Case Study: Westcotec phone detection warning system
continued...
Challenge 3: “How do we know if it even ‘works’?”
The ‘observation’ activity recommended (see previous page) could assist here as it should (hopefully) show that
most activators are actually drivers. Part of evaluation, though, is about the process as much as the outcomes.
For the device to ‘work’ in a behaviour change sense it needs to ‘work’ reliably in a technical sense. We would
suggest that users of the device are contacted for feedback that could be used as feedforward into the design
and marketing of the future.
The device records numbers of activations and this data could be used to establish impact following the
introduction of the sign. We suggested taking a baseline level of activations (where no sign is present and no
road users are aware of anything out of the ordinary), then a measure whilst the sign is installed and operating,
and then a measure after the sign is removed. There are limitations here, as we do not know who, if anyone,
is ceasing use (it could be passengers!), but there are options to explore here. As well as an important safety
finding, this would make for good promotional material.
Challenge 4: “it picks up all sorts of signals that are legal!”
It seems a common perception that lots of signals are sent out by mobiles that are not physically ‘in use’. Again,
this indicates a lack of understanding of the purpose of the sign in many cases, but it isn’t helpful if people
are being ‘flashed’ when they are not using a phone and no-one in the car is either (if this happens) as that
undermines the technology and further detracts from the point of it all. However, we understand that this is not
the case, so would advise addressing that concern in promotions work.
Mobile:Engaged Impact
Following engagement with the Mobile:Engaged project, the Managing Director of Westcotec said...
“Westcotec are very indebted to the
MobileEngaged team. We were
very privileged to be invited to be involved
in and have access to, the knowledge and
expertise, not only from the team, but also to
gain from the wider experiences from other
participants in the programme.”
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“Our project has definitely benefited
from the guidance and constructive
criticism we have received through
the compendium as well as suggestions
as to future developments.”