Expert Report on Integreat by Newly Migrated Women
As part of the participatory research project „Digital Active Women“, Minor, together with co-researchers from the target group of newly migrated women, examined digital information services, including Integreat, and prepared expert reports on them.
Citizen-Science Approach – Newly Migrated Women Support Research
The project involves newly migrated women in the spirit of the Citizen-Science approach. They are engaged as co-researchers throughout the entire research process. The goal of the project is to highlight the needs of newly migrated women regarding digital information and counseling, as well as to promote direct dialogue between newly migrated women and providers of (digital) information and counseling. This aims to contribute to making these services more tailored and responsive to their needs.
Expert Report for Integreat Partner Municipalities
Using a criteria catalog developed together with the co-researchers, the Integreat app was analyzed in two partner municipalities. The feedback was then discussed with the municipalities and, where possible, implemented on the content level. Following these improvements, an increase in access was observed, which serves as an additional indicator of the added value for the target group.
The Integreat app was examined in relation to various areas:
- Structure and Organization
- Layout and Design
- Content
- Language and Comprehensibility
- Translations
- App Version vs. Browser Version
- Reliability and Transparency
- Options for Contacting or Providing Feedback
Results of the Investigations
Overall, the Integreat app is rated very positively by the reviewers and is perceived as an interesting information service. Both the smartphone app and the various browser versions work very well, are intuitive, and easy to use. Pictograms and subcategories help users navigate easily and quickly find the information they are looking for.
The following suggestions from the reviewers could contribute to optimizing Integreat:
- Brief summaries of information at the beginning or end of each page: These would help users quickly grasp key details.
- FAQ and/or glossary: To enable users to find and absorb information more effectively and targeted.
- Experience reports and/or success stories: These can motivate users and make them feel more personally connected to the content.
- Incorporating multimedia content, such as explanatory videos, graphics, or example images: This can make processes more visual and easier to understand.
- Clear identification of contact details and the municipality’s responsibilities: This will improve clarity and user trust.
- Regular updates of the provided information: Ensuring the content remains current will strengthen users’ trust in the website or app.
- In addition to the already existing positive feedback and contact options, it would be beneficial to integrate more opportunities for direct inquiries or contact in other areas.
Exchange with Minor and Further Insights
In addition to the content reports created in collaboration with two Integreat partner municipalities, there was an opportunity for contact and exchange with the technical team behind Integreat. This exchange took place alongside the project team from Minor and two co-researchers. From the conversation, we received a lot of positive feedback as well as many interesting suggestions.
The intuitive usability of the app, highlighted by pictograms and icons, was especially appreciated. Regarding privacy, users feel secure. Various features, such as the map, favorites, and language switch functions, are useful and easy to use.
Furthermore, we received very helpful suggestions that will undoubtedly assist us in the future optimization of the app, as well as areas to which we will continue to pay special attention. These include:
- Ensuring the currency of links
- Explaining the availability of languages
- Indicating the currency of information
- An “About Us” page – giving the app a human face with contact details
- Marking machine translations
- Push notifications for new information/events
Conference “Developing Digital Information and Counseling Services to Meet Needs”
In early November, we had the opportunity to attend the conference “Developing Digital Information and Counseling Services to Meet Needs” at the Robert Bosch Foundation in Berlin. During the event, the results of “Digital Active Women” were presented and discussed. Some of Integreat’s municipal partners were also present.
The event clearly highlighted the importance of direct exchange and the co-development of digital offerings with the target group. Several of the evaluated projects provided new and interesting insights. Even small changes made the services easier and more intuitive to use. One key takeaway for us was the statement: “We don’t know all the answers, but we can start by asking.”
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Minor and especially the co-researchers for their insights and the opportunity for joint exchange!