Partner meeting in Turku at the eve of the Integration 2024 event
Experts from all the partner organizations, along with integration service counsellors from Sweden and Finland, gathered in Turku to assess the ongoing development of the VINCE application. This meeting took place just before the highly anticipated Integration 2024 event, bringing together key stakeholders to focus on enhancing integration services for migrants.
Focus on accessibility and usability
The day kicked off with a lively and open discussion on the current status of the application development. The team reviewed the progress in terms of joint development, testing, and finalizing application features. Everyone involved is dedicated to ensuring the VINCE digital platform provides accessible, reliable, and user-friendly public information to support migrant integration.
Especially being able to offer integration information in migrants native languages is going to considerably improve the accessibility of the information. This feature would significantly improve accessibility, especially for those who may face challenges in navigating essential services, such as booking healthcare appointments. The consensus was that providing information in multiple languages will help reduce barriers and improve newcomers’ experiences.
– In general, it is super easy to find information if you know what you are looking for and can understand it,” said Annelie Ingmar, from Östergötland county admin board.
Exploring educational and technical collaborations
The meeting also highlighted the potential for collaboration with Turku UAS students, particularly in the development of a joint public service that could be used in both Finland and Sweden. This approach is expected to enhance the platform’s relevance and usability across borders.
Mika Luimula, the head of the FIT (Futuristic Interactive Technologies) research group at Turku UAS, presented their international collaborative education and design projects, focusing on developing AI and VR solutions. His presentation underscored the importance of leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address integration challenges.
In line with these innovations, Timo Haavisto, Senior Advisor and CTO at FIT, discussed the technical readiness of the VINCE application. He also reminded the group about the inherent limitations of AI tools, noting that while AI can provide powerful solutions, it is important to remain mindful of the potential for errors or misinterpretations in data.
Testing the VINCE application
The highlight of the day was when the tech team distributed devices with the VINCE application installed for a hands-on demo. Attendees were eager to explore the app, sparking lively discussions and providing valuable feedback for further improvements. The team was thrilled by the positive response and insightful questions that emerged during the testing phase.
Preparing for Integration 2024
As the meeting concluded, the project team began preparing for the next day’s big event—Integration 2024—which would take place in Turku. Hundreds of visitors, including professionals and organizations involved in integration services, are expected to attend. This provides an exciting opportunity to showcase the latest version of the VINCE application and gather further feedback on its current features.
The team is looking forward to hearing reactions from the event’s participants, as it promises to offer invaluable insights into the app’s potential for improving migrant integration across the region.
