User Interfaces
Users will interact with localnet in several ways - not all of which require them to be computer literate. These include:
- via a browser on their computer
- through an “app” on their smartphone
- via a touch-screen on the front of their DeliveryCabinet
- by talking to the delivery staff who visit at least daily
Browser
Most customers will be comfortable placing delivery orders, reviewing their bill or booking a seat on a localnet van through their browser. Anyone who already shops, banks or pays bills online will rapidly find the localnet website rapidly becoming the most useful link on their “favourites” bar.
From their home page, a few clicks will let them, for example:
- see on a map of their neighbourhood exactly where their delivery van is; when it's due at their house next and over the following day or more.
- order groceries for delivery later that day - with their favourite items listed as on the best of the online grocery stores but with the boxes and shelves in the kitchen showing exactly how much dog food, washing up powder and milk is left.
- book seats on vans passing close to their house and onward connections to other neighbourhoods.
- book electric car hire and the lift to the LocalHub to reach it.
- offer their freshly picked rhubarb online for anyone in the area to buy.
- request an extra refuse collection that evening as the bin is getting full
Smartphone “App”
By the time localnet rolls out, most of us will be carrying smartphones that could provide all of the functionality discussed above. While many of these functions are much better done from home in front of a larger screen, the smartphone can go further. Because it is on your person and can transmit and respond wirelessly it can be used to identify you - avoiding the need to buy tickets or swipe cards as you enter or leave a localnet vehicle.
The smartphone will come into its own:
- to show you the location and arrival times of the localnet van you need to get you home
- to identify you as you board the localnet vehicle
- to unlock the electric car you booked for the afternoon
- to order the item you forgot to put on last night's grocery order
- to check that everything you ordered has been delivered before you drive past the supermarket
DeliveryCabinet touch-screen
Beside the dumb-waiter hatch or DeliveryCabinet built into your kitchen there will be a small touch-screen - bigger than a smartphone but smaller than a laptop screen. It will have a browser and pop-up keyboard like an iPad or smartphone but, as with the smartphone, is best used for simpler applications.
This interface is much less intimidating for the less computer-literate customers and should be less scary than the controls on the average microwave. The default or “home” screen will show pictures of the boxes already in the delivery system and what they contain. Just touch one for more detail such as precise contents, when it was delivered or when it is to be collected. Also on the default page will be buttons that let you very easily:
- see what is en route to you and when it should arrive
- replenish staples such as milk. juice, tea, coffee etc.
- request a refuse collection later that day
- see your current bill
- book a seat on the next localnet vehicle that passes
Talking to localnet Staff
For some customers, even a microwave oven's control panel is something they'd rather avoid - or perhaps cannot use because of poor sight or other disability. The best way for them to use localnet is to forget about computer interfaces and simply talk - or write - to the delivery staff who visit at least daily.
A simple note pinned to the front door would be enough to order another loaf and a pint of milk. By actually talking to the delivery staff, any of the above actions can be accomplished - by the delivery staff on their handheld devices which they carry on their rounds. Localnet is therefore accessible to ALL residents - regardless of age, broadband connectivity or computer skills.
Alternatively, customers can telephone their orders through. Ideally they would speak to a friendly member of staff at their LocalHub but if no-one is available, staff at a centralised overflow point can take their call and translate this into orders and instructions on the system.