Before we wrote the first line of code for the Mazévo product line, we knew we wanted to create a platform that was accessible from wherever people worked. Some events professionals spend much of their day at a desk. Others are always on the go. And many are somewhere in the middle.
Historically, the only way to get information to people who weren’t at their computer was to print them a report they could refer to later. If they didn't have a report, they had to call someone who was at a computer to get the information they needed.
Needless to say, this approach was ineffective. Paper reports were essentially outdated the minute they came off the printer. And relying on someone being at their computer, especially when it was “crunch time” and you had an urgent need for information, was a recipe for disaster… or at least for very disappointed customers.
Technology to the rescue! Today, our phones and tablets can access web-based information in real time. Of course, you have to really lean into this capability to get the most out of it. You can’t just provide rudimentary remote access as an afterthought.
Mobile-First Design – What is It and Why Does it Matter?
There are two ways to implement mobile capabilities. The first is to create a scheduling solution specifically for desktop use and then modify the program to work on mobile devices. The second is to take a “mobile-first” approach. That means you design the solution for mobile devices and then enable it on desktops.
The minimal screen “real estate” on phones and tablets poses some unique coding challenges. Consequently, the right sequence is to clear those hurdles first, then move into the much more forgiving world of desktop development. That way you can ensure you’re providing a great user experience in both environments.
With Mazévo Mobile, we built the mobile interface from scratch. Using a mobile-first strategy meant we weren’t having to find ways to translate legacy application functionality from computer to mobile device and asking our customers to accept a watered-down experience on their phone or tablet.
As a result, not only are scheduling team members more productive, the system enjoys much better adoption among requesters who want to do everything from their mobile device.
Mazévo Mobile: Optimized for 3 Types of Users
We designed Mazévo Mobile with three unique user types in mind: requesters, service providers, and approvers.
Requesters
These are the people who need to book space – students, faculty, staff, and community members. Some still choose to call the scheduling office or use an online request form, and our products definitely support those methods. But increasingly, people want to reserve a room right from their phone.
Mazévo Mobile makes requesting space for a one-day or recurring event simple. All it takes is a few taps in the intuitive interface. Then, the requester can view the status of the request from their device or even update it if authorized. And the shift to electronic requests reduces the workload of event schedulers, allowing them to focus on other tasks.
Plus, and maybe most importantly, requesters and event planners can message one another directly through Mazévo Mobile. Questions? Comments? Clarifications? Communication is just easier with the app.
Service providers
These are caterers, A/V equipment techs, facilities staff, and others who deliver and manage the resources needed for meetings and events. Service providers tend to spend the majority of the day away from their desk preparing for and managing their aspect of events. The key to their job? Instant access to important information.
Mazévo Mobile empowers service providers to view event details on the go. It also allows them to review and update those details in real time. These capabilities may be used to:
- Confirm that events are “good to go.” For example, a catering manager can ensure that all the tasks associated with the day’s catered events have been completed.
- Assign staff. For instance, a facility manager can assign workers to setup and breakdown an event
- Report on event progress. Someone who is assigned to oversee an event can indicate when they have started working and when setup/breakdown has been completed.
Approvers
The third type of Mazévo Mobile user is someone who provides oversight and must approve events before they can take place. For instance, when a request is submitted, the event planner will assess it from an operational perspective, but what about other stakeholders?
Does Campus Safety approve? Does the university’s legal department? With high-profile or high-risk events, additional sign-off is often required before preparations can begin.
With Mazévo Mobile, the appropriate parties can be notified that an approval is needed and can approve or decline right from their phone without having to go to their computer. This capability keeps the process moving and enables the event planner to get back to the requester promptly.
What Can a Mobile-First Scheduling Solution do for You?
Wondering how a powerful and intuitive mobile scheduling solution can benefit your team and your customers?
