VECINOS App: connecting neighbors and planners
We developed for SIL an App prototype that enables two-way communication and collaboration between neighbors, neighborhoods and urban planners. VECINOS is an App that connects neighbors empowers neighbors, small entrepreneurs, planners, NGOs and government agencies (police, urban develpment, utilities) with "one touch" cell phone communication and we propose prototype in Villa 31bis and Parque Patricios, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
You can access VECINOS with your cell phone at:
mbernardez94.wixsite.com/guiprototype
SIL will combine the App devopment (both GUI and big data access) with "eyes on the street" training volunteers and community organizers in social design tools and methods, learning by doing and "shadowing" experienced instructors.
SIL counts with an experienced team of urban designers like Tessa Steenkamp and brings the experience of similar Apps currently in use in US shown in these videos.
21st century solutions for 21st century challenges. Social sciences working hand in hand with technology. Using existing technology in its simplest, user-friendliest from (cell phone) to enable all neighbors to participate.
VECINOS will not just limit to Villa 31 bis and Parque Patricios (its initial test sites), but will also connect adjacent neighborhoods providing a "service neighborhood" to Retiro, Recoleta, and other high-income neighborhoods, and creating sustainable, jobs for trades.
