S4 ‐ Connectivity strategy(ies) - S3-G31-Kotlin-QueueHub/mobile-app-android GitHub Wiki

Connectivity Strategies

QueueHub ensures a seamless user experience even in offline scenarios through robust connectivity strategies. Here's how we handle various situations to maintain functionality and keep users informed:

1. Connection Loss Notifications

  • Informative Alerts: When connectivity is lost, users receive a clear, informative message instead of a generic error. This prevents confusion and avoids the "Non-informative message" antipattern.
  • Authentication Alerts: During login or sign-up attempts, users are notified if connectivity is unavailable, ensuring transparency and guiding their next steps.

2. Data Handling and Caching

  • Offline Data Access: Key content such as places, queues, and recommended locations is stored locally in the cache. This ensures that users can still view relevant information even without an internet connection.
  • Local Storage Utilization: Critical data, including user profiles and detailed place information, is saved locally. This allows continued access to essential features and content during offline periods.

3. Authentication and Profile Management

  • Profile Screen: User profile information is retrieved from local storage when offline, ensuring consistent access to personal details.

4. Recommended and Common Places

  • Cached Recommendations: The last set of recommended places is stored locally and displayed when offline, maintaining a personalized user experience even without internet access.
  • Frequent Places: Commonly visited locations are saved in the cache, providing quick access to familiar establishments during connectivity loss.

5. Queue Management

  • Turn State Preservation: The app saves the user’s current position in the queue and notifies them if the connection is lost. Once connectivity is restored, the queue state is updated automatically.
  • Offline Turn Management: Users are informed of their turn status and encouraged to reconnect. Alternatively, they can visit the establishment directly to check their position if they prefer.

6. Detailed Place Information

  • Stored Data Display: Detailed information about places is cached when online and displayed offline, ensuring users can always access essential details without needing an active connection.

Key Benefits:

  • Enhanced User Experience: Users remain informed and empowered, even when offline.
  • Reliability and Transparency: Clear messaging and local storage maintain trust and prevent frustration.
  • Continuous Functionality: Essential features like queue tracking and recommendations work seamlessly, regardless of connectivity status.

These strategies ensure that QueueHub provides a consistent, reliable, and user-friendly experience in both online and offline scenarios, enhancing customer satisfaction and trust.