Scope of works: Project and Operations Management, Software development (Visual Basic, Flash CS3, LAMP)

Baby TV is a information service aimed at parents-to-be in hospital antenatal waiting rooms nationwide.  Baby TV aims to help parents-to-be make informed decisions for the health, welfare, safety and happiness of both themselves and their future baby.

My involvement in the Baby TV interactive kiosk project included:-

• Producing an innovative and informative user experience.
• Developing an interactive kiosk application.
• Maintain and support the interactive kiosks on a daily basis.

I developed a custom web browser in Visual Basic which served a locally hosted web site designed using LAMP.  The web browser has an automatic return to homepage feature which returned the web browser to the homepage when the interactive kiosk was idle.  Additional features also include collating page visits and competition entries which are stored locally in a mySQL database and backup text files.

Competition entries, usage statistics and the “email me this page” feature information were stored locally on the media player.  Once a day the information was uploaded to a central database and server, ready for daily reporting and usage monitoring.

Health monitoring information, including a screen shot, connectivity and media player operation statistics, were also uploaded on a daily basis to the central server.  This helped the administrative staff to monitor the network efficiently and responsively.

The new Baby TV interactive kiosks will initially roll out to four hospitals and a shopping centre.

Scope of works: Software development

Whilst developing a new interactive kiosk product a requirement arose for web browser functionality that included an automatic timeout to a default web site on inactivity feature, filtering web pages and allowing navigation to specific web sites only.

I could not produce this functionality with any of the existing web browser applications, even using some of the multitude of rich and varied web browser add-ons currently available, so I had to develop my own software solution.

Using Visual Basic 6 with Microsoft Internet Controls, I developed a web browser with an automatic timeout feature, web address, mySQL database integration, content filtering and comprehensive administrative logging.

Custom web browser application - click to enlarge

Scope of works: Programming, software development and web sites

When giving the general public the opportunity to enter their personal details, such as their email address, on an interactive kiosk, you have to be prepared to filter incorrect, fake or false information and where possible correct it.

I noticed when the general public entered their email addresses they often got the name of well known email addresses incorrect.  For example, joebloggs@hhotmail.com and joebloggs@aool.com, which should be joebloggs@hotmail.com and joebloggs@aol.com respectively.

To deal with this issue, I wrote a PHP script with MySQL data access code to interrogate email addresses in field of a table within a database.  The script identified typical email address entry errors and corrected them.  Once the script had finished, it reported on all originally entered email addresses, the new corrected email addresses and a red or green status indicator.

Once the script is complete, the amount of correct email addresses within a system increases.  Which, from a marketing and advertising perspective, can only be advantageous.

The script also includes an undo feature and manual deletion of duplicate email addresses.

Email address cleaner (click to enlarge)

Scope of works: Project management, software development and web technologies.

The Surgery Media Systems Ltd (SMS) digital signage network consists of an interactive touchscreen kiosk , an infotainment 40″ LCD screen , an online administrative web portal and a public facing health information portal called www.myinfopoint.co.uk .  Collectively, the digital signage network is called the patient infoPoint system.

Waterside Dental, Canary Wharf

The wall mounted screen displays content customised by the practice, including instant messaging, quizzes, real time feeds via the internet and customisable slides.  The interactive kiosk contains information videos, detailed information about the practice and gives patients the opportunity to register their details with the practice and fill out a survey created by the practice.

infoManager - The Survey Manager (click to enlarge)

I developed a web-based survey manager where the practice could create and edit their own surveys, publish to their interactive kiosks and report on each survey’s results using the web-based administrative portal.

The infoManager - web based administrative portal

The administrative web portal manages ever aspect of the system.  From the web portal, the practice has direct control on content creation, content updates, survey reporting and patient registration details from the interactive kiosk and the ability to send target emails to their patients.

The public health portal - www.myinfopoint.co.uk

SMS was setup in 2008, and I was asked to join the company as project manager and developer.  My first task was to interview and short list a team of developers and designers.  Based on documentation of what the patient infoPoint system would initially become work began on developing the brand new SMS digital signage network.

I project managed the SMS digital signage network from beginning to end.  I also got heavily involved in software development, specifically the content playback and backend solution, internal and external web sites and database programming.

After 8 months of development, design work, testing and plenty of late nights, a final version of the patient infoPoint system was completed ready for launch at the BDA Dental Show, ExCel Centre in the heart of London’s Royal Docks.  It was positively received and headway made to market the SMS digital signage network to interested dental practices throughout the UK.

Screen and interactive kiosk components

The SMS digital signage network sold well and installations began.  12 months after development started, the patient infoPoint system was installed into at leats 10 dental practices.

Once the SMS digital signage network was operational, I developed a site monitoring and fault logging system using PHP and mySQL.  This reported on the  network’s health status and was checked regularly by the SMS support staff.  When an issue arose, a fault was entered into the fault logging system where I monitored progress and ensured faults were resolved.

During my time at SMS my responsibilities have included the following:-

• Ensuring key project targets were met and on time.
• Preparing, testing and setting up equipment for exhibitions and demos.
• Technical and operations point of contact.
• Continued web site development of the various SMS websites and web portals.
• Interviewing and hiring new members of staff, appraisals, staff holiday and absenteeism.
• Holding regular staff and operations meetings.
• Liaising with clients, suppliers, Directors, shareholders and business partners.
• Technical documentation writing and monthly company technical and operational reports for board meetings.
• Organising and presenting project demos to prospective new clients and dealers.
• Software and hardware testing and repairing.
• Project managing site installations.

In Jan 2009, as the Project Management concentration ended my role changed to Operations Manager.

New responsibilities also included:-

• Sourcing new screen content and arranging usage permission with the various government agencies.
• Ensuring the digital signage network is healthy.
• Ensuring all sites were operational and repairing faults or failures.
• Bug fixes and improvements in the digital signage software and SMS websites as they arise.
• Liaising with suppliers, sourcing improved hardware and reducing the price of the existing digital signage solution.
• Programming new and updating content using Scala Designer.
• Management of the technical, sales and content staff and departments.
• Holding training days.

The infoManager - Survey results

Here is the official Surgery Media Systems Ltd marketing brochure.

Client Testimonials

“We find the patient infoPoint system a valuable asset as it keeps our patients informed on what we have to offer as well as the news and things of interest showing on the screen has helped nervous patients and children to keep occupied while waiting to go in to the surgery for treatment.  Thank you very much for a fantastic aid to the surgery.”
Sue McVey, Broadfield Dental Care

“We certainly found it very useful in improving the efficiency in the service we provide to our patients.  Using the reports we can see patients feedback on the service we provide.  We have a system where our patients can freely give us feedback without feeling pressured to do so as they willingly want to use the infoTouch.”
Dr. Binamin, Widney Dental Care

Scope of works: Digital signage, web technologies, software development, maintenance

During my four year permanent contract at MEI Digital Ltd, I worked on the WHSmith Travel and Retail digital signage network.  The network consisted of over 200 LCD and plasma screens, rack mounted media players, web browsers, interactive playtables for kids, exterior digital signposts, live train timetables and in-store dump-bin screens.

The network spanned over 60 stores in all major airports and railways stations throughout the UK, including Selfridges and AXA, and all major USA airports. It is worth mentioning that WHSmith is the longest running digital signage network in the world and continues to expand to this day.

Back in 2002, WHSmith was my first experience in digital signage.  I used my previous IT experience and knowledge to undertake all tasks that came with my role and, with this, my potential was soon noticed where I was asked to take on further responsibilities.  Being a small company, it meant everyone, including me, got involved in all aspects of the business, which at the ripe age of 24 was excellent experience and steered me well on my way into the digital signage marketplace and multi-talented evolutionary IT and management skills.

On a daily basis, I supported the entire digital signage network.  The level of support I was involved with ranged from hardware swap out to project managing a brand new site installation.

While at MEI Digital Ltd, I feel my main achievements included:-

• Development of playback, delivery, monitoring and reporting software for the WHSmith digital signage network.
• Development of corporate and Intranet web sites.
• Project management and installation of in-store digital signage networks.  This included anything up to 8 screens in one store, media players, backup power supplies, sound systems, queueing system integration, live train timetable integration etc.
• General internal IT support.  I was the main point of call for anyone with a computer issue or technical query.
• Involvement in new project brain storming sessions.
• Software development that included the playback reporting of all screen content throughout the network. This was utilised by the digital signage management team within WHSmith and the third party advertising agencies.
• I developed automated watchdog software that monitored abnormal system activity on the media players and automatically rebooted the system when a fatal error occured or restarted the content playback software where appropriate.

In-store digital signage media player installation

Stansted interactive kids play table

WHSmith Book.co interactive web browser

Heathrow dump bin promotions

Victoria Station re-fit in 2007

WHSmith Stansted Airport

Scope of works: Digital signage, software development and on-going maintenance

Since its opening in June 1998, Watson’s Wine Cellar is now the largest specialist wine retailer in Central Hong Kong.

The digital signage solution comprises of an interactive touch screen and a 42 inch LCD screen at the point of purchase.

I was responsible for designing, creating, populating and deploying the Microsoft SQL database which contained detailed wine information available in-store. The interactive software allowed the customer to obtain further information on a wine by scanning the wine bottle’s barcode with the barcode scanner, browsing the wine categories or manually entering the code from the wine bottle.

I also developed a playlist generator, using Visual Basic 6, which created a content playlist for the screen dependant on a store’s specific wine promotion which included latest offers, promotion-led content and up-to-the-minute information.  The client was able to create their own custom playlist based on these factors and publish to the screen for immediate playback of the new content loop in store.

On an on-going basis, I was responsible for maintaining the network remotely from the UK.  I liaised with the Hong Kong division on any problems I could not resolve remotely.

Watsons Wine Cellar - Touchscreen and LCD

Scope of works: Digital signage network, software development, web technologies and post-installation maintenance

In4health is a digital signage network currently present in GP surgeries inpatient waiting rooms and hospitals offering health related information and services.

The system is comprised of a 40 inch LCD screen, interactive kiosk touchscreen, interactive hand-held devices and an online management system.  The interactive kiosk offers further information on health related issues including registration to become an organ donation, review the PCTs web site and give the apportunity to feedback views to the health care staff using customisable confidential surveys.  Playback of informative health related videos and animations are featured on the 40 inch LCD screen, together with practice specific content, news, sports, weather and local news stories.  The online management system allows the doctor and local PCT staff to set their own announcements and messages for display on the screens, review content and gather invaluable information from practice by practice reporting on usage, feedback and surveys.

in4health online management site

I was responsible for developing a portion of the online management web site  and maintaining the digital signage network on an on-going daily basis.

With the aid of Adobe Micromedia Dreamweaver CS3 and Notepad++ I developed the online management web site using HTML, CSS, PHP5 and AJAX using Javascript.  For the concept, design and images I used Adobe Photoshop CS3.  The database was designed and hand coded using Microsoft SQL Server.

The in4health interactive kiosk