Main Objective of the Project

The primary goal of the "ArenaTech Edge: Integrated Smart Venue Platform" project is to develop and deploy a comprehensive, mobile-optimized web application that enhances the visitor experience at the BK Arena through an edge gateway. This platform will allow arena visitors to access a range of interactive, real-time services via their smartphones, leveraging the power of edge computing to ensure responsiveness and real-time data processing as they enter and navigate the venue.

Problem to Be Solved

Visitors at large venues like the BK Arena currently face several challenges that detract from their experience:

• Navigation Difficulties: Finding one's way around a large venue can be confusing, leading to frustration and a suboptimal event experience.
• Long Wait Times: Inefficiencies at entry points, concessions, and other services can cause delays and diminish the overall visitor experience.
• Lack of Real-Time Information: Absence of up-to-date information on schedules, seating, and events can leave visitors poorly informed.
• Engagement and Interactivity: Traditional venues often fail to fully engage visitors with digital tools, missing opportunities to enrich the visitor experience.

Expected Outcomes by the End of the Project

By the conclusion of this project, the following outcomes are anticipated:

1. Development of a Mobile-Optimized Web Application:

• Create a responsive web application that visitors can access on their smartphones. This app will guide them from the moment they enter the arena, facilitated by the edge gateway to ensure high performance and low latency.

1. Smart Venue Features through Edge Computing:

• Real-Time Navigation and Information: Implement an AI-powered system within the app for dynamic navigation and congestion tracking, powered by the edge gateway for instant updates.
• Seamless Access and Ticketing: Develop smart ticketing functionalities that manage digital ticket validation and display interactive seat maps, processed locally for quick access.
• Interactive and Augmented Reality Content: Deploy AR features for interactive venue engagement, such as viewing player stats or historical facts, supported by real-time processing at the edge.

1. Enhanced Visitor Services:

• Ordering and Payment Integration: Enable mobile ordering and payments for faster service at concessions and merchandise outlets, with transactions processed via the edge to reduce wait times.
• Personalized Advertisements and Promotions: Use real-time data analysis at the edge to offer targeted ads and promotions, enhancing visitor satisfaction and venue revenue.

1. Robust Backend Infrastructure on the Edge:

• Develop a backend that supports these features with high reliability and quick data processing, utilizing edge computing to handle large volumes of data locally and efficiently.

1. Comprehensive Security and Accessibility Measures:

• Integrate advanced security protocols to safeguard user data and transactions, with critical processing done at the edge to enhance security. Ensure the app is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.

The "ArenaTech Edge: Integrated Smart Venue Platform" aims to transform the BK Arena into a state-of-the-art venue that significantly enhances the visitor experience by leveraging edge computing. This technology not only improves operational efficiencies but also revolutionizes how visitors interact with the venue, setting a new standard for smart venue management.

To successfully achieve the project goal of developing and deploying the "ArenaTech Edge: Integrated Smart Venue Platform," learners will need to complete a series of structured activities. These tasks will be divided across different phases of the project, ranging from initial research and design to development, testing, and deployment. Here’s a breakdown of the critical activities:

1. Research and Planning

• Market Research: Conduct comprehensive research to understand visitor needs and identify gaps in the current digital offerings at venues.
• Technical Feasibility Study: Assess the technical requirements and feasibility for implementing edge computing solutions at the BK Arena.
• Requirement Gathering: Collaborate with stakeholders to define precise requirements for the application, including functional and non-functional specifications.

2. Design and Prototyping

• System Architecture Design: Design the overall architecture of the solution, ensuring it leverages edge computing for real-time data processing.
• UI/UX Design: Create wireframes and mockups for the web application, focusing on user experience and mobile optimization.
• Prototype Development: Develop an initial prototype of the application to visualize the basic functionality and user interface.

3. Development and Integration

• Frontend Development: Code the frontend of the application using React.js, integrating it with the backend systems via APIs.
• Backend Development: Develop the backend on Node.js, ensuring robust integration with the edge infrastructure for real-time performance.
• Database Setup: Configure MongoDB for flexible document storage and ensure it is optimized for high performance at the edge.

4. Testing and Quality Assurance

• Unit Testing: Conduct unit tests to ensure that individual components of the application function correctly.
• Integration Testing: Test the integration of different system components and APIs to ensure they work together seamlessly.
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Run tests with actual users to ensure the system meets business needs and user expectations.

5. Deployment and Optimization

• Initial Deployment: Deploy the application to the edge infrastructure using containerization tools like Docker and orchestration platforms like Kubernetes.
• Performance Tuning: Monitor the application’s performance and optimize it to handle real-world usage and data volumes effectively.
• Security Hardening: Implement comprehensive security measures, including data encryption and secure API access.

6. Launch and Iteration

• Soft Launch: Roll out the application to a limited audience to gather early feedback and make necessary adjustments.
• Full Launch: Launch the application publicly after incorporating feedback and ensuring full operational capability.
• Continuous Improvement: Use ongoing user feedback and system performance data to iterate on the application, adding new features and making improvements.

7. Training and Support

• Staff Training: Provide training for arena staff and IT teams on how to use and support the new system.
• User Education: Develop user guides, FAQs, and online help resources to assist visitors in using the app effectively.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation

• System Monitoring: Implement tools like Prometheus and Grafana for real-time monitoring of system performance and user engagement.
• Impact Evaluation: Regularly assess the impact of the application on visitor satisfaction and operational efficiency, using metrics collected through the system.

Staff Support

• Dedicated Mentors: Assign experienced mentors from our team who specialize in areas relevant to the project, such as edge computing, software development, and project management. These mentors will provide guidance, troubleshoot issues, and offer insights based on their professional experiences.
• Regular Check-ins: Schedule weekly or bi-weekly meetings to discuss progress, address challenges, and provide feedback. This regular interaction helps keep the project on track and ensures that learners receive the support they need in a timely manner
• Customer experience: Provide feedbacks on customer experience and our experience at the arena and what are the gaps we are filling out.