![Example of a #SgNal[This] poster](https://media-openideo-rwd.oiengine.com/media/{width}/7159afc3782215b9602fd3098babdef40b2fc7cf.png)
SgNal { ˈsignəl| } is a mobile app to engage citizens (and visitors) of Singapore with the city. It asks people to signal opportunities for improvement and interact with vacant lots and buildings or places that are reserved for a ‘chosen by the crowd’ function.
#SgNal[this] posters with the request to interact (qr-code)
On vacant lots, abandoned buildings or any other place that is slated for repurposing, a poster can be pasted that asks the people to share their wish for what it should be. If they have the app, they can scan a QR-code on the poster, and add in the app their wish. There will be also the option to share it on their social networks.
For those who don’t have the app (and don’t want it) there’s a second option: to send a text message to a dedicated number, including a specific site code for the site, and their wish.
The use of hash tags can help in letting people use other apps they have on their mobile phones, and share a picture of the site and their wish. The hash tag will ensure it gets picked up by the National Environment Agency, even if the picture is shared via Instagram, for example.
Location based - gps location
The app also will have the option to pinpoint a location using GPS. A photo of a site that is not in any plans yet, but that is vacant or underutilized can be shared through the app, with the wish of what it should be. Because of the GPS, it’s easy to understand where this site is. Many reports on a specific site give a clear signal that something should be done there.
Report a ‘bug’
Potholes, damages, garbage, vandalism, or any other inconvenience in the city, in software terms: a bug, can also be reported through the app. As is done in other places in the world already, this can help the Singapore governments to understand where maintenance or work is needed, and how to prioritise work.
Organise a 'fix'
This function of the app will enable people to organise a fix themselves. It's a meetup-meets-cleanup function. People can initiate the clean up of a certain place, by scheduling an event and inviting others to join in.
Update: this function could also be used to take action in repurposing. For example: if someone sees a vacant place and thinks 'hey, I wish this was a chess-play area'. Then, she'd use the app to share that wish, and also to invite friends for a game at that place. Not only stating her wish, but taking action to make it reality.Share your inspiration
The SgNal app will also have a ‘free text’ share-your-idea option. Very similar to the inspiration phase on OpenIDEO: people can share their ideas or inspiration for Singapore, preferably using images etcetera. Maybe they come across something very cool while traveling abroad, that is not yet available in Singapore, and like to share that.
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CommentColin Willox