Mobile App Rea: Health & Wellbeing
Basic information
Project Title
Mobile App Rea: Health & Wellbeing
Full project title
Learn About The Environmental Impact on Human Health through a Mobile App "Rea: Health & Wellbeing"
Category
Reconnecting with nature
Project Description
"Rea: Health & Wellbeing" is an innovative mobile app from Kosovo designed to improve public health through environmental awareness. The app provides real-time air quality data in Kosovo, health tips tailored to the users health, and engaging sleep stories in the Albanian language. The app also offers discounts on eco-friendly products and services, encouraging users to make greener choices, supporting environmentally responsible businesses, and contributing to a more sustainable economy.
Geographical Scope
National
Project Region
Kosovo
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
"Rea: Health & Wellbeing," is a pioneering mobile app designed to tackle environmental health challenges in Kosovo. It focuses on addressing both the physical and mental health needs of users, by providing real-time air quality data, personalised health advice, sleep stories for kids and adults, and coupons with discounts for eco-friendly businesses.
The project targets the residents of Kosovo, primarily focusing on those aged 18-50, and aims to encourage active participation in health and environmental matters. Our specific objectives include increasing awareness of air quality issues, promoting behavioural change for a healthier lifestyle, and supporting local eco-friendly businesses. Rea: Health & Wellbeing" has drawn in more than 1,400 users, resulting in improved decision-making and personal health management.
In line with the New European Bauhaus principles, our app integrates sustainability by guiding users towards eco-friendly choices, aesthetics by delivering information in an engaging, user-friendly format, and inclusion by providing accessible health advice to a wide audience.
In the long run, this project aims to improve the community's well-being by promoting sustainable lifestyles and fostering a deep appreciation for a clean environment. It represents a step towards a more educated society that values and actively engages in protecting and enjoying nature and the environment. The app directly addresses Kosovo's challenges, where according to the 2019 World Bank “Regional AQM - Western Balkans - AQM in Kosovo” report, air pollution leads to an estimated 760 premature deaths annually. By equipping citizens with the knowledge to combat pollution's impact, we are tackling an urgent health issue and laying the foundation for gradual environmental improvement and a stronger connection with nature.
The project targets the residents of Kosovo, primarily focusing on those aged 18-50, and aims to encourage active participation in health and environmental matters. Our specific objectives include increasing awareness of air quality issues, promoting behavioural change for a healthier lifestyle, and supporting local eco-friendly businesses. Rea: Health & Wellbeing" has drawn in more than 1,400 users, resulting in improved decision-making and personal health management.
In line with the New European Bauhaus principles, our app integrates sustainability by guiding users towards eco-friendly choices, aesthetics by delivering information in an engaging, user-friendly format, and inclusion by providing accessible health advice to a wide audience.
In the long run, this project aims to improve the community's well-being by promoting sustainable lifestyles and fostering a deep appreciation for a clean environment. It represents a step towards a more educated society that values and actively engages in protecting and enjoying nature and the environment. The app directly addresses Kosovo's challenges, where according to the 2019 World Bank “Regional AQM - Western Balkans - AQM in Kosovo” report, air pollution leads to an estimated 760 premature deaths annually. By equipping citizens with the knowledge to combat pollution's impact, we are tackling an urgent health issue and laying the foundation for gradual environmental improvement and a stronger connection with nature.
Key objectives for sustainability
The "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" project has been designed with the firm intention to support sustainable living in Kosovo. Its primary goal is to enhance public health by deepening the community's understanding of air quality issues. This has been accomplished by integrating air quality data from Kosovo's monitoring stations into the app, granting users access to timely and relevant information that informs their daily health choices.
In terms of sustainability, the app goes beyond awareness—it actively encourages behavior change. Users receive customised health recommendations that encourage practices beneficial for personal health and environmental well-being. These recommendations are crafted to encourage practices that have a lower impact on the environment, supporting a sustainable lifestyle.
The project also actively promotes the local economy's green sectors by partnering with eco-friendly businesses to offer users discounts. This not only motivates users to support sustainable products and services but also helps cultivate a market for eco-friendly goods.
As an exemplary model of sustainability, the "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" app shows how individual well-being and environmental health are interconnected. The app's success in influencing behavior and fostering eco-friendly practices demonstrates a significant step towards a more sustainable future, making it a leading example of how local solutions can address global environmental challenges.
In terms of sustainability, the app goes beyond awareness—it actively encourages behavior change. Users receive customised health recommendations that encourage practices beneficial for personal health and environmental well-being. These recommendations are crafted to encourage practices that have a lower impact on the environment, supporting a sustainable lifestyle.
The project also actively promotes the local economy's green sectors by partnering with eco-friendly businesses to offer users discounts. This not only motivates users to support sustainable products and services but also helps cultivate a market for eco-friendly goods.
As an exemplary model of sustainability, the "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" app shows how individual well-being and environmental health are interconnected. The app's success in influencing behavior and fostering eco-friendly practices demonstrates a significant step towards a more sustainable future, making it a leading example of how local solutions can address global environmental challenges.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" app’s design enhances user experience through visual appeal and functionality. The homepage features a soothing sunset that symbolises calm and tranquillity, intentionally designed to prevent any undue distress and offer a sense of peace to users when they learn about the air quality in their area. The homepage also changes colour in response to air quality levels, utilising a colour-coded system that quickly communicates information without overwhelming users with complex data.
Positioned on the homepage, the health recommendations appear as cards with clear titles, inviting users to engage at their own pace. The text within these cards is simple and concise, spread across slides that users can easily navigate by tapping. This ensures that information is not only digestible but also delivered in a way that maintains the user's interest without causing fatigue.
The app also includes a series of sleep stories narrated in Albanian by respected local actors. These stories are complemented by gentle, natural background sounds and calming music, creating an immersive experience that aids in relaxation and sleep. The sleep stories improve mental and physical well-being and add cultural value to the app.
The discount coupons for local eco-friendly products and services are aesthetically integrated into the app through visually pleasing cards featuring a QR code. The user-friendly design of the flip-card reveals the code, which when scanned at participating stores, seamlessly approves the discounts.
First of its kind, the app integrates air quality information with broader environmental and nature themes in the context of personal well-being. It presents this synthesis creatively, making the topic of health and environmental awareness not just informative but also engaging. The app sets a precedent in demonstrating how technology can enhance our daily health practices while encouraging a sustainable lifestyle.
Positioned on the homepage, the health recommendations appear as cards with clear titles, inviting users to engage at their own pace. The text within these cards is simple and concise, spread across slides that users can easily navigate by tapping. This ensures that information is not only digestible but also delivered in a way that maintains the user's interest without causing fatigue.
The app also includes a series of sleep stories narrated in Albanian by respected local actors. These stories are complemented by gentle, natural background sounds and calming music, creating an immersive experience that aids in relaxation and sleep. The sleep stories improve mental and physical well-being and add cultural value to the app.
The discount coupons for local eco-friendly products and services are aesthetically integrated into the app through visually pleasing cards featuring a QR code. The user-friendly design of the flip-card reveals the code, which when scanned at participating stores, seamlessly approves the discounts.
First of its kind, the app integrates air quality information with broader environmental and nature themes in the context of personal well-being. It presents this synthesis creatively, making the topic of health and environmental awareness not just informative but also engaging. The app sets a precedent in demonstrating how technology can enhance our daily health practices while encouraging a sustainable lifestyle.
Key objectives for inclusion
The "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" app is centred on inclusivity, ensuring that vital health and environmental information and services are accessible to everyone with a smartphone in Kosovo. Statistics from the Kosovo Statistics Agency (ASK) indicate that 98.6% of households in Kosovo have internet access and 94.8% of individuals use smartphones for internet access. By offering the app for free, it ensures that no financial barrier prevents users from accessing its features.
Recognizing that air pollution affects individuals differently, the app delivers personalized recommendations tailored to various health conditions, including those with pulmonary, cardiovascular, neurological issues, as well as pregnant individuals and children. This personalization ensures that each user receives advice relevant to their specific health situation. Moreover, the app's recommendations are crafted in simple language, making them easily understandable for all users, irrespective of age or socio-economic background.The air quality information is sourced from the State's air quality monitoring network, which spans 12 stations across Kosovo, making it both accessible throughout Kosovo and representative.
In terms of design, the app follows 'design for all' principles, with a layout that is intuitive and easy to navigate for a broad range of users, regardless of their tech proficiency or age.
This approach makes the app an exemplary project within the context of inclusive digital solutions. By making the app free and easy to use, and by ensuring the information it provides is relevant and locally sourced, the project stands as an example of how technology can be harnessed to promote inclusivity and accessibility in environmental health.
Recognizing that air pollution affects individuals differently, the app delivers personalized recommendations tailored to various health conditions, including those with pulmonary, cardiovascular, neurological issues, as well as pregnant individuals and children. This personalization ensures that each user receives advice relevant to their specific health situation. Moreover, the app's recommendations are crafted in simple language, making them easily understandable for all users, irrespective of age or socio-economic background.The air quality information is sourced from the State's air quality monitoring network, which spans 12 stations across Kosovo, making it both accessible throughout Kosovo and representative.
In terms of design, the app follows 'design for all' principles, with a layout that is intuitive and easy to navigate for a broad range of users, regardless of their tech proficiency or age.
This approach makes the app an exemplary project within the context of inclusive digital solutions. By making the app free and easy to use, and by ensuring the information it provides is relevant and locally sourced, the project stands as an example of how technology can be harnessed to promote inclusivity and accessibility in environmental health.
Results in relation to category
The "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" app has made significant strides in the "Reconnecting with Nature" category, achieving tangible outcomes and impacts. By providing users with immediate access to air quality indices and health recommendations tailored to the environmental conditions of Kosovo, the app has directly contributed to increasing public awareness and proactive health management in relation to air pollution.
The app's success is evident in its user engagement — with over 1,400 active users, it's clear that the app has been embraced by the community. These users, the direct beneficiaries, have gained a tool that not only informs but also guides them in making daily decisions that benefit their health and connect them to their environment.
Indirectly, the community at large benefits from the app's focus on sustainability. By incentivizing the use of eco-friendly products and services through discounts, the app indirectly supports a shift towards a greener economy and lifestyle in Kosovo. This, in turn, contributes to cleaner air and a deeper communal connection with the natural world.
Overall, "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" has not only raised awareness but has also fostered a cultural shift towards recognizing and valuing the link between personal well-being and environmental health, aligning with the overarching goals of the "Reconnecting with Nature" category.
The app's success is evident in its user engagement — with over 1,400 active users, it's clear that the app has been embraced by the community. These users, the direct beneficiaries, have gained a tool that not only informs but also guides them in making daily decisions that benefit their health and connect them to their environment.
Indirectly, the community at large benefits from the app's focus on sustainability. By incentivizing the use of eco-friendly products and services through discounts, the app indirectly supports a shift towards a greener economy and lifestyle in Kosovo. This, in turn, contributes to cleaner air and a deeper communal connection with the natural world.
Overall, "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" has not only raised awareness but has also fostered a cultural shift towards recognizing and valuing the link between personal well-being and environmental health, aligning with the overarching goals of the "Reconnecting with Nature" category.
How Citizens benefit
In the development of the "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" app, the involvement of Kosovo’s citizens and civil society organizations has been pivotal. From the outset, potential users were consulted to understand their needs regarding air quality information and health recommendations. Their input helped shape the app's features, such as the intuitive design, personalized health advice, and the inclusion of sleep stories for mental well-being.
We reached out to community groups to raise awareness about the app, and their feedback was crucial in refining its functionality. These groups also played a key role in spreading the word, helping to increase the app's user base.
The impact of this collaboration has been significant. It has led to an app that not only meets the users’ demands but also has a user-friendly interface that is accessible to all, regardless of age or technical skill. The local partnerships for discounts on eco-friendly products, informed by community suggestions, have also strengthened the app's appeal and usage.
Citizens and civil organizations have been involved primarily through feedback sessions, focus groups, and pilot testing. This level of involvement has ensured that the app remains aligned with the needs and expectations of its users, fostering a sense of ownership and community among the app’s user base.
Their contribution has been invaluable in creating an app that is not just a tool for individual health and environmental consciousness but also an example of community-driven technology development in Kosovo.
We reached out to community groups to raise awareness about the app, and their feedback was crucial in refining its functionality. These groups also played a key role in spreading the word, helping to increase the app's user base.
The impact of this collaboration has been significant. It has led to an app that not only meets the users’ demands but also has a user-friendly interface that is accessible to all, regardless of age or technical skill. The local partnerships for discounts on eco-friendly products, informed by community suggestions, have also strengthened the app's appeal and usage.
Citizens and civil organizations have been involved primarily through feedback sessions, focus groups, and pilot testing. This level of involvement has ensured that the app remains aligned with the needs and expectations of its users, fostering a sense of ownership and community among the app’s user base.
Their contribution has been invaluable in creating an app that is not just a tool for individual health and environmental consciousness but also an example of community-driven technology development in Kosovo.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Innovative character
"Rea: Health & Wellbeing" stands out in Kosovo's digital landscape as a pioneering application that does more than display air quality data. Unlike the previous national app, which is no longer in service, and the simple AQI screens around Prishtina, that have offered basic information, our app is a leap forward, providing users with a detailed understanding of how air quality directly affects their health.
Our app's innovative edge comes from its multifunctional capabilities. It not only informs users about the current air quality through a visually engaging interface but also equips them with tailored health recommendations. These suggestions help users adjust their daily routines for better health outcomes in response to air pollution levels.
Moreover, the app enriches the user experience with calming sleep stories that assist in improving sleep quality, a crucial aspect of overall well-being often neglected in other environmental health applications. Additionally, the inclusion of eco-friendly discount partnerships encourages users to adopt more sustainable habits by making green choices more financially accessible.
In sum, "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" is more than an informational app; it is a comprehensive wellness platform that responds to environmental data with actionable health insights, promoting a healthier, more eco-conscious lifestyle among Kosovo's residents. This innovative approach positions the app as a leader and a model for integrating environmental data into daily health practices.
Our app's innovative edge comes from its multifunctional capabilities. It not only informs users about the current air quality through a visually engaging interface but also equips them with tailored health recommendations. These suggestions help users adjust their daily routines for better health outcomes in response to air pollution levels.
Moreover, the app enriches the user experience with calming sleep stories that assist in improving sleep quality, a crucial aspect of overall well-being often neglected in other environmental health applications. Additionally, the inclusion of eco-friendly discount partnerships encourages users to adopt more sustainable habits by making green choices more financially accessible.
In sum, "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" is more than an informational app; it is a comprehensive wellness platform that responds to environmental data with actionable health insights, promoting a healthier, more eco-conscious lifestyle among Kosovo's residents. This innovative approach positions the app as a leader and a model for integrating environmental data into daily health practices.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
In the creation of the "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" app, we drew on a diverse range of expertise to ensure a robust and multifaceted product. The project team included tech developers, who built and maintained the app's core functionality; graphic designers, who ensured the interface was both beautiful and user-friendly; public health experts, who provided accurate health-related content; and energy specialists, who advised on sustainable practices.
Additionally, creative writers crafted engaging sleep stories, and professional actors brought these narratives to life, enhancing the app's appeal. Marketing experts played a critical role in devising strategies to effectively reach and engage our target audience.
The interaction among these varied disciplines was integral to the app's success. For instance, the developers and designers worked closely to ensure that the app's functionality was seamlessly integrated with its design, making it accessible and enjoyable for users of all ages and backgrounds. Public health and energy experts ensured the recommendations were not only helpful but also environmentally sound. The marketing team's insights helped shape the app's messaging, ensuring it resonated with the public.
This collaborative approach brought added value to the project, resulting in an app that is not just informative and practical, but also engaging and enjoyable to use. It's a prime example of how interdisciplinary cooperation can lead to innovative solutions that serve the community's needs effectively.
Additionally, creative writers crafted engaging sleep stories, and professional actors brought these narratives to life, enhancing the app's appeal. Marketing experts played a critical role in devising strategies to effectively reach and engage our target audience.
The interaction among these varied disciplines was integral to the app's success. For instance, the developers and designers worked closely to ensure that the app's functionality was seamlessly integrated with its design, making it accessible and enjoyable for users of all ages and backgrounds. Public health and energy experts ensured the recommendations were not only helpful but also environmentally sound. The marketing team's insights helped shape the app's messaging, ensuring it resonated with the public.
This collaborative approach brought added value to the project, resulting in an app that is not just informative and practical, but also engaging and enjoyable to use. It's a prime example of how interdisciplinary cooperation can lead to innovative solutions that serve the community's needs effectively.
Methodology used
The methodology behind the "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" app is a user-centered approach that integrates real-time environmental data with health and wellness resources. We began by identifying the key needs of Kosovo's residents concerning air quality and health information. Using this data, we crafted an app that not only provides immediate air quality readings from local monitoring stations but also translates this data into actionable health advice.
We then engaged in iterative design and development, incorporating feedback from a diverse user base to ensure the app was intuitive and accessible to all, regardless of technical ability. Personalised health recommendations are based on individual user profiles, and these are presented in an easy-to-understand format that encourages daily use and engagement.
For broader well-being, we included sleep stories and eco-friendly discounts, sourced from partnerships with local businesses, to promote a healthier lifestyle. Continuous updates and improvements are made to ensure the app remains relevant and effective in providing a comprehensive health and environmental tool for the people of Kosovo.
The success of this methodology is evidenced by the app's adoption and positive reception, marking it as a vital tool for promoting public health and environmental awareness.
We then engaged in iterative design and development, incorporating feedback from a diverse user base to ensure the app was intuitive and accessible to all, regardless of technical ability. Personalised health recommendations are based on individual user profiles, and these are presented in an easy-to-understand format that encourages daily use and engagement.
For broader well-being, we included sleep stories and eco-friendly discounts, sourced from partnerships with local businesses, to promote a healthier lifestyle. Continuous updates and improvements are made to ensure the app remains relevant and effective in providing a comprehensive health and environmental tool for the people of Kosovo.
The success of this methodology is evidenced by the app's adoption and positive reception, marking it as a vital tool for promoting public health and environmental awareness.
How stakeholders are engaged
In developing the "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" app, we collaborated with various stakeholders to ensure the project was well-rounded and effective. The Millennium Foundation Kosovo, under the Millennium Challenge Corporation, provided a crucial financial foundation through their Big Data Air Quality Challenge grant. This support was instrumental in transitioning the app from concept to reality.
The data that informs the app's air quality readings are sourced directly from the National Hydrometeorological Institution, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness. This governmental endorsement provides users with confidence in the app’s environmental data.
Moreover, the health recommendations, crafted by experts we hired, underwent a thorough review process by both Millennium Challenge Corporation officials and experts from the Kosovo Ministry of Health. This step was vital for validating the app's medical advisories, ensuring they were safe, reliable, and beneficial for public health.
The combined input from these diverse stakeholders—ranging from local data providers to national health authorities and international financial sponsors—has greatly enriched the app. It has ensured that "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" is not only rooted in scientific accuracy but also aligned with health standards and supported by the necessary resources for its success.
The value added by this multifaceted engagement is substantial, establishing the app as a trustworthy and authoritative source for health and environmental information in Kosovo, which can serve as a template for similar initiatives regionally and beyond.
The data that informs the app's air quality readings are sourced directly from the National Hydrometeorological Institution, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness. This governmental endorsement provides users with confidence in the app’s environmental data.
Moreover, the health recommendations, crafted by experts we hired, underwent a thorough review process by both Millennium Challenge Corporation officials and experts from the Kosovo Ministry of Health. This step was vital for validating the app's medical advisories, ensuring they were safe, reliable, and beneficial for public health.
The combined input from these diverse stakeholders—ranging from local data providers to national health authorities and international financial sponsors—has greatly enriched the app. It has ensured that "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" is not only rooted in scientific accuracy but also aligned with health standards and supported by the necessary resources for its success.
The value added by this multifaceted engagement is substantial, establishing the app as a trustworthy and authoritative source for health and environmental information in Kosovo, which can serve as a template for similar initiatives regionally and beyond.
Global challenges
The "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" app responds to the worldwide issue of air pollution by equipping users in Kosovo with specific, actionable information and resources. The app's localized air quality data allows individuals to adjust their behavior to better suit the day's conditions, directly linking global environmental concerns to personal health and lifestyle choices. By doing so, it addresses the broader challenge of environmental health — how to stay healthy in areas with poor air quality — which is a concern in many urban areas around the world.
In addition, the app's strategy of partnering with local businesses to offer discounts on eco-friendly products encourages sustainable consumption patterns. This not only helps to improve local air quality over time by supporting greener choices but also aligns with global sustainability goals.
In essence, the app brings the large-scale problem of air pollution down to the individual level, providing tools and solutions that can be used here and now, while also laying the groundwork for longer-term environmental improvements. It's a localized response to a global challenge, demonstrating how targeted actions can contribute to broader environmental and public health goals.
In addition, the app's strategy of partnering with local businesses to offer discounts on eco-friendly products encourages sustainable consumption patterns. This not only helps to improve local air quality over time by supporting greener choices but also aligns with global sustainability goals.
In essence, the app brings the large-scale problem of air pollution down to the individual level, providing tools and solutions that can be used here and now, while also laying the groundwork for longer-term environmental improvements. It's a localized response to a global challenge, demonstrating how targeted actions can contribute to broader environmental and public health goals.
Learning transferred to other parties
The "Rea: Health & Wellbeing" app’s structure is such that it can be easily replicated in other regions dealing with air pollution. Its design allows for the interface and content to be translated to accommodate local languages, ensuring it is user-friendly in different cultural settings. The app is capable of assimilating air quality data from a variety of national or local monitoring networks, which means it can provide accurate, real-time air quality information tailored to any specific location. Additionally, the strategy of partnering with local eco-friendly businesses for discounts can be adapted to each new market, fostering sustainable practices and supporting local economies. This versatility demonstrates the app’s potential as a transferable solution to environmental health concerns worldwide.
Keywords
Air Quality
Health Awareness
Environmental Education
Sustainable Living
Community Engagement
