How did you come up with the idea of an app-based measuring system back then?

Martin: Beat and I worked on mobility data in conjunction with market research projects all the time and soon realized that it would make more sense to collect this data continually and, if possible, automatically instead of doing complex diary studies. With app-based tracking you cannot only just generate a lot more data in the same time, but you can also do it without interruptions. Hence, we started to work on the development of an app concept.

BF: We recruited individuals through the partnership with intervista for the Footprints panel. The panel consisting of 3,000 app users was ready to roll out on October 1, 2018. Shortly thereafter we joined the management team of intervista.

How do you divvy up the tasks and roles?

MB: I am responsible for the technical aspects, for instance the app development and further development, data science and model development with the aim of distilling the completed steps and transportation usage from the generated raw data.

BF: I advise customers, develop tailored research projects based on their needs and manage them.  Moreover, I am also responsible for taking care of the Footprints panel with regard to the panel structure, the standard weighting and the post-recruitment process.

Your COVID-19 monitoring covering the Footprints panel has received international awards. Footprints is also established in the advertising sector as well as in the public sector. You even examined behavior patterns on the ski tracks. Where all is the panel being used?

Beat: Vast opportunities to use it come to mind. We can develop a tailored solution for every issue. For instance, we have detailed data for the development of transportation uses in Switzerland. Or, in accordance with Alain Berset’s call to “Stay home”, the research question we had to answer was: Do people really stay at home? We have been able to answer this question with our data as well. Or an example from the advertising industry: We can research the reach and impact of outdoor advertising or, for instance, whether guests of a festival have noticed sponsoring.

Which industries do your customers come from?

Beat: A variety of sectors. We are proud to say that four federal agencies and multiple universities are working with our data. However, advertising services, such as APG|SGA and Livesystems as well as companies representing a slew of sectors, such as retail, telecommunications or logistics, are now betting on the Footprints panel for the processing of a variety of issues.

Which developments have you planned for the near future?

Beat: First we will address the redesign of the app. Next, we’d like to expand the Footprints panel to 4000 individuals. And of course we continue on further optimizing the measurements and the models.

What does the team development look like? Are you still working together as two?

Beat: No, in fact we never worked as just a pair, we always had the support of the service team in panel recruitment and panelist support. Moreover, we have had the support of project managers for quite some time when it comes to the development and handling of projects. For a year, we have had Jan Guddal as a GIS specialist in the core team of Footprints, who, with his competencies, has also helped us get ahead tremendously in data science und machine learning.