The document outlines a proposal for developing a mobile application for the UMass Lowell Nanofabrication Laboratory to help promote its facilities and equipment. The lab aims to attract more corporate clients to increase revenue and cover operating costs. It faces competition from larger facilities at universities like Harvard. The proposed app would provide information on the lab and its equipment, as well as a calendar feature to easily schedule time, in order to draw users from other facilities and startups in need of nanofabrication resources. Personas of potential users are described, including professors, students, startup founders, and engineers from larger companies.

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Mobile Application Design ​UMass Lowell Nanofabrication Laboratory
F O X ​C A T C H E R, I N C.

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Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Problem Statement
Market and Competitive Analysis
Personas
Treatment
Staffing
Timeline/Production Schedule
Budget Estimate
Cost Payment Structure and Sign­off Sheet
Company Statement and Limitations

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Executive Summary
UMass Lowell’s state­of­the­art Nanofabrication Laboratory is located in the new
Mark and Elisia Saab Emerging Technologies Innovation Center. This research center
offers many advantages to support their clients’ ventures, including clean room space
available at daily rates, high­tech equipment with various capabilities, and available
support and training in the use of this equipment by on­site staff. This is the perfect
space for technology start­ups who need a laboratory tailored to the complex science of
nanofabrication.
Despite all of these advantages, the University is having a difficult time getting
the word out about their facilities and recruiting new clients to use them. They are
currently pursuing new and innovative ways to change that and have enlisted our
company, Foxcatcher, Inc., to design a mobile application for the Nanofabrication Lab.
The purpose of this app is to make accessing information about their facilities quick and
easy. In doing this we hope to convince both technology­start up companies and
established businesses to use their labs, particularly those already using the facilities of
their competitors. With a visually appealing design, relevant and up to date content,
and user friendly setup and navigation, we at Foxcatcher, Inc. are confident we can help
UMass Lowell’s Nanofabrication Laboratory achieve each one of their goals while
staying on budget.

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Problem Statement
The University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) has launched a business
model called “Core Research Facilities” where both University researchers and private
companies can use their high cost facilities. The goal is for corporate users to pay the
lion share of the facility’s operating expenses to accommodate for the supply and
maintenance of its state of the art equipment and professional staff. The
Nanofabrication Lab at UMass Lowell needs another channel, beyond LinkedIn, to
reach out to potential corporate customers to become users. Target customers might
include:
● Established High Tech companies that may need a particular piece of equipment
or space for a special project, such as Raytheon, MA/Com, and MKS Microchem.
● Start­up companies, (venture capital funded) that have limited capabilities on
their own but need the tools and lab to prototype and develop their products,
such as MC10 and ZS Genetics.
● Established small tech companies, such as QMagiq.
Additional Information
● Users pay to use the lab and equipment.
● UMass Lowell might launch a foundry service (where its staff does the work for
its corporate users).
● Staff is limited (3 people).
● Operating cost annually is approximately $600,000.
● Harvard University (CNS) is the established local competition with a lab 2.5 times
the size of UMass Lowell’s facility with 1400 users.
The goal of this project is to develop a series of web pages with a complementary
mobile application to promote the use of Core Research Facilities, further descriptions
all of the equipment that the facility has to offer. Solutions must work in tandem with
current LinkedIn initiatives. Additional work will include the development of a calendar
as a mobile app for the scheduling of time in the various facilities and its associated
equipment.
The budget for this project is $24,000.

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Competitive Analysis
The Umass Lowell Nanofabrication center has five major competitors. Harvard
University (CNS) is their main competition, with facilities at Boston College, Boston
University, Northeastern University, and University of New Hampshire also occupying
the same space of industry. UMass Lowell has a lot of great attributes to attract
customers, such as convenience of travel and state­of­the art equipment. Being newer
to the industry, UMass Lowell faces many challenges convincing potential clients to use
their facilities. Their competitors have a small advantage on Umass Lowell due to the
fact that they already have an expansive clientele.
One goal of the Nanofabrication Laboratory at UMass Lowell is to convince
Harvard CNS users to come to their facilities instead. This is not as simple as it sounds,
as Harvard is an established laboratory 2.5 times the size of the facilities at UMass.
Harvard’s facility also has more staff members available to help users than UMass
Lowell.
One weaknesses that Harvard University’s labs have compared to UMass Lowell
is the lack of a calendar for scheduling time and space at the lab. This makes it much
more of a hassle for clients to reserve time slots, which gives UMass Lowell a
competitive advantage. While Harvard does have a user portal, they have no mobile
application to supplement it.

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James Hayes: Educator and Engineer
UMass Lowell engineering professor, uses lab for his research
Educational and Professional Background:
● B.S. from UMass Lowell
● M.S degree from Northeastern University
● Ph.D. from Northeastern University
● Systems/Software Engineer for HP
● United States Air Force Engineering Technician
● Professor in electrical and computer engineering at UMass Lowell
Objectives:
Conduct independent​ ​research in the design, fabrication, and properties of
metamaterials, specifically electromagnetics, micro­ and nano­scale device modeling.
Questions and Concerns:
● Is lab use free for UMass Lowell faculty?
● Are the lab hours flexible enough to accommodate my busy schedule?
● Is the equipment capable of supporting my specific research?
● Is there always a knowledgeable staff member on hand to assist in use of
equipment?
● What amount of space and privacy will I have while doing my research?
Quote:
“As a professor, the bulk of my time is spent teaching. I need a laboratory that will allow
me to make the most of the scarce and valuable time I have for my independent
research.”

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Michael Smith: Plastics Engineering Student
UMass Lowell Graduate Student, uses labs for his classes
Educational Background​:
● B.S. in Plastics Engineering
● Graduate student​ working towards his M.S. in Plastics Engineering
Objectives​:
● Uses the Nanotech lab for personal and project­based usage for plastics and
engineering new designs for helping to rebuild a casing for his iphone 5
● Creating a new plastic model design for his team within his class at UMass Lowell.
Questions and Concerns​:
● Is the lab use free for all UMass Lowell science­majors?
● What are the lab hours for both group and personal usage?
● Is the lab equipment capable of supporting my research alongside my fellow colleagues?
● Will there be any assistance available when I am using the labs?
Quotes:
● “I have experience not just with the theoretical, but with the hands on as well. I feel
well­rounded and have exposure to every facet of plastics engineering,”

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Jim Cook: Technology Start­Up Owner
Oversees technicians use of the lab
Educational and Professional Background​:
● B.S in business administration from Bryant University
● Has founded and sold two other successful start ups.
Questions and Concerns:
● How user friendly is the laboratory?
● What do you offer that your competitors do not?
● How quickly can UMass react to my rapidly changing needs?
● How easily can I schedule lab time?
Objective:
● Minimize the amount of time it takes to become familiar with labs and services.
● Become familiar with facets of nanofabrication important to their team
● Maximize flexibility in schedule and scale.
● Utilize social media, email, and apps to create a dialogue with the lab that will allow him
to voice his needs and feel heard.
Quotes:
● “I know how to run a business, not a lab. I know exactly what we are going to need, but I
don’t know how a lab operates, and don’t feel like I should have to know.”

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Gregory Mullins: Process Engineer
Uses lab for research and development
Background:
● B.S in Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute
● M.S in Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute
● Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering Wentworth Institute of Technology
Questions and Concerns:
● Will you be able to handle my needs despite the large scale of my project?
● How much am I actually saving compared to what I might be losing?
● How reliable are you when it comes to meeting deadlines?
● How easy can you make administering this project for me?
Objectives:
● Find a company able to work on large, risky projects.
● Find tools that will allow easy evaluation of long term needs and options.
● Emphasize value over savings.
● Trained staff capable of meeting the needs of my company
Quote:
“With a limited budget to invest in my research, the lab I work in needs to have the most
state­of­the­art equipment available so I can do all of my research in one location.”

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Treatment
Creating a mobile application for the UMass Lowell Nanofabrication Laboratory
will serve to attract new users by making their information more accessible than the
traditional website they have relied on in the past. In addition to bringing new users to
their facilities, everyone who downloads this app will be able to stay up to date on
information with just the touch of their fingertips. The most exciting aspect of this mobile
app, however, is the calendar. This feature, which is not available through the website,
will make it easier than ever before for users to schedule time in the lab. In today’s
fast­paced and technologically inclined world, consumers need to be able to access
information quickly and easily. The app that we propose does just that, and as a direct
result, we expect an influx of users will begin to choose the UMass Lowell
Nanofabrication Laboratory as the place to pursue their ventures.
At Foxcatcher, Inc., we recognize that for someone to want to use something, it
must be more than efficient. To be truly engaging, the aesthetics must correspond with
the message you are trying to convey. As well as being exceptionally functional, the
mobile app we have designed emulates the crisp, clean and cutting edge look of the
laboratory. In terms of color, we have chosen to use the same blue and white that is
featured on the Core Research Facilities website. This serves to provide a seamless
uniformity with the University’s existing web pages while also giving the app the sleek
look we are trying to achieve. The look and feel will be consistent page to page,

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creating a seamless whole that both informs and stimulates interest in the
Nanofabrication Lab.
The app will consist of seven central pages, which have been inspired from the
Core Research Facilities website. Implementing these pages into the app is crucial in
creating consistency between the two platforms and ensuring every piece of content is
carried over from their website. We have, however, opted to make a few subtle changes
in arrangement. The mobile app is all about convenience and accessibility, so the way
we have presented the information has been done in a manner that will optimize the
user’s experience.
Opening the app automatically directs the user to the home page. The home
page may seem trivial in a sense, but considering it is the first opportunity to lure users
in, presentation and aesthetics are incredibly important. In the top center of the page,
users will see the Core Research Facilities logo, followed by content originating from
their website. The introduction is one of the first things users will notice. Just like on
the website, the introduction will be split into two categories for ease of use: Core
Research Facilities and Campus Resources. In an effort to effectively promote the
facilities, we have chosen to also include UMass Lowell’s video showcasing the lab,
titled “UMass Lowell Nanomanufacturing Laboratory”. While this setup is visually
appealing, showcasing this video on the homepage will also be helpful to new users
who have little to no knowledge about the facilities.
For easy navigation, we have designed a taskbar that slides out by swiping down
from the banner image on the page or pressing the menu icon located in the left corner

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beneath the same image. Opening this task bar fills about a quarter of the horizontal
space on the screen and gives the user access to links for the other six pages of the
app. The links are as follows (from left to right/top to bottom of the taskbar): Mission,
Login/Registration, Calendar, Our Labs + Users, Upcoming Events, and Contact Us.
Similar to the Core Research Facilities website, the login/registration page will
give users two clickable links to chose from: One for internal users who have not yet
registered, one for external users who have not registered, and one for existing users to
login with their credentials. Registration requires users to read basic content adopted
from the Core Research Facilities website before they are able to sign up, at which point
they will be redirected to the website’s registration page. Users who already have their
login credentials will be able to view their personal information upon logging in. It is
important to note that in order to use the calendar feature of this app, a user first be
logged in. Users who try to access this feature without logging in will automatically be
directed to the login/registration page before they can proceed.
The interactive calendar portion of the app is designed to make scheduling time
in the lab as simple for the user as possible. Similar to the lab’s website, which includes
a “search resources” page, our calendar feature allows users to choose from certain
resources which will help determine what space is available when. Once the user
accesses the calendar, they will be able to choose, via two drop down menus, the
resources they require. There will be two drop down menus specifying if the user wants
to reserve a time for a specific tool/resource or if the user wants to search by the type of
laboratory. Once they make their selections, a new page will open up which details what

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specific equipment and facilities will be available for the next 30 days. To make a
reservation, users simply click on a desired timeslot and input their name and email.
Their request will be sent to a laboratory staff member who will then send a confirmation
email to that user. However, let’s say that a user comes along and bypasses the app by
calling the contact first. Whoever made a web reservation first will take precedent.
The mission page is dedicated to informing the user of the Core Research
Facilities’ goals and purpose. The mission statement, which we took directly from the
website, is imperative to include in the app as it explains the company’s reason for
existing and may play a role in recruiting new users. To supplement this essential piece
of information, we have inserted below it another video from the lab, titled “The Science
of Small Things”.
The Our Labs and Users page is one portion of the app we felt was especially
necessary to include. It not only gives the important factor of credibility to the lab, but it
also affords potential new users with a level of assurance in their decision. Featured on
this page is a list of current clientele along with their testimonials describing positive
experiences using the facilities. To further our goal of making this app highly usable
and informative, three links are available which will direct users to the online pages for
each individual lab. Instead of showcasing a simple list of current and previous clientele,
we as a group decided it was best to couple testimonials with company names and
photos of those users to give a more personal feel to the page. For their convenience,
users will find a downloadable PDF version of the brochure directly underneath the
testimonials.

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There is also a page on the app dedicated to upcoming events hosted by the
Core Research Facilities. These will be updated on a regular basis in synch with the
website. It is important to showcase these events for promotional purposes. Examples
of events may include lab walkthroughs or guest speakers lecturing about innovations
the industry.
Contact information will be included on the final page of the app, complete with
the address of the facilities, phone numbers, and emails. This has all been taken
directly from the Core Research facilities website like the rest of the content.
After designing and developing the app, it is crucial to make sure all of the
features work correctly. As part of his or her responsibilities, the app developer analyzes
and resolves problems associated with tests and debugs the system. Our team,
however, will take testing one step further and sit in as the user to make sure everything
is working properly. Other than internal team testing, we will be doing rounds of testing
with volunteers, not unlike how video games are tested for bugs today. Through this
testing, we will be employing volunteers from multiple demographics to get unbiased
and fair feedback on the application. Through the feedback given, we will make the
changes needed and make sure the app is ready for release to the masses.
Alternative Treatment
In our original treatment and budget, we have designed the app to be compatible
with both the Android and the iPhone. Our client may decide they only want to develop
an app for one of these platforms, which would cut out the cost of one programmer and
save them $4,600. This would make the cost of the project $11,566 instead of $16,166.

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Sam Cohen, ​Project Manager
Interactive Media Experience: ​I am currently a senior at
Fitchburg State working towards a degree in Professional
Communications. Outside of the University I have found work as
a journalist writing for several media outlets. Given my
educational and practical experience, I am quite familiar working
alongside a team to create exceptional content. Work experience
includes writing for Sumo Skinny Magazine, Under The Gun
Review, Substream Magazine, and The Jewish Advocate. Upon
graduation I hope to build on my knowledge gained at Fitchburg
State and my work experience to date by pursuing a career in
film journalism or marketing.
Elizabeth McAvoy, ​Technical Writer
Interactive Media Experience:​ As a Communications Media
student at Fitchburg State University, I have been exposed to a
diversity of educational experiences in Professional
Communications. Courses in Advertising, Public Relations,
Document Design, and Marketing have given me a well­rounded
view of the field, as well as hands on experience in creating
professional documents for clients, such as the Fitchburg Art
Museum. In my additional concentration of writing, I learned to
craft messages for a variety of different audiences and
platforms. As a marketing intern at Harvard Business School
Publishing, I worked alongside Harvard Business Review to
write copy for their bi­annual Backlist Catalog
John Crowley,​ Target Market Representative
Interactive Media Experience​: As a Professional
Communications student at Fitchburg State University,
experience in communications media theory has given me an
understanding in how people use, adapt, and react to
technology. This includes strategies in utilizing new
technologies, message design and document design.

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Stephen Hilton​, Project Role: Web Designer
Interactive Media Experience:​ Concentrating in Professional Communications at
Fitchburg State University has given me the opportunity to expand my knowledge in
multiple areas of the broad field of communications. Document Design, in particular, has
caused my interest in the area of project design to grow. This class allowed me to take
part in updating the Fitchburg Art Museums website, which not only expanded my
knowledge in document design but afforded me the experience of working with real
clients and concrete deadlines.
Grant Gisherman, ​Social Media Consultant
Interactive Media Experience:​ I am a self­taught social media expert with proficient
knowledge in Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and various other social networks. While
many individuals see these websites and applications merely as an outlet for socializing
with others, I have the knowledge and experience to use them to carry out successfully
marketing, advertising, and public relations campaigns. experience has included of a
strong social media experience, additionally with the classes of management, human
communication and document design.
Kyle Prudhomme​, Project Organizer
Interactive Media Experience:​ I am a Communications Media
student concentrating in Professional Communications. Classes
such as Message Design and Document Design have given me an
in­depth understanding of this exciting field. I bring an extensive
knowledge in Microsoft Excel to the team. Being editor of my high

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school newspaper for three years gave me valuable experience in being a team
member and I gained practical knowledge in page layout and within Adobe Photoshop. I
also have background in coding with programs such as C++ and Java.

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Budget
Item Quantity (Hours) Unit Cost Total Cost
Programmer 1
(iPhone)
184 $25 $4,600
Programmer 2
(Android)
184 $25 $4,600
Photos ­­ Property of CRF ­­
Video ­­ Property of CRF ­­
Testing
(Volunteers)
5 (Alpha), 5 (Beta) Free 0
Foxcatcher, Inc. 376 $18 $6,768
iTunes App Store ­­ $99 $99
Android App Store ­­ $99 $99
Total Expenses $16,166
The preliminary budget for this project was $24,000; the estimated budget for this
project is $16,166. Our company charges $18.00 per hour and with a total of 376 hours
estimated to be spent on this project, we will earn $6,768. Divided equally between the
six of us, each member of our company will take home $1,128.
Since we did all of the design work ourselves, we did not need to hire a
developer for this project. This saved our client a considerable amount of money. The
coding for applications is completely different from one platform to the next, so we
needed to hire two programmers: one for an iPhone and one for an Android. Hiring two

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separate programmers to work simultaneously allowed us to finish the project sooner.
Spending 184 hours programming and debugging at $25, the cost to hire each
programmer is $4,600. Photos and videos used in the app were taken directly from our
clients website at no cost, and there was also no cost to testing our app as we used
volunteers. The only additional cost to the client is the entry fee into the iTunes and
Android app stores at $99 each and this fee must be paid annually.