Happy City App Modules
In recommending the implementation of a municipal mobile application, we developed a solution that allows for covering all implementation costs through new functionalities available to residents within the app. At the same time, these actions are carried out in a way that builds trust and fosters positive relationships, strengthening local identity and allowing residents to truly feel that the new solution gives them more time for hobbies, relaxation, and time with loved ones.
These benefits are delivered through modules with diverse functionalities and goals, which we categorize into four types:
1. INCREASING CITY REVENUE
2. SAVING RESIDENTS' TIME
3. SUPPORTING THE CREATION OF POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESIDENTS
4. STRENGTHENING LOCAL IDENTITY
1. INCREASING CITY REVENUE
The FACILITY BOOKING and PUBLIC SPACE LIGHTING modules support the city budget by increasing rental income from facilities and reducing energy consumption costs. Introducing e-contracts for facility rentals, along with simplified pre-rental payments, could increase city revenue in this category by 10-15% and completely eliminate the issue of payment collection. Additionally, implementing an automated energy management system for outdoor sports facilities can significantly reduce spending on lighting unused spaces.
An additional revenue source could come from fees collected from non-resident users of sports facilities who do not hold a Resident Card. This is made possible through the app’s internal integration of the PUBLIC SPACE LIGHTING and RESIDENT CARD modules.
An additional revenue source could come from fees collected from non-resident users of sports facilities who do not hold a Resident Card. This is made possible through the app’s internal integration of the PUBLIC SPACE LIGHTING and RESIDENT CARD modules.
2. SAVING RESIDENTS' TIME
Saving residents’ time enhances quality of life, increases satisfaction and productivity, and supports city development. Simplifying procedures and reducing waiting times lower frustration, allowing residents to allocate their free time to work, study, or recreation, which positively impacts the economy. Less time spent on unnecessary tasks also reduces energy consumption and emissions, contributing to sustainable development. Digitization and automation of processes allow the city to manage resources more effectively, resulting in cost savings and increased efficiency. Altogether, these improvements benefit residents' health and well-being.
3. SUPPORTING THE CREATION OF POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESIDENTS
Building good relationships between city authorities and residents is essential for effective governance and creating a space where citizens feel engaged and valued. Residents' trust in the authorities increases their acceptance of municipal decisions, and open dialogue helps to resolve problems more quickly and make better decisions.
Strong relationships also encourage greater civic involvement. Residents who feel that their voices matter are more likely to participate in city life and care for shared spaces. This, in turn, fosters a sense of joint responsibility for the city’s development and its environment. Good relationships also enhance the city’s image, making it more attractive to both new residents and investors, which positively impacts its growth.
Collaboration with residents also enables a more effective response to challenges, such as infrastructure development or crises, ensuring stability and better prospects for the city.
Strong relationships also encourage greater civic involvement. Residents who feel that their voices matter are more likely to participate in city life and care for shared spaces. This, in turn, fosters a sense of joint responsibility for the city’s development and its environment. Good relationships also enhance the city’s image, making it more attractive to both new residents and investors, which positively impacts its growth.
Collaboration with residents also enables a more effective response to challenges, such as infrastructure development or crises, ensuring stability and better prospects for the city.
4. STRENGTHENING LOCAL IDENTITY
A strong local identity fosters a sense of belonging and creates a bond between residents and the place where they live. When people feel they are part of a local community, they are more engaged in its life, take care of their surroundings, and are more likely to participate in cultural and social events.
Local identity also strengthens social solidarity. A strong bond between residents promotes mutual assistance and support during difficult times. An integrated community is more resilient to crises and adapts to change more quickly. For city authorities, this is also a benefit—engaged residents are a valuable asset that supports growth and the initiation of local projects.
Moreover, a strong local identity contributes to sustainable development. People who feel connected to their area are more inclined to care for its future, looking after the environment, heritage, and infrastructure development in a responsible manner.
Local identity also strengthens social solidarity. A strong bond between residents promotes mutual assistance and support during difficult times. An integrated community is more resilient to crises and adapts to change more quickly. For city authorities, this is also a benefit—engaged residents are a valuable asset that supports growth and the initiation of local projects.
Moreover, a strong local identity contributes to sustainable development. People who feel connected to their area are more inclined to care for its future, looking after the environment, heritage, and infrastructure development in a responsible manner.
Explore Our Modules and Sample Graphic Variations
SETTINGS
The functionality of the application allows it to be customised to meet the individual needs of each user. The content provided can be translated into any language (automated translation), and the appearance of the home screen is determined based on the priorities defined by the resident.
Assigning importance to the modules allows users to select those that hold the greatest significance for them (e.g., shared transport) and hide less useful ones (e.g., nurseries).
There is also an option to choose FAVOURITE features, which are accessible in the main section of the home screen. This enables users to obtain necessary information as quickly as possible, such as the nearest bus departures from a specified stop.
The settings we have designed ensure that our mobile application is unique on each device, tailored to the individual needs of its user.
Every element of the application is designed to guarantee user PRIVACY, ensuring that stored data is SECURED in the best possible way. External security audits of our implemented solutions provide absolute assurance that the protection of personal data is a priority in our activities.
1. RESIDENT CARD
Prioritising residents through the implementation of a resident card is becoming an increasingly common practice in cities. The RESIDENT CARD module allows for the complete replacement of non-ecological plastic cards with their electronic counterparts.Module functionalities:
- A fully functional electronic version that serves as an equivalent to the plastic card.
- An individual QR code linked to the resident card system, enabling data verification in shops or institutions that accept the card.
- A map of resident card partners offering discounts to cardholders.
- A "linking" system for family cards, allowing parents/guardians to edit the resident cards of each family member (eliminating the need to create accounts for minors while still enabling discounts for every eligible individual).
For administrators, there is the option to remotely set the privileges of the resident card holder, including establishing the expiry date and eligibility for special discounts.
2. LET'S FIX IT
The LET'S FIX IT MODULE has been recognised and awarded in international competitions, including those in Taiwan and the Innovations in Policy competition. Its design primarily aims to encourage residents to participate in the city management process by reporting issues in the urban space and highlighting infrastructure needs.From the resident's perspective, the solution offers the opportunity to submit comments, track the progress of tasks, and even be rewarded for the most effective submissions within the rewards system.
On the administrator's side, the system ensures proper management of submissions, verification of delays in task execution, and oversight of the implementation process, as well as automatic notifications to the submitter regarding the progress of actions.
The module consists of four parts:
SUBMISSION MAP
A panel that allows every resident to visualise on a map all submissions made in the immediate vicinity of their residence within a specified time frame, with the option to view the submission location and its description.
ADDING A SUBMISSION
Within various categories, and based on the phone’s geolocation or by manually marking the location on the map, residents can indicate their need for changes in the urban environment. This could involve reporting a fault, an illegal dumping site, or requesting the placement of a new road sign. Since the implementation of our system, over 12,000 submissions have been made, with 95% of them resolved.
MY SUBMISSIONS
A summary of submissions made by a specific resident, along with information about their status.
SUBMISSION LIST
A tabular overview of all submissions made by residents within the tool, with options for filtering and sorting.
3. TRANSPORT
The transport module is one of the most frequently used by residents. It consists of three parts, which can function independently and be implemented without the others. These include:1. BUSES AND BUS STOPS
2. PARKING FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
3. CARSHARING
The TRANSPORT module is designed to provide residents with easy access to information about existing transport solutions, a list of bus stops, real-time bus locations, departure times, timetables, and the quickest travel options within the city. Through integration with companies offering shared transport services, we offer the option of suggesting the most convenient route for the resident, incorporating scooters, cars, city bikes, buses, and other forms of public transport. The structure of the module and its components is closely tailored to the services available in the specific city.
With just one click after launching the app, residents can check the exact departure time of buses from the nearest, favourite, or any selected bus stop. This popular feature among users allows for precise planning of the time they need to reach the stop to catch their chosen bus.
Additionally, there is the option to check the timetable from any bus stop across the city, view the route of each bus, and plan transfers.
We can integrate information about shared vehicles available in urban spaces. This includes filtering and sorting options based on parameters such as the type of transport (scooter, moped, car) or engine type.
Residents looking for the nearest available vehicle no longer need to log into each provider's individual app. All this information is available on a single map within the city's app.
The functionality of the already implemented and efficiently operating module depends on the technical infrastructure available in the city. Installing sensors in parking spaces designated for people with disabilities or utilising a monitoring system allows the creation of a dynamic map of available spaces. A person with a disability certificate and the associated rights can quickly check which parking spaces are available and activate the navigation function, which will guide them to the nearest available spot via the fastest route. At the same time, the system "reserves" the spot and removes its visibility from other app users.
4. EDUCATION
The quality of life in a city is largely dependent on the quality of educational services offered. Through the EDUCATION module, we provide the option to integrate e-registers available on the market, giving residents quick access to messages from teachers, grade reports, and their child's attendance records. It also offers the option of electronic enrolment for nurseries and preschools, taking into account both legal and local criteria.The EDUCATION module consists of three components, which can be implemented independently:
1. NURSERIES
2. PRESCHOOLS
3. SCHOOL E-REGISTER
The functionality of this part of the module provides insight into the services offered for nursery care, both public and private. It also includes the option to organise online enrolment, following the rules and guidelines established by the city, as well as managing a child's attendance at public facilities and making electronic payments.
We have the capability for full integration with existing electronic school registers available on the market.
Thanks to the FAMILY algorithm, parents or guardians can access the e-register accounts of each of their children through a single account in the mobile app. This allows for real-time checking of grades, school attendance, and maintaining regular communication with teachers, class tutors, or the school administration.
Through the mobile app, residents can manage their child's attendance at preschool, handle billing, including making electronic payments, and maintain ongoing communication with the facility.
It also allows for online enrolment, following both national guidelines and specific local city regulations. The module provides a detailed presentation of the offerings of both public and private preschools.
All implemented solutions are aligned with educational regulations.
5.
CALENDARWe understand perfectly what residents are looking for in thematic municipal services—websites, announcements, and communications. One of the essential pieces of information is the planned events in the city—meetings, fairs, concerts, activities, workshops, training sessions, or any other attractions.Our application can be fully integrated with existing event calendars, meaning that this module does not require any work from the administrator’s side—it automatically retrieves data and presents it on the mobile phone screen, selecting the date, location on the map, and highlighting the most important elements of the description. The mechanisms we employ can allow for sorting and filtering information or tailoring it to the user’s profile, presenting the most relevant events based on their previous choices.
Through the administrator panel, we also enable the addition and editing of information. This functionality is essential in situations where there are no standardised local municipal event calendars.
6. SUPPORT
In every city, there are various institutions tasked with providing specific types of assistance in response to the diverse needs of residents.In the SUPPORT module, we categorise these institutions, creating a network of connections that enable individuals seeking help to find the right place. The module consists of three parts:
1. I’M LOOKING FOR HELP
2. I WANT TO HELP
3. SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH MIGRATION EXPERIENCE
I’M LOOKING FOR HELP
By asking specific questions, we enable users to reach the institutions that offer a particular type of assistance in their city. Each subsequent question narrows down the list of support institutions, ultimately identifying the one that is best matched to provide the required support.
I WANT TO HELP
This element of the SUPPORT module offers residents the opportunity to register as volunteers. Questions about age, experience, and the areas in which someone wishes to volunteer help identify the institutions or NGOs that run programmes for volunteers.
SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH MIGRATION EXPERIENCE
In response to the war in Ukraine and the needs of residents wanting to assist refugees as well as those who have arrived from Ukraine, we have developed functionality within the SUPPORT module specifically aimed at addressing the needs arising from the war. This includes highlighting activities and organisations that provide opportunities to engage in support for Ukrainian refugees, along with a resource base of information for refugees about available assistance in the city.
7. ALERT
The application allows the sending of push notifications regarding important alerts related to hazardous weather conditions or traffic disruptions.Storms, severe weather, hail, road accidents, water supply failures, evacuations, police announcements, fire brigade alerts, etc., are all types of information that can be sent to all residents or a specific group of residents (e.g., residents of a particular district).
8. CITIZEN BUDGET
The functionality of the module is divided into three parts:1. SUBMISSIONS
2. VOTING
3. PROJECTS
SUBMISSIONS
This panel allows residents to submit projects for the citizen budget, taking into account the guidelines of the respective city. The solution facilitates the collection of support votes during the project submission process (e.g., based on the number of individuals supporting the project) and formal processing by the administrator from the stage of project addition by a resident, through formal approval, to preparation for the voting procedure within the announced citizen budget voting mode.
VOTING
This element of the module provides for the possibility of conducting voting within the citizen budget framework. The solution allows integration with the database of residents eligible to vote, verifying eligibility, and notifying the administrator of any potential abuses. The module is designed to count the votes cast, establish project priorities, and categorise them for voting in accordance with the applicable guidelines of the specific city.
PROJECTS
A visual representation of information about the winning projects from all editions of the citizen budget, featuring detailed information on voting results, project authors, the number of votes received, budget, description, implementer, and stage of execution.
9. NEWS
The module is integrated with the existing news channels used by the city, offering categorisation and sorting options. This integration ensures an automatic process of publishing news that is posted on the city’s website. The module’s structure also allows for the addition of information outside the database of messages published on other city communication channels, enabling the creation and posting of updates specifically for the mobile app.The posted information can be divided and published under any chosen categories, such as:
- current affairs;
- education;
- Innovation;
- investments;
- culture;
- sport;
- health;
depending on the administrator’s decision.
In the case of multiple communication channels within the city, there is an option to create a NEWS PLUS module. This module ensures integration with various news databases, tailored to the preferences of individual residents. The result is a fully customised module designed to meet the needs of each person.
The database can include information such as notifications and news from:
- the city’s main website or its subpages;
- a selected school;
- a selected nursery or daycare centre;
- a local health clinic;
- the neighbourhood or district council;
- a sports club.
The NEWS PLUS module and its implementation are only possible in cities where multiple virtual platforms exist for publishing important resident-focused news.
The idea behind this module is to fulfil the core objective of the Happy City App, which is to integrate various public services into one place. In the case of the NEWS PLUS module, this refers specifically to notifications and current affairs.
10. E-SERVICES
Our app provides a genuine alternative to visiting the city council offices. By integrating all services into one place, it allows residents to save time and dedicate it to other activities – whether it's spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, or engaging in any other chosen activity.However, there are some services that still require a visit to a public administration building. For instance, collecting a licence plate or obtaining an ID card requires an in-person meeting with the appropriate official. Even in these cases, the time spent and the quality of service can be significantly improved by the features available in the E-SERVICES module.
This module consists of two parts that can function independently. These are:
1. APPOINTMENT BOOKING WITH PAYMENT MODULE
2. ELECTRONIC NOTICEBOARD
With just a few clicks, this module allows residents to book an appointment with a public official. During the booking process, the resident selects the relevant service and specifies their need. If the service requires a payment, the module also provides secure electronic payment options. This reduces the in-person meeting to a minimum, saving the resident time and streamlining the process.
The implementation of this module leads to increased user satisfaction, as residents no longer need to wait in queues for service. Additionally, it creates cost savings for the administration by enabling more people to be served by the existing staff.
Essential documents, election and referendum information, details on approved local spatial development plans, open tenders for non-governmental organisations, and recruitment procedures for vacant positions are all pieces of information that must be displayed within the city administration and made widely accessible to residents.
For many years, this requirement was met by posting printed materials, resolutions, decrees, and administrative decisions on noticeboards in town halls.
The E-OFFICE module, along with the ELECTRONIC NOTICEBOARD, allows for compliance with all legal requirements, presenting information in electronic format, organised into relevant categories and properly labelled within the mobile app.
This module is also designed to display properly categorised data from the mobile app in the city hall itself, via an existing kiosk or electronic noticeboard, independent of the app’s operation. This approach promotes cost savings, eco-friendly practices by reducing printed materials, and improves the aesthetic of the administrative space, while still fulfilling all legal obligations.
11. WASTE
Key aspects of waste management involve both the city's technological development of waste management facilities and eco-friendly behaviours among residents. Public awareness about the need for environmental actions and household waste segregation are now essential factors in meeting the legally required recycling levels. The WASTE module offers functions designed to support residents in the process of waste segregation and environmental care. The module consists of four parts:1. SCHEDULE
2. REQUEST A COLLECTION
3. REPORTS
4. GUIDE
Each city organises waste collection differently. For residents, the most important information is how to effectively sort waste to avoid potential fines and when collection will take place for single-family homes. The response to these needs is a waste collection calendar with the option to send PUSH notifications the day before selective waste collection. There is also a guide offering instructions on how to sort waste in the most environmentally friendly and effective way.
The module also allows for the ordering of bulk waste collections, with online payment available if required. Additionally, it offers the ability to check the status of bulk waste collection requests and others, such as construction waste, and to notify the local authorities about illegal dumping sites.
12. WEATHER
A fully integrated module with an external provider offering detailed weather information, including:- Hourly forecasts covering:
- Temperature
- Cloud cover
- Predicted precipitation
- Wind speed Additionally, it provides:
- Data on humidity, air pressure, UV index, and sunrise and sunset times.
The module also includes extensive air quality data, with the option to refine information at the district level, showing PM10, PM2.5 levels, and the acceptable limits.
The forecast is divided into the current day, the following day, and the next five days. For cities with bathing areas, we also present information on water quality, particularly relevant to locations affected by blue-green algae blooms.
13. LIBRARY
Quick access to information on all public library branches and their collections, with the option to submit purchase requests and reserve titles.Our module also allows full integration with existing electronic library cards, enabling another city service to be included within a single city mobile app.
The Library Module can be expanded as needed, including features like adding reviews and recommendations for library titles, as well as offering home delivery of books. This functionality is especially useful for individuals who are unwell and may find it difficult to visit the library in person.
14. ANIMAL SHELTER
Module integrated with data from the local animal shelter. It consists of 7 functionalities:1. NEWS
2. LOOKING FOR A HOME
3. NEW ARRIVALS
4. VIRTUALLY ADOPTED
5. FOSTER HOME
6. FOUND A HOME
7. VOLUNTEERING
NEWS
A collection of information automatically sourced from the shelter’s website regarding upcoming events, campaigns, and initiatives.
LOOKING FOR A HOME
Details about all the animals in the shelter that are looking for new homes. Each animal has a description, photo, and detailed profile, which is essential for people interested in adopting. The description is prepared by the shelter staff and automatically added to the Shelter Module. Users can also opt for virtual adoption. This action generates a note on the animal’s profile ("Virtually adopted by …") and requires making an online payment.
NEW ARRIVALS
This section provides information about all newly admitted animals. It is important for those looking to adopt a dog or cat, as well as those searching for lost pets.
VIRTUALLY ADOPTED
For those unable to adopt an animal in person, but who want to support the shelter and its residents, virtual adoption is available. After making an online donation (in a set or optional amount), a note appears with the animal’s profile acknowledging the virtual adopter. This does not affect the possibility of real adoption but serves as a significant support for the shelter and its animals.
FOSTER HOME
Information on the rules and opportunities for offering a foster home for animals. Taking in an animal temporarily (or until a full adoption is arranged) provides essential support to the shelter and is a less permanent commitment for the foster. This section includes full details on the conditions that must be met and information on animals currently in foster care (similar to the "Looking for a Home" section).
FOUND A HOME
A comprehensive record of all animals that have been successfully adopted.
VOLUNTEERING
Detailed information about the requirements for volunteers and the tasks they can perform at the shelter.
15. PUBLIC SPACE LIGHTING
Illuminating an unused school pitch represents a tangible cost for the local authority. At the same time, the lack of lighting in a sports area where lights are installed and a group of residents wishes to use it leads to a real reputational loss for the city and dissatisfaction among its citizens.In response to the need for environmental care, rising electricity costs, and the challenges (especially in winter) of managing lighting on sports and school pitches for those who wish to use them, we have developed an innovative module that provides a very user-friendly system for managing electricity and lighting in sports facilities. This functionality can be shaped flexibly according to the expectations of the facility administrator.
Winter is the time when the need for artificial lighting arises as early as 4:00 PM. Turning on the lights automatically without assessing the actual needs or verifying whether there is a group wanting to use the pitch results in a real waste of energy and financial resources. The PUBLIC SPACE LIGHTING module allows lights to be turned on in any facility via a mobile application. The user's geolocation ensures that the lights can only be activated by someone physically present at the site, which also provides information about the individual using the facility and responsible for its activities at that time. Additionally, a connection with the RESIDENT CARD module can restrict access, for example, by allowing free lighting activation for a specified period only to residents (cardholders), while others may be required to make an electronic payment.
The above solution:
- Eliminates the issue of lighting unused sports areas.
- Rewards the residents of the city.
- Represents a real additional budget from payments made.
- Provides information about the actual user of the facility.
- Eliminates the need to hire personnel (for instance, over weekends in school facilities) responsible for supervising the premises.
The implementation of the Module depends on the already installed lighting system or may require modifications in this regard.
16. PLANTING TREES
Individuals using this solution can indicate the location where a tree should be planted. This area can be narrowed down by the administrator to a specific territory (e.g., a new park under construction) or only to land owned by the city. The module allows for narrowing the area down to a few metres or identifying regions of the city that require increased green space.Depending on the administrator's needs, residents can specify any planting or choose from a list of available trees and shrubs, detailing what type of vegetation should be added.
In our previous initiatives, this solution was particularly encouraged within the activities of schools and kindergartens. Following the implementation of plantings, an additional functionality was created within the module—a map indicating the details of the planting initiator and the information "This tree was planted by…."
17. SURVEYS / QUIZZES
The module enables the engagement of residents in city life by conducting themed quizzes or organising surveys to collect information and opinions on specific solutions.The functionality of the module allows for limiting the reach to certain individuals, for example, narrowing the number of users to resident card holders living in a specific district, as well as identifying the best responses from users participating in themed quizzes and puzzles.
The administrator has the ability to create any number of activities within the SURVEYS / QUIZZES module, generate external links to these activities, and display them on existing websites and information platforms, such as within the NEWS module.
18. FACILITY BOOKINGS
The booking module for gyms, classrooms, and other rentable facilities, available on mobile devices, offers convenient and advanced features that significantly simplify the booking and payment process. Users can search available facilities based on various criteria, such as room size, type of sports activity they wish to engage in, and the number of people the room can accommodate. The system includes an integrated calendar that enables users to select a suitable date and time for their booking, allowing for efficient planning.One of the key advantages of the module is its payment mechanism, which requires upfront payment for rentals, thus eliminating issues with debt collection after the rental period. Furthermore, the system allows flexible cost-sharing among participants – each person can pay their portion individually, according to a pre-arranged split. Payments can be made using various methods, enhancing user convenience by offering options such as card payments, bank transfers, or digital wallets.
The application automatically sends reminders of upcoming bookings to all participants and also notifies them of booking confirmations and completed payments. Additionally, the module provides access to booking history, and users can modify or cancel reserved slots in accordance with the facility’s rules. Overall, this makes the process of booking sports and educational spaces easy, transparent, and accessible via mobile phone.
