Sending out a Mass Email to Contact Potential Partners

 

We brainstormed regarding what the best method of communication would be to contact animal shelters in order to mass communicate and save time. The main goal was to look for shelters around Indiana that are focused on the adoption of dogs in order to follow through with the interest in transporting dogs.

 

Through the list that was already given to us through Kirsten Vantwoud, we narrowed down the shelters that housed dogs and acquired email as well as phone information so that we would be able to contact them. We found that not all shelters listed were for dogs, some were for foxes, other for farm animals, and some for rabbits and turtles.

 

We can now contact several shelters at once without having to lose time and we will be able to see what shelters already use a transportation system.  We will create a single email linked to Indyhumane to contact all of the shelters.

 

Using Facebook Groups as a Way to Organize Canine Transport 

 

We sought to find a way to connect different animals in the state of Indiana through a common means. This means would have to be quick, efficient, and accessible to all who are interested in involvement in a transport program with Indyhumane.

 

We found that Facebook is the most commonly used social media, and the fact that businesses can make private groups to communicate with one another through Facebook is an excellent opportunity for Indyhumane. In 2017 more than half of the global population uses the Internet and there are more than 2.7 billion active social media accounts. Therefore, it is no surprise that social media plays a big role in individuals social interaction” (Tareaf, R. B.) “Like other new forms of communication, Facebook has changed society. By enabling people to communicate instantly with vast networks of friends, the website helps ideas spread quickly through online ‘word of mouth,’” (Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia).

 

This is what the information we found suggests for you, our client, and the specific issue(s) at hand. This means that by creating a Facebook group where Indyhumane can accept or decline different members, IndyHumane will have a secure, quick, and easy way to find out when/where to transport animals through the state of Indiana.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using MapQuest as a Way to Create Optimal Multiple Stop Routes

 

We sought to find a route planning software that would work well with the needs of Indyhumane. A future transport program would require a routing software that allows Indyhumane to put in multiple stops. After adding multiple stops, Indyhumane needs software that will create an optimal route using these stops.

 

We found that MapQuest offers a multiple stop optimal route planner. According to MapQuest.com, “If your route has more than 3 stops, let us re-order them to optimize your trip! Just make sure to specify where you're starting and ending, then click the toggle next to ‘Should we re-order your stops to get the most optimized route?’  and we'll take care of the rest!” (How to add more stops to your route).

 

This means that Indyhumane has complete access to free software that meets all of their needs. By using the MapQuest website and creating a route, Indyhumane is able to find out the most efficient way to transport dogs across the state of Indiana. Enter all data, then check ‘allow us to reorder stops on your route. After creating this route on a computer, users can click the ‘share’ option and email or text the route to whomever they want. If the route is texted to somebody, they can open the route on their phone straight into the google maps app and instantly start routing to the first stop. If one is not interested in using MapQuest as their primary mobile mapping tool, they can always take the route created by the desktop version of mapquest and plug the destinations into their preferable mobile mapping tool one at a time.

 

Using Google Maps as an Alternate Way to Create Multiple Stop Routes

 

We wanted to find a mapping system that would allow Indyhumane to pick up animals from Indiana animal shelters and transfer them to IndyHumane (specifically small dogs and puppies) while making multiple stops in the most efficient time possible. We sought to find the best software suitable for Indy Humane.

 

We found that Google Maps is a free option that allows users to create mapping systems with multiple stops and complete routes in the most efficient time. We created an info graphic with instructions including direct screenshots to explain how to share maps with the volunteers who will be driving to transport animals.

 

We also found that multiple stop mapping systems can be created on a desktop computer using Google Maps and sent to the mobile devices of volunteers driving to the pickup destinations. Creating routes using this tool would be a simple and interesting option for IndyHumane. Google Maps are used primarily by individuals wanting to get directions to a destination in a car, by bus or even occasionally walking. Google Maps is a free service that offers an app on smartphones and also has a desktop option.

 

In a study conducted by a team in the International Symposium on Geoinformatics 2018, the study found that “the Google Maps application is superior to other three (Here Wego, and Wisepilot) applications studied based on four of the five aspects tested: functionality, effectiveness, efficiency, reliability, usability.” Indy Humane would certainly be taking a step in the right direction by choosing google maps as their primary mapping system or even as a supplement to the main system. This means that Indyhumane will have a free reliable mapping system that can be used by anyone with a smartphone and internet connection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Survey Analysis

 

We sought to find more information from other animal shelters by sending a short survey. The survey was looking for more information on different mapping systems, shelters interested in being apart of a new transportation method, and the best ways to hear about when an animal needs to be transported.

 

We found that 35% of shelters engage in animal transport programs with other shelters in Indiana. Though 78% would be interested in being apart of a new transportation method with Indyhumane. Most of the shelters will know of an animal needing to be picked up by an email, and then social media and phone calls are the second most common ways of communication. Google Maps happened to be the most commonly used mapping system for those who transport. While some others use the GPS on their phones to make routes.

 

This means that more shelters would like to engage in animal transportation to different shelters. We can now contact more shelters to be involved with this process, as well as shape our recommendation to the best ways for shelters to communicate when an animal needs to be transported.