Good Organisation’s ‘Digital Inclusion Lab’ initially sought to ensure that individuals affected by homelessness within York had access to connective technology during the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.
The project offered practical resources ranging from solar powered backpacks (allowing rough sleepers to recharge their phones), through to the provision of mobile devices, software and basic IT training.
Since then, the scope of the initiative has grown, and it now provides a supportive environment where those experiencing homelessness can acquire a variety of skills and knowledge related to digital systems, encompassing everything from basic foundation level computer literacy to app development, coding and the application of proximity based technology.
The following activities have subsequently emerged from the Digital Inclusion Lab...
Audible York is GPS tour guide platform developed by the participants, which enables York’s residents and visitors to uncover the city’s history from a variety of different social perspectives.
Each tour incorporates an array of multi-media content from animated videos, audio interviews and transitional photographs showing local landmarks at different points throughout time.
The tours are available to download for both iPhone and Android devices and are currently free as we refine the functionality and design of the products, and they sit alongside a series of other downloadble audio trails.
These include...
'100 Women' a local history project established by HerStory York, which aims to celebrate the life of one hundred inspirational women who, from 1918 to 2018, have helped to shape the city of York and whose stories have rarely been told.
Take the tour
An LGBT History Tour narrated by older LGBT residents, drawing on their personal insights, experiences and memories throughout a period of unprecedented social and legislative change within the UK.
Take the tour
SoundByte is a micro-heritage project using badge designs from the past, which have been recreated with embedded technology.
Simply tap your mobile phone on a badge to obtain an audio description of its history and broader social context.
In addition to a badge collection, the Soundbyte team has also embedded NFC technology within our 'Hidden Tracks' guidebook, enabling readers to access supplimentary digital content via their mobile phones, and have contributed to museum exhibitions and other activities.
More broadly, the Digital Inclusion Lab is currenly developing a series of resources called LEX TALKS, which incorporates interactive videos as part of a training toolkit, where conditional branching is used demonstrate different outcomes based on the decisions made by service providers when dealing with individuals with complex needs.
