Roo App to Connect Communities in the Northern Territory by Pearl-Code

Team Name

Pearl Code

Team Members

Project Description

Challenge

How Can We Assist Local Residents & Visitors in Easily Locating Local Services and Providing Answers to FAQs?

Introduction

The Northern Territory provides a wide array of essential services and resources for both residents and visitors, including healthcare, education, public transport, social services, and local businesses. However, finding accurate and up-to-date information about these services can be challenging.

With information scattered across print, broadcast, and digital platforms, individuals often struggle to navigate through various sources, leading to confusion, inaccurate referrals, and underuse of available services. This highlights the need for more streamlined and accessible information channels to improve access and utilization of local resources.
The Northern Territory has various essential services, but information is scattered and hard to navigate. Our app aims to consolidate and simplify access to healthcare, education, public transport, social services, and local businesses, reducing confusion and improving service utilization.

Our Solution

Develop a user-friendly app that helps users in the Northern Territory effortlessly find essential services based on their location. The app will be inclusive, catering to diverse populations with features like multilingual support, icon-based navigation, and personalized recommendations.

Features:

• Inclusivity: Multilingual support and icon-based navigation for users with language barriers or literacy challenges.
• Personalized Recommendations: Tailored service suggestions based on user location.
• Comprehensive FAQ and Community Feature: Answers common questions and fosters community engagement.

How the App Works:

• Select a Category: Choose from categories like healthcare, education, transport, or local businesses.
• Choose a Language: Select your preferred language for all displayed information.
• Location-Based Services: Receive recommendations and details based on your current location.
• Explore Services: Browse services with easy-to-understand icons and get relevant information.
• Community Interaction: Participate in the community section to ask and answer questions.
• External Links: Access additional resources and detailed information through provided links.

Proposed Features of the App

• Government Services
• Healthcare
• Legal and Community Services
• Business Services
• Recreational Activities
• Utilities and Infrastructure
• Tourism
• Police Services
• Grocery
• Entertainment Venues
• Logistics
• Local Businesses
• Activities
• Educational Institutions

A comprehensive report on the challenge is available in our repository.

Data Story

We utilized the official Northern Territory government website (nt.gov.au) and Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce (https://ccnt.associationonline.com.au/mc-content/services-suppliers-manufacturers-directory/frequently-asked-questions) to extract comprehensive data on various services available across the Northern Territory. This data encompassed essential services and locations throughout the region.

Based on this information, we developed a simplified version of the app to provide users with a streamlined experience. The app was designed to integrate and present this data effectively, focusing on ease of use and accessibility.

User Feedback

To gauge the app's effectiveness and user satisfaction, we conducted a series of surveys and interviews:

Online Surveys

o Method: We distributed a survey online to a random selection of 30 individuals in South Australia (SA), primarily friends and acquaintances.
o Responses: We received 23 positive responses.
o Findings: The feedback indicated a strong approval of the app, highlighting its usability and the relevance of the information provided.

Live Video Interviews

o Method: We conducted 15 live video interviews with participants in Torrens and other locations within the city. Participants interacted with both the app and the website in real-time.
o Responses: We received 13 positive responses.
o Findings: Interviewees preferred the app’s simplicity and its easy accessibility. They appreciated the real-time demonstration of the app’s features and its intuitive design.

Summary

The feedback from both online surveys and live video interviews supports the effectiveness of our app in delivering a user-friendly and accessible experience. The positive responses confirm that the app successfully meets user needs and enhances their interaction with Northern Territory services.