The consolidated service concept was implemented and tested at a homeless day centre with 25 participants over six weeks. Regular messages were sent to users at set times each day including greetings, inspirational quotes, weather forecasts, and tips relevant to homelessness. Positive outcomes were observed, such as one user receiving eye tests and glasses after a message about free services, and another finding short-term work through a message and now having funds for a visa application. The service allowed for supportive conversations between users as well.
2. 3rd iteration: implementation into existing service provider
The consolidated service concept implemented at a homeless day centre. 25
participants used and tested the service for six weeks of duration.
The Connection at St Martins: +200 clients use the service per day
5. Facilitation of interaction among users
Retweeted hsmsTIPS: Contact a
@hsmsTIPSI wont recommend counselor at Crisis to
CRISIS 2 even, because theyre the book a session:
enemy in friendly uniform. Theyll 0207426568
not only judge you but steal the little
you have.
hsmsTIPS: Is Crisis enemy?
Please share your
@hsmsTIPSI am not sure about experiences regarding using
whether they are enemy. I used their the services from Crisis.
service well, got my eye test and
glasses.
@morgansulie.
7. Results of the design
An information network for the homeless which users are voluntary select relevant
topics which fit their needs and everyday contacts.
8. Routine of messaging service
Messages are sent four times a day at regular times, fitting into the users daily rhythm
and information needs. These messages include a morning greeting and an inspiring
quote at 7.30am and at 8pm, the weather forecast for that night and the following day.
Other messages would be sent at other anchor-point times throughout the day.
hsmsTIPS: Good
morning, here is
todays thought:
Do not dwell in the
past, do not dream of
the future,
concentrate the mind
on the present
moment: - Buddha
7.30am 10am 5.30pm 8.30pm
Morning greeting Tips about Opportunity from the Evening greeting
Quote of the day homelessness service providers weather forecast
9. Outcome of performing prototype service
A number of positive outcomes from prototype service were observed:
One user received a message informing him of the availability of free eye-
tests. He used the contact number, booked an appointment and now has
glasses.
One user tweeted about looking for odd jobs because he needed to raise
funds for his visa application. He worked for few days wallpapering a house,
which was offered from an individual following the service.
One user applying to be a Big Issue dealer decided not to when he was asked
to pay 贈15 for the required jacket. He tweeted his frustration and one individual
responded that it was a deposit rather than payment. He returned, got his
jacket and is now a Big Issue dealer.
Numerous supportive conversations between homeless users were observed
including messages discouraging one user from begging.