APOLLO Project: UNM FOŠ Participates in Pilot Testing of the Platform

In September, two successful workshops were held as part of the APOLLO project, marking an important step in assessing the platform’s usability and its alignment with the actual needs of users. The workshops were organised in cooperation between the Municipality of Novo mesto, the Centre for Education and Culture Trebnje (CIK), and the University of Novo mesto, Faculty of Organisation Studies (UNM FOŠ). They were held at DRPD Novo mesto, with the participation of representatives of vulnerable groups.

The main purpose of the workshops was to present the platform to participants in a practical and accessible way and to involve them directly in the pilot testing process. Participants had the opportunity to explore the platform, familiarise themselves with its key functionalities, and share their views on its usability, accessibility, user-friendliness, and potential benefits for individuals and the local community.

A particular value of the workshops was the direct involvement of users, as their experiences and perspectives provide valuable insights into the specific needs of different population groups. Through their questions, comments, experiences, and suggestions, participants highlighted aspects that are important to consider in the further development of the platform. The feedback collected during the workshops will therefore provide an important basis for further improvements, adaptations, and development of the platform.

Within the APOLLO project, the aim is to develop solutions that are not only designed for users, but also developed together with them. Involving different population groups in the development process helps ensure that digital solutions are more accessible, understandable, and better adapted to the actual circumstances and needs of local communities. It is particularly important to take into account the experiences and needs of groups that may face various barriers when using digital tools and services.

The pilot workshops therefore represented an important opportunity to assess the platform’s development to date, while also strengthening cooperation between project partners, local organisations, and users. Such activities help ensure that project solutions are developed on the basis of real-life experiences and through an ongoing dialogue with the local environment.

We would like to thank all participants for their time, willingness to contribute, and the many constructive suggestions and valuable feedback they provided. Their contribution represents an important part of the further development of the platform and the achievement of the objectives of the APOLLO project.

Together, we are building more inclusive, accessible, and user-friendly digital solutions for the future of local communities.