Problem Formulation Process

Step 1: Identify Stakeholders

• Primary Users: HDB residents (individuals and families)
• Secondary Users: HDB Town Council

Step 2: Understand the Challenges

• Lack of Communication: Residents have limited means to communicate with each other and stay updated about important information such as maintenance schedules, community events, safety notices, etc.
• Community Engagement Gaps: The absence of a platform to promote engagement may lead to reduced participation in community-driven initiatives, activities, and social gatherings.
• Information Fragmentation: Important estate updates, maintenance alerts, and announcements are often scattered across different channels (e.g., noticeboards, word-of-mouth, social media), leading to confusion or missed information.
• Privacy Concerns: Some residents may be hesitant to engage in community platforms due to privacy issues or fear of oversharing personal information.

Step 3: Define the Scope and Objectives

• Main Goal: To create a platform where HDB residents can easily connect with each other, receive updates, and engage with their estate’s activities.

• Specific Objectives:

• Facilitate Communication: Allow residents to exchange messages, ask questions, or seek assistance from their neighbors.

• Provide Estate Updates: Ensure that relevant information (e.g., repairs, events, safety alerts) is easily accessible and up-to-date.

• Promote Community Events: Encourage participation in social gatherings, volunteering activities, or local meetings.

• Build a Sense of Belonging: Foster a supportive and inclusive environment where residents feel more connected to their neighbors.

Step 4: Analyze Constraints

• Privacy: Data protection and privacy laws must be adhered to while creating a platform where residents can connect.
• Scalability: The platform must be able to scale across multiple HDB estates and manage large volumes of data and interactions.
• User Accessibility: The platform should be user-friendly, with an intuitive interface suitable for all age groups and varying technological familiarity.

Step 5: Define the Features

• Neighborhood Forum: A space where residents can ask questions, share information, and discuss local topics.
• Notification System: A way for residents to receive real-time updates on important estate activities, such as maintenance schedules, town meetings, or safety alerts.
• Event Calendar: A feature to promote and manage community events such as neighborhood clean-ups, festivals, or recreational activities.
• Directory of Services: A list of local service providers, resources, and support services available within the estate (e.g., cleaning, repairs, child care).
• Emergency Alerts and Safety Updates: A direct channel for safety and emergency information dissemination.

Step 6: Propose Solutions and Evaluate

• A mobile app or web-based platform with multi-channel integration (e.g., email, app push notifications) could be considered to ensure accessibility for residents.
• Integration with existing HDB management systems could improve efficiency, allowing residents to view estate updates, pay bills, or access government services within one platform.
• Explore gamification or incentive mechanisms to encourage residents to use the platform and stay engaged with community activities.

Step 7: Measure Success

• Engagement Metrics: Monitor active users, number of posts, and participation in events.
• Resident Satisfaction: Surveys or feedback mechanisms to assess user satisfaction with the platform’s ease of use, usefulness, and effectiveness in improving community engagement.
• Reduction in Information Gaps: Fewer missed updates, reduced confusion over estate matters, and clearer communication between neighbors and the town council.
• Improvement in Social Cohesion: Increased participation in community activities and a higher sense of belonging and safety.

Initial idea in wireframes

MyLiftLobby helps to be a social hub for residents and community center

If we develop a government app that provides neighborhood updates, residents can join and strengthen their sense of community.

• Connect and socialize with your community.
• Stay informed with notifications from the town council.
• Sign up for neighborhood events.
• Strengthen your community bonds!

User testing revealed that a comprehensive neighborhood overview was crucial for staying informed, fostering community engagement, and making informed decisions about local events and initiatives.

We tested the app with four users to gather insights, and the results were as follows:

• Provides a clear overview of all activities.
• Effective in learning about the local community.
• Seamlessly integrates with other government apps.
• Overall rating: 4/5.

Our aim is to create a comprehensive, up-to-date, and informative app for all HDB residents.

Looking Ahead:

• Conduct a pilot in selected neighborhoods to build community engagement and perform load testing.
• Scale the app across HDB in Singapore upon a successful trial.
• Gather user interest and feedback to enhance app functionality.

The team

• Dominic Phua - Central Infrastructure Support Services
• Evelyn Chong - Communications and Marketing Group
• Darren Chua - CIO Office - Service Management
• Dilshan Perera - Central Infrastructure Support Services