As part of the continuous efforts to improve the user experience of its Wain mobile platform, the Qatar Mobility Innovations Centre (Qmic) has released a new version that combines multiple different improvements and additions.
Some of them come in response to user feedback and others in support of the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, being held from January 12 to February 10.
With the introduction of Smart Navigation to Stadia, Real-Time Parking Availability, Android Auto integration, an improved navigation experience, and enhanced Arabic voice instructions, Wain continues to revolutionise the way residents and visitors navigate and explore Qatar.
The Wain team was able to collect and address user suggestions and feedback regarding some of the existing features in Wain, as well as adopt other features which can offer added value to the Wain community.
Perhaps most significant is the introduction of a revamp voice for Arabic navigation instructions, that includes a clearer annunciation, better timing, and a tone and rhythm that mimic natural speech patterns.
This will ensure that drivers will be able to effortlessly follow smoother navigation instructions to reach their destination.
In support of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, Wain has reintroduced the stadiums micro-app that was heavily used during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2023.
This micro-app features an updated map, in which each stadium is marked with an icon, accompanied with valuable information to guide users to each respective stadium.
With this, users can navigate to the stadia with ease, guaranteeing a straightforward and user-friendly experience in finding their way.
On top of that, data has been collected to display information on the map related to essential details for easy public access to the stadia.
This includes public parking and accessibility parking, allowing visitors to easily locate and secure parking spaces in the closest proximity possible to the stadia, and the locations of metro stations and metro shuttles, for an effective public transportation option.
For those who prefer park & ride, designated areas are also highlighted on the map.
Lastly, taxi drop-off and pickup points are also included for those relying on taxi services.
To ensure accurate parking data and information, the Qmic team has installed and operated its own digital parking system, powered by Qmic’s Falcon-I AI (artificial Intelligence) Platform across all nine stadiums.
This intelligent system provides a great deal of insight into parking utilisation and real-time occupancy levels on match days throughout the tournament.
Using this system will enable the team to integrate the real-time information into Wain, which provides important information for the users navigating to the stadia.
The efficiency of this system was demonstrated during its utilisation in the World Cup tournament.
Omar M al-Jaber, Qmic’s director of Strategic Partnerships & Outreach, said: “In our commitment to enhancing user experiences on Wain, we are thrilled to introduce the latest version, seamlessly blending user feedback-driven improvements and dedicated features for the upcoming Asian Football Tournament in Qatar.”
“We believe these advancements, coupled with the reintroduction of the stadiums micro-app, will contribute to a smooth and user-friendly journey for residents and visitors alike,” he said.