More crisis communication professionals and agencies are recognizing the need for mobile integration in their current crisis communication plans as well as their daily activities and functions. However, it is key to be aware of these resources to determine what features and information would be needed in a moment of crisis. Some agencies are really jumping on board with this, and some are definitely integrating not only social media into these mobile applications and platforms, but also gaming. One iPhone app that seems to be getting a lot of attention right now in the social media / crisis communication circles is SF Heroes App. This app was initiated and created by the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management and CosmiCube Inc.
What is very intriguing and interesting about this particular app is that it is one of the first ones I have seen focusing on crisis communications while allowing the applications to cross-over with each other as well as combining multiple platforms and features together in just one app. Individuals would be able to check in at a specific location and create specific maps with key locations to be aware of during a crisis (geolocation), earn badges for their participation (gaming component), sharing their insights with their followers and friends (microblogging and social networking), and scan QR codes to get access to videos, news reports, and updates on the situation (mobile media).
All of these components are great – but I think that it would be interesting as well to include some form of augmented reality features to scan and look up more information based on a visual search. What about a monitoring dashboard where people can see what is being shared through the crowdsourcing / mapping feature? I also did not see a feature where it allows the user to take videos or pictures to directly upload on the application as well. It would also be interesting to see if the developers are considering any voice recognition features to include in this particular application. Just some future things to consider. P)
I have to thank Jim Garrow (emergency and crisis professional) for sharing this app via Twitter today – this definitely seems to be a window into a new realm of possibilities and integration of both gaming and social media for emergency and crisis communication efforts. Allowing users to report on the ground through a one-stop shop application like SF Heroes is very interesting – and insightful for those working in the crisis communications area. Thank you again, Jim!
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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