Ad Manager is a proprietary software tool for jukebox installers that can transform a service route into a digital signage network. Compatible with all AMI jukeboxes and accessed via its Co-Pilot app, the tool allows jukebox installers to remotely manage digital signage across multiple locations or to enable customers to create and schedule their own advertisements.
ORIGIN
Originally delivered as web tool, Ad Manager supported the upload of custom images, as well as the creation of advertisements using pre-made templates. See screen grabs:
While web-based, the tool was deployed as part of a much larger remote management website which was NOT optimized for mobile screens. Knowing the customers of most jukebox installers would not always have convenient access to a desktop computer, this was accepted as a temporary barrier to more widespread adoption and usage.
MOBILE VERSION
To deliver an optimized version of Ad Manager for mobile, it was decided to recreate the tool within AMI Co-Pilot, a mobile app built exclusively for jukebox installers and venue staff.
When approaching a new design, I typically begin my process by searching for similar apps or parallels from other industries. In the case of a mobile version of Ad Manager, it turned out that greeting card apps would serve as a great source of inspiration.
Similar to Ad Manager, mobile apps for greeting card companies all included browsing templates, inserting photos, and manipulating short text strings as part of their primary user experience. Keeping the process simple and short was key to the success of such apps and I felt Ad Manager should following suit.
EASY AS 1-2-3
Because the app's user experience already started with the selection of a venue, it was an exciting discovery to realize the mobile version of Ad Manager could be minimized to a simple 3-step process.
Step 1 involves confirming or editing pre-written text. Step 2 is scheduling. Step 3 is confirming or editing the name of the media to be saved. Advancing through these steps is just as easy, done by using the arrow in the title bar or simply by swiping left.
AD MANAGEMENT
Once published, saved media is added to the tool's "Ads Created" menu, which organizes digital signage created into three segments: Active, Expired, and Disabled.
Ads created, whether created via mobile or web, can be deleted, disabled, or edited here.
CUSTOM IMAGES
In addition to supporting a library of templates, the tool is also designed to accept uploaded photos/images that can be taken in-app or selected from the user's own photo library.
NETWORK DELIVERY
Ads created are sent to network servers which then deliver new advertisements, within minutes, to any devices installed at targeted venues.
Unlike venue owners, managers, or staff, which can only publish advertisements at their own venue, installers are equipped with administrative rights that authorize the publishing of advertisements to single or multiple venues. This enables installers to create a digital signage network across their entire service route.
CONTROL MENU
Ad Manager integrates seamlessly into Co-Pilot's Control Menu. Once a venue is selected, the tool is accessed by tapping"Promotion."
From here, the user can access ads created, upload a custom image, browse available templates, and begin their journey towards digital signage management.
Note: All iOS screens pictured above where designed in Sketch. For more information regarding this design, feel free to contact me!