| Abstract |
Purpose of the Project:
The purpose of Tinteán is to address the growing issue of homelessness in Europe by using technology to provide accessible, practical, and compassionate support to those facing homelessness. The project aims to empower individuals experiencing homelessness, assist volunteers, and strengthen organisations that provide aid. Tinteán’s mission is to act as a bridge to hope, safety, and opportunity through a user-centred mobile application.
Description of the Project:
Tinteán is a social enterprise mobile app designed to deliver essential information and real-time resources to people experiencing homelessness. Key features include offline maps of over 300 shelters and food services across Europe, real-time bed availability, an AI chatbot called “TinTin”, a resource directory, volunteer tools, and upskilling opportunities. The app’s offline functionality ensures accessibility without an internet connection, making it inclusive for vulnerable users.
Data:
The development was guided by extensive research and user engagement. Over 300 survey responses and multiple interviews with shelter volunteers and workers (Focus Ireland) informed the design. Testing phases (A/B, Alpha, and Beta) refined usability, accessibility, and feature placement. Data revealed that 95.4% of respondents would download the app and 93.7% found real-time bed availability extremely useful. Competitor analysis identified critical gaps in existing European solutions, validating Tinteán’s unique offering.
Conclusions:
Tinteán demonstrates that technology, guided by empathy and evidence-based design, can drive meaningful social change. By integrating accessibility, inclusivity, and collaboration, the project provides a model for how innovation can reduce inequality and improve lives.
|