Done is Done

I turned in the last version of the Alpine Nature Center app in for a grade today. It no longer includes the reverse image look up, as Judy is working on a database that allows users to look up flowers by color and when they bloom. When that database is done, we will be able to add that to the app.

I can't say enough regarding how proud I am of my sister. She and her husband moved to Utah a year ago after Ed retired. I spoke to Judy then about what she was going to do. I specifically asked her about volunteer work. She told me she couldn't volunteer as she wanted to travel and spend time with her grandchildren. She also told me that if she did volunteer she couldn't do it half-heartedly. She believes that if you volunteer you must be passionate.

Over the course of a year I have seen Judy's passion grow for the Alpine Nature Center. She and Ed have not just helped with the website. They have organized hikes and led volunteers in planting and watering. I am so thankful she has allowed me to join in the fun by combining my school work with her awesome volunteer work.

Here is the link to the final version of the app:

Leaving Well Enough Alone

I got my work done early this week so I could read my niece's new book. It just dropped this week and it is the final book in the series. I started reading it and it is soooo good, but I can never leave well enough alone :(

So even though I've worked really hard and I totally deserve to read for pleasure, I keep revisiting my app. Here is the QR code to what I thought was my final draft.

Scroll lower for the QR Code for the new BETA version

Unfortunately, a different, but just as lovely niece on this side of the pond said she wished the app could help with plant identification, and my instructor had given me a tip on how to do this. I also wanted a drawing app for said niece's kids. So here is another beta version. There are a couple things I don't like about this version. Try it out and let me know... leave the new features in or take them out.

QR Code for the New BETA version

PS things I don't like: 

1) Coloring app. Needs original pictures so the Alpine Nature Center can freely distribute

2) Coloring app. I want it to save the drawings. It can save now, but if you restart the app and save again, the pictures will save over the old pictures. I could just remove the save feature.

3) The identify app has to launch Chrome for the necessary website to work. Most reverse image look up sites only work from a desktop. This works from a mobile device. Problem? In opening up Chrome, you leave the AlpineNatureCenter app and the only way back in is to open it from the icon.

** I'm looking for some feedback, Judy

The light at the end of the tunnel

My app for the Alpine Nature Center is nearing completion. I have a list of things I still need to do or debug

• Add a scoring element to the flower and bird quizzes
• Fix the game icon so it is a little cleaner and more attractive
• The first bird slide moves to fast. It shouldn't even change without someone clicking an answer
• Maybe add a photo submission feature. Android users can use Google Lens to identify a flower or plant from their phone. Once identified, the plant and identification could be uploaded to the Alpine Nature Center through an online form hosted on the website... This idea might not be added on this first iteration of the app, but could be added later.

If you would like to see where I am at on this app here is a qr code to download the app.

I like the new look of the quizzes so much I went into the AI2 program to grab a screenshot of the new quizzes. As you can see, they do not look the same in the designer view, so now I know how to fix the bird from "flying" by so fast. Thanks for helping problem solve that! You guys are the best :)

The Rise of Frustration

I had the app kinda ready to go, but I was unhappy with a few things. In trying to fix a few items, I have broken some features. I am hoping to fix them to be better, if not I will have to revert to my original process. This is annoying because I did not make a copy of my original set up. So I am kicking myself in the butt for not backing up (such a noob mistake)

Here is my first draft:

This is still a work in progress. I was given some good tips about fixing my quizzes. My other fixes include:

• Adding a link to MapMyWalk maps
• Getting GPS for certain trailheads
• Fixing up the look and feel of the app 
• Getting my caterpillar to look like it is moving

A lot of work remains but I am still hopeful I'll get it done :)