Koç University Mobile Application OverviewSevgi Gönül Cultural CenterPhoto by Cenk Kabahasanoğlu.
Koç University Mobile Application Overview
This document provides an overview of the official Koç University mobile application, developed using a low-code platform to enhance the experience of faculty, staff, and students. Available on both the App Store and Google Play, the application offers a range of features designed to improve campus life and streamline various processes.
Development and Platform
The Koç University mobile application is built on the Mendix low-code platform, enabling a single codebase to be deployed across multiple application stores. This approach reduces development costs, accelerates time to market, and facilitates quicker updates and feature releases.
Key Features
Access Rights Management
The application incorporates role-based access control, ensuring that users have appropriate permissions to various features based on their roles within the university.
Address Book
Users can easily find email addresses, room numbers, and location details through the integrated address book, enhancing communication and navigation across campus.
Campus Maps
The application includes interactive campus maps highlighting key points of interest, such as restaurants, cafes, administrative and educational buildings, and dormitories, helping users navigate efficiently.
Commencement Information
A dedicated section for Commencement is added annually, providing essential information such as ceremony timetables. A more detailed version of this information is available through the KUHub project, which will be covered in a future document.
Content Management System
We have chosen Strapi as our content management system. While WordPress is used for our websites, Strapi, as a Headless CMS, allows us to update content and sections without requiring a new app store release.
Course Evaluation
Each semester, students evaluate their courses through the application. Previously conducted on paper, this process was time-consuming. The mobile solution enables quick evaluations, with results instantly shared with relevant departments. By eliminating the need for hundreds of thousands of optical exam papers per semester, the application also supports an eco-friendly approach. This is the client-side version of the Course Evaluation system; its management functionalities will be addressed separately.
Digital ID and Access Management
The application features a digital ID with QR code functionality for campus access. Security personnel and users can verify access status through a red or green flag system. If access is denied, the application provides an explanation, ensuring transparency while maintaining user privacy. The QR code system extends to managing valid access times and location-specific restrictions.
Emergency Section
To enhance safety awareness, the Emergency section provides guidelines for the Fire Brigade & Emergency Unit, along with campus maps and emergency response procedures.
News and Events
A News and Events section keeps users informed about campus activities. This feature is integrated with the KUHub project, a higher education CRM system, which will be detailed in a separate document.
Ramak Kala
Developed for the Occupational Health and Safety Department, the Ramak Kala feature allows users to report safety concerns with location details, photos, and descriptions, ensuring timely action by safety officers.
Shuttle Service Integration & Shuttle Balance
The application integrates with a third-party transportation provider, enabling real-time shuttle tracking and expense monitoring. The system securely manages ID card numbers for seamless bus activation.
Conclusion
The Koç University mobile application serves as a comprehensive tool for faculty, staff, and students, promoting engagement, safety, and efficient access management. Leveraging low-code development, it facilitates rapid updates and feature enhancements. Additional details on specific projects and features will be shared in future documents.
