When we were discussing ideas for our first hackathon, we started talking about how one of our team members packages were stolen frequently. We then started discussing how poorly delivery employees were treated and came upon the idea of the intersection of technology and delivery services to improve their working conditions, as well as worker efficiency. The idea stemmed from the Apple Wallet, which we all used frequently. With the RFID, we thought, we could change the way not only packages are delivered, but the way delivery workers can get around New York City, both into buildings and into restrooms. The app model was built on Figma, and the research was conducted using Google and NYU databases.

The apolloKey is an RFID pass that functions similar to Apple or Google Pay. It can be added to a smart wallet, such as the Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. By tapping the pass on RFID scanners with a smartphone or device, delivery employees will be granted access to bathrooms at certain locations throughout the city such as a Starbucks, McDonald's, CVS, or Walgreens that we have partnered with. This would help delivery employees work around issues of bathroom accessibility, and help those with disabilities and basic hygiene needs create a more comfortable work environment. Moreover, the apolloKey pass was created to give delivery workers access only to the buildings on their route, automatically updating with each new route or day so that they don't have to re-add a new pass after a route had been finished. This would cut down delivery times, allowing employees more time to access a bathroom along their route without having to worry about finishing their deliveries on time. Another important issue the apolloKey addresses is that it takes away the need to communicate with the recipient of the package, effectively disintermediating the process with digital substitute. This way, the deaf, hard of hearing, people with speech difficulties, and those with English as a second or third language can have an easier time breaking into the industry.

One of the aspects of the project I was in charge of was designing the logo. We wanted the colors to be similar to a paper bag or cardboard box, similar to UPS or Amazon. The first step was to test out some fonts. I knew I wanted to integrate a symbol into our product name/logo. The key fit perfectly because the role of the app was to be a key to different bathrooms and apartment buildings.

I designed the app with three pages in mind, the card, profile, and the map. I wanted the app to be as simple as possible since the target users were people who are always on the move. The buttons are big so that they can use the app while they are driving or biking. The card can be used both in the app and also be put into a digital wallet. My intent for the card in the app would be that the driver would have to turn it on and off, matching the hours of their shift. When the card is activated, it would have a purple glow on the outside.

The profile page is pretty straightforward in terms of changing your personal information.

The map page was designed to be dragged around and small geotagged places would pop up. I wanted each place to have hours so that the drivers would be able to see if it was available to them. Besides just getting into buildings easier, the idea of the app was to bridge the gap between shop owners with public bathrooms and delivery drivers that need to use them.
‍
The proposal can be found here.