at a park or on a trail, the weather will be a challenge we overcome through installing cabinets to protect the device. Electricity and a source of power are another obstacle that the project may present; therefore, solar power will be to source of electricity used for powering the devices and the WiFi source!

2. Communicative barriers: people with different languages and communication forms will be using the device as it is targeted towards new comers as well as people with visual and auditory impairments. As a solution for that, different languages and auditory options will be provided in addition to universal signs accompanying the explanation.

3. Finance and Funding: Due to high maintenance and programming fees, student volunteers may be recruited for the matter. The installation may be done by professionals in addition to the visuals and auditory features; funding may be received from donors or through fundraising events!

4. Digital issues: through time, the trails or some information about the park may change. So, as a solution, every once in a while, new students may be recruited to work on and improve the device and keep up-to-date. Online protection and hacking safety may have to installed by professionals to make sure no network issues are faced in the future.

The success of this project may be measured by circulating a survey when the devices are used for the first time!

This may be done through social media, through QR codes posted at different places throughout the park/trails near the device, or in the device itself after the hiker is done using it!

The survey may look something like this  https://forms.gle/muWyr93pARo7Z6Eo6   through google forms or any other software program that offers survey taking.

To promote the survey, encourage, and motivate users to take it, the survey will include a chance to enter a draw for a camping trip funded by the Hamilton community and McMaster University.

Our final solution is an electronic guide that targets the young population who are unfamiliar with conservation areas. The idea is very similar to the guides at shopping complexes, but this one includes a map, an introduction about the landscape, a help service (alarm), safety guidelines about the park and text to speech function for accessibility.

• Why is it the best solution? -> This Willow Electronic Guide has very cool features with artificial intelligence (Willow) to interact with visitors and satisfy their needs. The youth would definitely find interest in playing around with it. This allows the young population to engage in visiting the conservation area and improves inclusivity towards the youth. Also, this guide contains a variety of accessible services, such as labeling location and service with icons, audio instruction and translation service. These could largely help people get to know where to go as well as protect animals from being interrupted by tourists. Another useful function is the emergency button, which could be lifesaving if some accidents happen while there is no signal/wifi to get help.
• Why is this solution effective? -> Compared to traditional paper maps, which could be lost or damaged easily, this electronic guide is easier to find and understand based on the icons and audio services.