‘WishShare’ is an app which aims to fill a gap in the market. This free app fits into the niche category of gifts and people being able to access other accounts which is a concept that has become more desirable in recent years. The app can be used on IOS and Android devices and targets all ages provided they own or have access to a device such as a tablet or mobile phone.
The purpose of the app is to provide people with a digital platform in which they can create a collection of gift ideas for themselves and give access to their family and friends ultimately making it easier to get gifts for people which they actually want and whilst cutting out those awkward conversations where you have to keep asking what a person wants and they don’t know.
Each feature following has been incorporated into ‘WishShare’ to enhance the user experience:
- Create a wishlist
- View other profiles
- Item purchase information
- FAQ page
- Live Chat
- Shareable
- Easily accessible
- Available on IOS and Android devices
- Personalisation
- Age accessible
How does it work?
Once ‘WishShare’ is installed, users must create an account. Once entering the required information the login page will reload and users can now login. Upon logging in users account page will appear. This is where items can be added and deleted from wishlists using the add item and bin icons. Users can personalise their profiles using the edit button on the sidebar. The sidebar is where users can view profiles, access settings, FAQs and LIVE CHAT and view/add friends. When clicking on the icons users will be redirected to the corresponding page. To view another members list or profile users select them in the sidebar and are redirected to their page. To learn more about an item users select it and are redirected to its individual page where they can see images of the item, its name and a list of places and prices where the item can be located.
‘McLuhan’s Tetrad’ suggests that all technologies have four effects on the ecosystem. It is important to review the app in correspondence with this model to identify if the app has the ability to be successful but also if it complies with the basis of technologies. The following describes how ‘WishShare’ works with ‘Tetrad’.
A key element in the success of an app is enhancement. “We shape our tools and therefore our tools shape us” (McLuhan, 1964). It is vital the app serves a purpose which is useful to those who will be using it. ‘WishShare’ allows for enhanced knowledge of the likes and desires of those they know, enabling them to purchase gifts or gather ideas with ease. ‘WishShare’ serves as an extension of a users memory as when they see an item they like they can add it to their list instantly meaning they don’t forget to write it down. It also enhances users abilities to store everything in one place and on hand wherever they are. Finally, the ability to share lists with other users makes for easier access to the information the user is seeking.
The second element is what does ‘WishShare’ reverse, meaning it must have a long term goal or impact. ‘WishShare’ ultimately reverses two things. The first being the difficult nature of trying to find the right gifts for people without the constant asking or uncertainty. The second is to ease the experience of shopping using technology to make it more enjoyable through the use of an app such as ‘WishShare’.
Another element is if ‘WishShare’ retrieves anything. ‘WishShare’ allows for the meaning to be brought back into gift-giving. Over the years gift-giving has become less about giving someone something that means something to them or is special and more about filling the bag. By having an app like ‘WishShare’ on the market the options users can choose from are all special or something the individual really wants, therefore, the meaningful/thoughtful gift-giving is more prominent in society.
The last element is what does ‘WishShare’ make obsolete. ‘WishShare’ removes using paper lists which is lost or misplaced easily, replacing it with a 24/7, digitally accessible version.
REFERENCES
McLuhan, M. (1964). Understanding media: The extensions of man. Toronto: Toronto Education Quarterly.
Data protection in the EU. (2019, December 2). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/law-topic/data-protection/data-protection-eu_en
How to make an app (In 9 steps). (2019, October 22). Retrieved from https://learnappmaking.com/how-to-make-an-app/
McLuhan’s Tetrad. (2014, December 19). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRnexsrlSdA
Through My Eyes - Media Edition 
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