Vinspired Just Got Smarter: Launching Our New Android App
Today marks an exciting milestone for the Vinspired team as we unveil our latest innovation at the Go-on ND11 conference—the Vinspired Android app. Released just last night on the Android Marketplace, we’re eager to showcase its capabilities and gather feedback from attendees. Our gratitude goes out to the dedicated volunteer testers who helped us reach this point.
Features of the Vinspired App
The app empowers young volunteers by allowing them to:
- Find Volunteering Opportunities: Search for local opportunities using a postcode or GPS.
- Record Volunteering Activities: Track hours, maintain a diary, and upload photos directly from their phones.
- Work Towards a Vinspired Award: Apply for awards that formally recognize the skills gained and the impact made in the community through volunteering.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Launching a sophisticated smartphone app at a digital inclusion conference might seem unconventional, but it’s crucial for us to offer our services in a way that aligns with young people’s internet habits. Recent OFCOM data indicates that more than half of young people access the internet via smartphones, a figure higher than in any other European nation. As one of our testers noted, the convenience of using the app on a mobile device far outweighs traditional computer use.
Smartphones offer accessibility beyond ownership. With 1 in 10 young people accessing the internet outside their homes, and given the closure of many libraries, it’s vital for youth workers and volunteer managers to support young people in accessing online services. Clifton Road Youth Centre, for instance, leverages the Vinspired iPhone app to facilitate volunteering activities.
Simplifying Volunteering
Creating an app demands a focus on essential service elements, resulting in a streamlined, accessible user experience. Feedback has highlighted how this simplicity benefits volunteers with disabilities, enhancing usability.
If you’re an Android user, download the app here. For those on iPhones, our app is also available here. If you’re attending ND11, visit us near the main stage for a chat—and some cake!
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