Liverpool agency Mando has enjoyed a successful six-week trial of a new student money-saving app with Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).
The trial saw on-campus cafes fitted with iBeacons – low-energy Bluetooth devices – which pushed messages out to the phones of passers-by, alerting them to offers and savings. The app, which was downloaded by hundreds of students, detected those offers and students received a code to be presented at the check-out.
With a reach of up to 50 metres, students looking to save money but still enjoy a café lunch found crossing the road worth the effort.
Mark Simpson, client services director from Mando
The cross-platform app also allows LJMU to track and analyse the data, giving insight into when offers have been redeemed, as well as where and when students have come into contact with iBeacons.
Mandy Phillips, head of corporate business change initiatives at LJMU, said: “We’re really pleased with how the proof of concept went. It was very important to us to first trial the technology in a real-world situation and get some firm results to enable us to get more investment and a larger-scale roll-out.
“We’re delighted to be working with Mando on this exciting project which will continue to position both of our organisations as innovators.”
Mando said the technology could be used in other ways by education establishments, such as wayfinding around campuses or increasing footfall to other onsite catering facilities.
Mark Simpson, client services director from Mando, added: “This was our first iBeacons project, so we’re thrilled that it’s been successful. Whilst this was a new technology with little precedent in the education field, we’re really delighted to have worked with LJMU on this, backing an innovative new way to enhance their student experience.
“We’re proud of our culture of innovation and this project is a great example of working together with our clients to create something practical, yet forward-thinking.”
