In light of the rapid changes in consumer behavior and expectations brought on by the unparalleled adoption of hand held devices, Braddock Communications, Inc. decided that it was time to move the upcoming version of the Congressional Directory to a mobile application.
In the spring of 2011, Braddok formed a joint venture with Elicere under the name Impel Apps and began development of an application for use on iPhones, iPads and Android devices which will provide enhanced access to the information and resources of the Congressional Directory. The new app will not only offer greater mobility, it will be designed with a more user-focused approach to connect small businesses with the tools to help them conduct business with Congress.
Elicere's Signature Design: A Few Simple Taps
Elicere utilizes a design philosophy of simplicity and standardization to deliver concise uncomplicated software architecture in an effective, cost-friendly manner. This approach to the application structure makes use of straight-forward and intuitive design to improve user performance and limit required navigation to a few simple taps.
"The application is being built utilizing a SQLite open source database engine and the Cocoa Touch programming interface libraries. This allows many sophisticated services and technologies to be implemented easily, reducing the amount of overall development work and keeping costs low for the client."
A Modular Approach
The new Application will roll out in Phases. Phase One will include many of the content categories of previous hard-copy versions mentioned above. In addition, the initial roll out will have an ever-expanding capacity for additional categories and functions.
Phase Two will include a Key Staff Locator, Legislation Tracking, Major PAC Donation Tracking, Major Think Tanks, and Congressional History Bytes. Phase Three will have Senate and House Member Contacts, Committee Contacts and Updates, and Tracking of Federal Spending. With each subsequent phase, expanded features and content will be incorporated and the tool will become increasingly interactive. In addition, the application will have the capacity to deliver customized content categories for each of the various participating trade associations and chambers. For instance, information on upcoming legislation related to the interests of a particular industry will be made available for access by that trade association's membership only.
The application is being built utilizing a SQLite open source database engine and the Cocoa Touch programming interface libraries. This allows many sophisticated services and technologies to be implemented easily, reducing the amount of overall development work and keeping costs low for the client.
The application will have to communicate regularly with the client's server to update information and deliver customized content, based on end-user requirements. In addition, Elicere is building a website for the client to use for content management of the back-end database. The release of the new Congressional Directory for Small Businesses is anticipated to take place later this year.
