Creating A Global Resource For IEEE’s Special Interest Group On Humanitarian Technology
Client/Funder:
IEEE
Location:
New Jersey, USA
Catapult Service Line:
Research
Thematic Area:
Community Development
Challenge
The Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology (SIGHT) was recently formalized as an official platform within the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). As a new initiative, IEEE staff and SIGHT volunteers needed a way to help streamline information to new and existing SIGHT group volunteers. Because many engineers volunteering with SIGHT are new to the field of “community development,” this tool must orient groups to “do no harm,” one of the key values of IEEE SIGHT. IEEE imagined a resource that could help volunteers launch successful, impactful, and sustainable projects in their local communities.
Work
Catapult was responsible for the research, design, and implementation of an inclusive online tool, a microsite, for IEEE volunteers who wish to set up and sustain a successful SIGHT group. We began the project by conducting qualitative research with IEEE staff and volunteers to define objectives and protocols. With constant feedback loops from IEEE, Catapult curated and authored content, created visualizations to communicate complex processes or systems, and along with our digital design partner Peak Creative, designed and coded the interface.
Results
Our collaboration with IEEE yielded a resource for SIGHT volunteer engineers that is useful and accessible, real-time, and easy-to-digest. It conveyed IEEE’s brand and SIGHT’s vision and mission. Even in areas of low-bandwidth internet, IEEE volunteers with a connected device and an hour of time can get a solid grasp of how to implement their community idea with a few clicks and swipes. As an IEEE employee or SIGHT committee member, updating this information will be quick and easy within this microsite resource. Check out the result of our collaboration here: http://ieee-sight-toolkit.org/
