Delivering Great Community Experiences with Hobsons Bay City Council's App.

The new app by Hobsons Bay City Council is a wonderful example of how well designed digital products can make an impact in the community.

Hobsons Bay City Council, located in the vibrant city of Melbourne, is a diverse and picturesque council area that showcases the best of urban and coastal living. With its stunning beaches and seaside villages, bustling shopping precincts, and abundant recreational opportunities, Hobsons Bay City Council truly captures the essence of a quintessential Australian lifestyle.

Hobsons Bay City Council had existing Android and iOS applications that allowed residents to access important information and notifications such as bin schedules, local news, as well as guidance on recycling.

The challenge

The Hobsons Bay City Council app was developed as part of the Code For Australia program. Built on React Native about three years ago, the codebase has not been updated since, meaning it had become difficult to make changes to the app, and the notifications had stopped working.

The solution

CI&T worked with the Hobsons Bay City Council team to update the codebase and solve the underlying issues with the app. After a detailed review, the following plan of attack was created:

1 - Upgrade the React
Native app

by incorporating the most recent libraries and dependencies, ensuring it's using the latest features, improvements, and bug fixes

2 - Cleanup and redesign the existing legacy Javascript server code,

transforming it into Typescript. This migration enhances code maintainability, readability, and scalability

3 - Create a more streamlined and efficient notification system

Create a more streamlined and efficient notification system by transitioning to Knack

4 - Setting up an
automated process

to regularly synchronize the items from Knack (their internal platform) to Algolia (a search engine service which provides an API). Additionally, configure the server to send periodic push notifications from Knack for news alerts and bin alerts

5 - Develop a PowerShell script specifically for the Windows server

(which they already had within their infrastructure) to synchronize addresses between Knack and Algolia

The results

The Hobsons Bay City Council app underwent a comprehensive revamp and successful deployment.

For Hobsons Bay City Council residents, they can now:

Set and manage their addresses within the app, giving them access to location-specific information and services

Never miss a bin collection day by receiving notifications about their bin collection schedule

Share feedback, suggestions, and helpful tips within the app, fostering community engagement

Effortlessly determine which items go in which bin by using the lookup feature

The improvements to their app also helps Hobsons Bay City Council to:

Streamline processes, data management and communications

Provide an enhanced user experience for residents, helping them to feel empowered, informed, and connected to their community

Reduce call center volumes by giving residents more and easier ways to connect with their council

This new app is a huge step forward for Hobsons Bay City Council, providing great information and services to residents. It’s a wonderful example of how well considered and designed digital products can make an impact in the community.