DigiHandy: closing the digital divide

The challenge

‍Inthe Netherlands, nearly 4 million people are not fully participating in the digital society. This must and can be done differently. Together with Game Tailors and the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, New Future Lab developed an app to train digital skills in a fun and accessible way. With an innovative solution like DigiHandig, another step is taken towards a society in which everyone can participate digitally.

Our solution

DigiHandig was created as an educational game. You practice every day and playfully improve digital skills. The app is easy to install by, for example, a family member or social worker. Afterwards, the user can use it himself. It is low-threshold and fun to do. People really enjoy it. Practicing with DigiHandig increases digital skills and self-confidence.

The result

The story of Kees 't Hart is a great example. Two years ago Kees traded in his regular phone for a smartphone: "I wanted to know what I could do with it. In the beginning I couldn't handle that 'bitch,' but eventually I got the hang of it. It takes some getting used to in the beginning, but you have to persevere and not let yourself be bullied. According to Kees, DigiHandig is a user-friendly app that is great for practicing getting to know the smartphone. DigiHandig is a catalyst for more Digital Inclusion. In fact, in addition to the DigiHandig app, we are also developing a teaching package, a digi-bingo and communication package for libraries and community centers. More information about DigiHandig can be found at www.digihandig.nl.

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Developments

In addition to the DigiHandig app, curriculum, DigiHandig Bingo and a communication package for libraries and community centers, we are continually working on new resources and collaborations.

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DigiHandy Quiz

A playful educational game that allows digistarters to reiterate their knowledge on topics such as mobile apps, safety and keeping in touch with friends and family. A quiz has been created about each lesson from the DigiHandig app. This allows you to repeat what digistarters have learned in a fun way after a lesson.

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The Helper Portal

‍Anonline platform for libraries, community centers, municipalities and healthcare institutions. Helpers can connect participants, manage groups, prepare lessons and track progress. This makes tutoring more convenient and personal.
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Payments Association of the Netherlands

Online banking is the most normal thing in the world for more and more people. Still, it is not obvious to everyone. DigiHandig has therefore developed a package of practice lessons in collaboration with the Accessible Banking program of Betaalvereniging Nederland and the four major banks (ABN AMRO, ING, Rabobank and SNS). Together we are working on making mobile banking accessible, safe online payments and the independent arrangement of digital matters.

For more information on banking, go to: https://www.digihandig.nl/nieuwsberichten/bankieren
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Febelfin

DigiHandig is expanding into Belgium. Together with Febelfin, Saamo West Flanders, Library ARhus, Mediawijs, Itsme and some French-speaking partners, we are launching Flemish and French-language versions of the DigiHandig app in November.

Close to the target audience

With the weekly DigiHandig walk-in consultations, we are in constant contact with the target group. During these consultation hours, the DigiHandig team is ready to answer all kinds of questions about the digital world and the use of cell phones and/or tablets. 

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Impact

The DigiHandig app has now been downloaded 18,000 times and more than 100,000 lessons have been played in the past year.

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DigiHandig is becoming the low-threshold solution for digital inclusion, developed with and for people who need it.

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