InsightYYC: Civic User Testing Reflection

Having the opportunity to learn about the Calgary ecosystem through the participation of Calgary professionals and guest speakers added an incredible amount of value that built on earlier projects in the Civic Innovation course. Digital social innovation and tech for good are two relevant and emerging topics because of how much opportunity and reliance there is on technology, especially after the last year in a pandemic. A Calgary civic user testing group, otherwise known as our proposed InsightYYC, is the perfect opportunity to intervene and address barriers that Calgarians face. By testing digital products and services of clients, InsightYYC and everyone involved can strengthen and improve the everyday digital products and services Calgarians rely on. With all of the research that has been conducted and having been given constructive feedback, there is a lot of work to be done to ensure that a Calgary civic user testing group can be as inclusive and engaging as possible. We have not only learned about the financial costs and potential organizations to be involved in a civic user testing group but also other considerations such as how to tackle inclusivity, ethics, bias and the digital divide. With an emphasis on collaboration from clients, testers, and funders, a group like InsightYYC can forge innovation and be the catalyst for change that Calgary needs. Together change happens, and it can start with civic engagement through civic user testing.

-Team Insight