Submission Requirements

What do I need to use to build my application? Where can I find it?
I want to integrate OpenXC into my app. Where can I find it?
Can I include other APIs or datasets in my app?
Why do I have to upload a video?
Does my application need to be submitted to an online store?

Testing Process

How can I provide ChallengePost with access to test my application?

Eligibility & IP

Who is eligible to enter the competition?
We are an organization. Can we enter?
Do the submitted apps have to be newly created for this competition, or can they be preexisting applications?
Can more than one person work on an application and receive credit for it? And if the application wins a prize, how will the prize money be split among the creators?
Can my application win more than one prize?
Can I enter more than one application?
Do I retain intellectual property ownership?
What will Ford and ChallengePost do with my submission?

General Questions

How do I follow the challenge and get updates?
Who can I contact if I have questions about the Traffic Tamer App Challenge?

Public Voting

How does public voting work?
Do I need a ChallengePost account to vote?
How do I vote?
Do tweets and Facebook likes count as votes?
Can I create more than one account to vote?
Can I pay people to vote for me?
Are votes checked for eligibility before the Popular Choice Prize winner is determined?
What do I do if I think someone is cheating to get more votes?

  

What do I need to use to build my application? Where can I find it?

Although no specific API, SDK, or data integration is required, your app must be able to assist in reducing traffic congestion on London streets and add value to London drivers.

Additionally, the use of Ford’s OpenXC platform is encouraged, but not required. Whether or not you choose to integrate OpenXC into your app, please explain how Ford’s OpenXC platform enhances, or could enhance a future iteration of your app in your text description.

Your app can be built as a native smartphone or tablet app (iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Mobile), or a web app (mobile or desktop), or a desktop app (Windows PC, Mac Desktop). 

All submitted apps must also conform to Ford’s In-Vehicle Approval Criteria for safe and non-distracting in-vehicle interfaces, if the intent is to use the app while driving.

 

I want to integrate OpenXC into my app. Where can I find it?

Review the OpenXC site to get access to OpenXC-formatted vehicle data, important documentation, and OpenXC FAQs. For tips and links to instructions, code examples, and more – check out the OpenXC page.

 

Can I include other APIs or datasets in my app?

Yes. You may use additional APIs and datasets as long as you are authorized to use and distribute them.

 

Why do I have to upload a video?

The Popular Choice award is determined by public voting. A video helps ensure that all users can view and experience your application. The video will also be helpful to the panel of judges. You may create a screencast or use a handheld video camera to make your video, or choose any other method that captures the application’s value and user interface.

 

Does my application need to be submitted to an online store?

Your app is not required to be listed in an online store.

If your app integrates OpenXC, the version with the integration must not be submitted to an online store (per the OpenXC Developer Agreement). OpenXC is currently a research platform, and as such, is not yet intended to be used for public apps.

 

How can I provide ChallengePost with access to test my application?

You must provide a way for us to test your application at no cost. Please allow us to test using one of the following methods.

Android Applications: Upload an .apk file in the submission form or provide a link for us to download your app in the “Testing Instructions” field on the submission form.

iOS Applications: If your app is available on the app store please provide a link in the “Testing Instructions” field on the submission form. If you charge for your app, please also provide a promo code.

If your app is not yet publicly available, send it to us via TestFlight. Enter our email address and UDID to share a build with us for testing. Our TestFlight account email is: Testing@ChallengePost.com.

Our UDIDs are:

  • iPad (iOS 6.0.1) 6a2cb1d4ba2d242db1db48c59c91744cebfc68a9
  • iPhone 4 (iOS 9b208) d6d3f69fde72561928c0fd7c541ea1511acf7729
  • iPhone 5 (iOS 7.0.3) 4c4270daadcf6f2dcd38ef407c38c01c3fa849b8

Windows Phone applications: Upload an .xap file in the submission form or provide a link for us to download your app in the “Testing Instructions” field on the submission form.

Windows PC: Upload the appropriate installation files (.exe) in the submission form or provide a link for us to download your .exe file in the “Testing Instructions” field on the submission form.

BlackBerry: Upload the appropriate installation files in the submission form or provide a link for us to download your installation file in the “Testing Instructions” field on the submission form.

Mac OS: Upload the appropriate installation files in the submission form or provide a link for us to download your installation file in the “Testing Instructions” field on the submission form.

Web/Mobile Web: Provide a link for us to access your app on the “Testing Instructions” field on the submission form.

 

Who is eligible to enter the competition?

The challenge is open to individuals, and teams of individuals, who have reached the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence at the time of entry. The challenge is also open to legally registered corporations or organizations that employ fewer than 50 people at the time of entry. (See the next question for large organization eligibility.). Please review the Official Rules for complete eligibility requirements.

 

We are an organization. Can we enter?

Organizations with 50 or fewer employees may enter and compete for cash prizes. Organizations with more than 50 employees may enter and compete only for the Large Organization Recognition Award, which has no cash prize.

 

Do the submitted apps have to be newly created for this competition, or can they be preexisting applications?

Both new and existing applications are eligible for this challenge. No specific API, SDK, or data integration is required, however use of Ford’s OpenXC platform is encouraged.

 

Can more than one person work on an application and receive credit for it? And if the application wins a prize, how will the prize money be split among the creators?

Yes, teams are encouraged. If a team of individuals or an organization is selected as an award winner, the full prize amount will be sent to the submitter. It will be up to the winning team or organization to reallocate the prize money between the team members, as they deem it appropriate.

 

Can my application win more than one prize?

Yes. All submissions entered by eligible individuals, teams of individuals, and organizations with 50 or fewer employees can compete for the Best Overall App awards, Judge’s Bonus Prize, and the Popular Choice award.

 

Can I enter more than one application?

Yes. There is no limit to how many times an eligible person, team or organization may enter. An individual may also participate on behalf of more than one team, corporation, or nonprofit organization. However, if you submit two or more applications that are identical or substantially similar, Ford and ChallengePost reserve the right to disqualify all the submissions or require you to choose one submission to enter into the competition.

 

Do I retain intellectual property ownership?

Yes.  By submitting an application to the challenge, you do not transfer any intellectual property rights to Ford or ChallengePost. Ford and ChallengePost will have the right to feature all applications entered in the competition for promotional purposes. See the Official Rules for details.

 

What will Ford and ChallengePost do with my submission?

Ford and ChallengePost will have the right to publicly display your submission on the challenge website. They will also be allowed to publicize your name on the challenge website in connection with the submission and the challenge during the competition and for 36 months after its conclusion. For more information on publicity rights, please see the Official Rules.

  

How do I follow the challenge and get updates?

When you register for the challenge, you’ll automatically be signed up to receive updates regarding the challenge. To be notified when voting begins and the winners are announced, click the “Notify Me” link. Follow us on Twitter at @Ford or join the conversation with #trafficapp

 

Who can I contact if I have questions about the Traffic Tamer App Challenge?

Email Support@ChallengePost.com

 

How does public voting work?

Visitors to the site can vote for as many submissions as they like, but no more than once for a single submission. At the end of the public voting period, the votes will be tallied and verified to determine the Popular Choice award winner.

 

Do I need a ChallengePost account to vote?

Yes. Before you can vote for a submission, please sign up or log in to your ChallengePost account.

 

How do I vote?

Log in to your confirmed ChallengePost account, go to the submission you’d like to vote for, then click on the VOTE button to vote.

 

Do tweets and Facebook likes count as votes?

No, they do not.

 

Can I create more than one account to vote?

No, the use of multiple email addresses or any form of automated vote processes will subject all votes from the person to disqualification.

 

Can I pay people to vote for me?

Solvers may not pay or otherwise compensate anyone or provide any other type of consideration in exchange for votes.

 

Are votes checked for eligibility before the Popular Choice Prize winner is determined?

We take the integrity of the competition extremely seriously, and verify all votes using a variety of methods before a Popular Choice Award winner is determined.

 

What do I do if I think someone is cheating to get more votes?

Send us an email at support@challengepost.com and include a link to the submission in question.