By Christy G
In the fast-paced world of civic technology, the need for effective and personalized communication is paramount. Our recent initiative to create more feedback from users aims to tell a deeper, more engaging story. ProgramEquity is this amazing organization that bridges the gap between tech workers and skill-based volunteering. They're all about making a social impact, and they do this through a web app called Amplify. Our goal was straightforward: to create more feedback from our users to tell a deeper story. We recognized that constituents often face challenges in articulating how specific policies affect them. The process of brainstorming and recalling reasons can be time-consuming and sometimes daunting. We wanted to simplify this process, making it both quick and specific.
Our approach involved a blend of frontend and backend solutions. On the backend, I leveraged Lob's merge variable feature. This powerful tool allows us to dynamically insert specific user data into our letters, ensuring that each message is tailored to the recipient’s personal experience and views. On the frontend, the key was to efficiently gather user input to populate these merge variables. We designed an intuitive interface where users can easily select options that best describe their perspectives and experiences. This madlib-style design offers a range of predefined options, making the process of expressing views both specific and effortless. We have integrated snippets from my PR to provide a glimpse into the technical aspects of this implementation
This integration with Lob is a game-changer, offering customization at scale. Our Madlib design approach simplifies the process of personal feedback. By providing options, we make it easier for constituents to identify and articulate their views, as opposed to the traditional method of recalling and brainstorming. This not only saves time but also encourages more precise and meaningful communication.
In conclusion, this experience with ProgramEquity and Amplify has been more than just a project – it's been a pivotal chapter in my professional journey. I hope sharing my experience has shed some light on the intricacies and rewards of working in civic tech. It's been a privilege to contribute to something that not only challenges me but also makes a tangible impact in the world.
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