App Ideas and Data

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.

Your app could include functionality such as:

  • Trip planning
  • Traffic updates
  • Weather conditions
  • Public transit
  • Parking
  • And more!

Your app could include London data from sources such as:

Remember, 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. 

 

Non-distracting In-Vehicle Interfaces

To be eligible, all submitted apps must conform to In-Vehicle Approval Criteria from Ford for safe and non-distracting in-vehicle interfaces, if the intent is to use the app while driving. For more information, see the national generally accepted principles for in-vehicle interfaces.

 

Submission video tips

Aside from your actual app, your submission video is one of the most important parts of your entry. In fact, it’s often one of the first, and sometimes only, things that judges and voters view. Make a great first impression by following these tips on what to include in your video:

Include a step-by-step demo. Demonstrate your technology’s key functionality and features by walking through your app’s features via screencast or video footage of the app working on an appropriate device. While audio isn’t required, narration or text bubbles can help judges and voters understand and appreciate your technology.

Keep it simple. Per the official rules, your video shouldn’t be longer than five minutes. In the words of Leonardo da Vinci, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

Don’t wait until the last minute to upload your video. Keep in mind that the time it takes to upload/process a video on YouTube or Vimeo varies greatly depending on the format of your original video, the file size, upload traffic and Internet connection speed, and could take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours or more.

Don’t know much about making videos? Check out these helpful screencasting tools.

 

OpenXC

OpenXC is an API to your car that offers drivers more insight into how their cars run. Using the OpenXC platform, you can access the OpenXC data and start making vehicle-aware applications even if you don’t have a Ford or even a car.

Using the OpenXC vehicle interface you can read vehicle data real-time — like the steering wheel angle, GPS position, and vehicle speed. Currently, OpenXC supports over a dozen different measurements on a growing list of Ford vehicles. To get started review the OpenXC site to get access to OpenXC-formatted vehicle data, important documentation, and OpenXC FAQs.

Resources for Native Android Apps. For Android app development, make sure you check out the Android Library Setup and App Tutorial pages on the OpenXC site.

Please note that if you want to use OpenXC to interact directly with a Ford vehicle, you’ll need to download the closed source CAN translator firmware directly from Ford and sign a developer agreement.

Resources for Web Apps. For web app integration, you can use replayed trace data from previously recorded drives. You can find several driving datasets on the OpenXC site. 

And More… 

 

More Questions?

For questions about the Traffic Tamer App Challenge, email Support@ChallengePost.com