The United Firefighters Union is a union for firefighters. Firefighters work shifts, often at different times of the day and night, so keeping track of when you are working is a real part of the job. We designed and built a mobile app for the union that brings shifts, rosters and personal plans together in one place.
What the Union Needed
When people work on a roster, their week doesn't look like a normal nine to five. They need to see their shifts at a glance, plan their life around them and share that plan with family. A union also needs a simple way to reach its members with important news.
Because firefighters carry their phones with them, a mobile app is a natural place to put all of this.
What We Built
We designed the app, made a clickable prototype and then built it. A prototype is an early version of the app that looks real and can be tapped through, so everyone can try the idea before the full build begins.
We built the app as a PWA, which stands for progressive web app. A PWA works like an app on your phone, with its own icon on the home screen, but it is built with website technology. This means one app can work on both iPhone and Android phones. The app includes these features:
- Shift and roster calendar: Members can see their work shifts and roster laid out in a calendar.
- Personal calendar entries: Members can add their own events, such as a family dinner or an appointment, next to their shifts.
- Video recording: Members can record a short video and attach it to a calendar entry.
- Audio recording: Members can record a voice note and attach it to a calendar entry, which is handy when typing isn't practical.
- Google Calendar connection: The app links with Google Calendar, so members can see their entries alongside the calendar they may already use.
- Station location finder: Members can look up where fire stations are located.
- Push notifications: The app can send messages that pop up on a member's phone, even when the app isn't open.
Why These Features Matter for Shift Workers
Many organisations in Australia have staff who work rosters, from emergency services to hospitals, transport and hospitality. The same ideas can help any of them.
- Everything in one place: When work shifts and personal plans sit in the same calendar, it is much easier to spot clashes.
- Fits into habits people already have: Linking with Google Calendar means people don't have to give up the calendar they already use.
- Quick notes on the go: Voice and video notes let people record a reminder in a few seconds.
- A direct line to members: Push notifications give an organisation a way to share important updates quickly.
You can see screens from the app on our United Firefighters Union portfolio page.
How We Can Help
At IDM2, we design and build mobile apps for unions, associations and businesses in Melbourne and around Australia. We usually start with a prototype, so you can see and test your app before it is built. Find out more on our mobile apps page, or contact us to talk about your idea.