Here is a FAQ on using the new PWA for WordCamp Asia 2023 to access live information while you are at the conference.
What is a PWA?
PWA stands for Progressive Web Application. It’s a website that has been enhanced to look and feel as though it were an app you have downloaded from an app store. PWA had been created for WordCamp Asia 2023 and is since then available for WordCamps around the globe. You will be able to view content optimised for your mobile device and therefore improve your experience. It is simple to use and does not require any software installation.
Why use it?
The PWA will give you instant and continuously updated information about what is happening at the event in real time. It will show you what is on now and what is up next in each of the tracks, workshops, and Wellness sessions during the event from Friday, 17 February until Sunday, 19 February 2023.
By using a PWA, you will not need to download and install an app. All you need to do is to visit the WordCamp Asia website and add it to your Home screen (see details below). You will then be able to view content even if you are offline, for example, the schedule and session information. Any page you visit on the website while you are online will also be available to you offline as the content will be automatically stored locally on your device for at least the duration of the event.
How do I use it?
When you go to the Homepage of the website, you will be viewing the PWA. To have the best experience on a mobile, you need to add it to the home screen on your device. No separation installation of an app is necessary, and you don’t need to download anything from an App Store. It will look like you are using a normal (native) app.
Once you have installed the PWA to your device, make sure you visit the full schedule on the PWA whilst online, and it will be there for you when you go offline. The same goes for any other pages you want to make sure are available to you offline.
I don’t know how to save to home screen and use the PWA, where can I get help?
There are some tips below. But you can also talk to one of the volunteers or organisers.
How do I add the PWA to my home screen?
Instructions for adding the PWA to your home screen:
1. Use your Android or iOS device
2. Open the website or the web page you want to add to your home screen
3. Tap the menu button or icon
4. Tap ‘Add to home screen’
How will I know if I’m viewing the PWA?
If you are visiting the homepage of the WordCamp Asia 2023 website, you are seeing the PWA. The screen will show the sessions that are taking place at that moment or coming up next.
As long as you clicked the WordCamp Asia 2023 icon on your home screen, you will be using the PWA.
How will I know if I’m seeing the most up-to-date information?
If you are online and visiting the WordCamp Asia website, the PWA will automatically pull in the most up-to-date information. If you lose connectivity, the PWA will display the latest available data from before you went offline.
Does it matter which device I use?
The PWA works on all devices. The design was optimised for small screen devices such as smartphones, so if you use larger devices like tablets or laptops, you will see the mobile version. We will continue optimising the PWA after WordCamp Asia 2023, making improvements that can be used in future editions of WordCamp Asia and by other WordCamps around the world.
Will the PWA send me notifications?
No, you won’t get any notifications from the PWA. This is functionality we would like to add to the PWA for future WordCamps.
Can I still navigate to other parts of the website, like past blog posts or the sponsors page?
Yes, there is a menu at the top of the PWA homepage that will take you to other parts of the website. You must be connected to the Internet for this to work. Any page you have visited whilst you are online, will be available offline via the PWA.
My PWA isn’t reflecting the latest information.
If you’re encountering PWA issues. Please try to clear the cache or local storage. The video attached will demonstrate what you can do with your iOS devices.
If you're using a PWA and having trouble seeing our latest content updates, clearing your browser's cache or local storage can be particularly helpful. #WCAsia pic.twitter.com/X3Zm1nO5Ak
— WordCamp Asia (@WordCampAsia) February 19, 2023