Introduction
In September 2024, an exciting two-week international workshop brought together students from ITECH in Hamburg, I.E.S. La Fuensanta in Spain, MCUT in Taiwan, and RASEKO in Finland. Hosted in Hamburg, this collaborative event offered a unique platform for students to immerse themselves in real-world projects with significant partners such as the Soundscape Community, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, and the Hamburg Harbour Museum
Project Description
One of the standout projects from the workshop focused on enhancing the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research’s species identification app. Currently, this app is available only as a web application and for iOS devices. Our group’s mission was to expand its accessibility by developing an Android version. To achieve this, we employed Flutter to create a seamless cross-platform experience that works flawlessly on both iOS and Android devices.
Our objective went beyond just extending the app’s reach; we also aimed to refine its user interface to provide a more intuitive and engaging experience for users across all platforms. This project offered us invaluable insights into mobile app development and user experience design, showcasing the collaborative spirit and innovative problem-solving that defined our international workshop.
Target Group
While our target audience is broad, our primary focus is on older adults, especially retirees. Many in this demographic encounter challenges when accessing or finding the app on affordable Android devices, often due to limited familiarity with technology and difficulties navigating app stores. To address these issues, we are developing a cross-platform app using Flutter, which will make it accessible on both Android and iOS.
Our approach ensures that the app is not only easy to locate but also simple to use, catering specifically to those who may be using budget-friendly devices. By enhancing accessibility and usability, we aim to support older adults in engaging with the app more effectively, thus bridging the gap between technology and its users.
Personas
Empathy Map
The 5 W’s
Who: Retired users on a budget, with a lot of free time
What: Struggle to access or find the app
When: They are using affordable Android devices and are unfamiliar with technology
Why: The app is difficult to locate and use, limiting its accessibility and usability for a demographic that needs simplicity and affordability.
Business Canva Model
Prototype
Our Team
🎉 Yong-Li | Javier | Francisco José | Jan Niklas | Andrea | Ignacio | Indra 🎉