The difference between generations is never plainer than when it comes to the use of technology, and including the opinions and input of young people when developing any new technology is crucial.
Unlike other generations, Gen Z and Gen Alpha (the first generation to grow up as tech-enabled from birth to grave) have had access to technology from an early age with 97% of young people aged 12 and above having access to a smartphone. Participation People can recruit young people to help tech companies with new product development, testing prototypes, and beta platforms, providing a unique sounding board and user feedback that is only possible through the lens of young people themselves.
It’s not only their grasp of tech and their dexterity that can be vital to understanding Gen Z, but their use of language too. Each generation leaves its mark on language by creating new slang and abbreviations. The impact of this has been far greater in recent years, with social media accelerating the spread and adoption of new terms. Understanding the subtleties and nuances of how young people use language can help keep your technology ahead of the curve, and influence how you take your product to market.
Our Tech Clients
Xyla Digital came to Participation People for help developing and UX testing their user-centric platform that empowers young people to manage their waiting times for mental health services. The platform needed to be intuitive and engaging. They also desired the involvement of young people throughout the design process to ensure the platform truly met their needs. Each element of the platform’s development was designed collaboratively, and influenced by the insights and feedback gathered from young participants.
The added benefit that all our tech clients have experienced is that consulting young people has a wider values-based impact on their company. By taking the time to better understand what is important to young people today, they gain a shift in perspective. This in turn helps the business recruit young people into the team with the skills needed to grow.
Technology Consultations
Participation People’s bespoke consultations help organisations understand young people’s trends, habits, and life choices and unpack how they should be considered ahead of your tech launch.
When you’re looking to develop a new product or service with young people in mind, or if you’re in the final stages of testing and you need a youth sounding board, a consultation with young people can offer you the fresh perspective you need. Discover the ways we can gather insights from young people through a variety of consultation formats that will provide you with bespoke action plans to tap into youth audiences.
Content Creation For Tech
Young people can add value so much value as Content Creators. Our innovative solution brings you a dedicated team of young talent, fully trained and supported, to craft captivating content for your social and digital channels. Unleash the power of authentic youth voices to supercharge your brand’s content strategy!
Hackathons For Tech
A great first step to introduce young people into your tech development is with our unique Challenge Lab / Listening Lab series. We have seen growing demand for this and have had great success. This series facilitates decision-makers and/or policy shapers to set young people a challenge they want solutions to. Young people ask questions about your technology. We find that usually these questions haven’t been asked before – and together you and our young people solve that commercial/business challenge. This approach puts adults and young people in the same room and changes the power paradigm; adults come to young people to ask for help.
UX Testing With Young People
If you‘re ready to test your product, service, website or app, we recommend running a diagnostic session as part of your UX testing. Introduce where you’re at and tap into fresh off-the-bat opinions, experiences and preferences from a panel of youth experts selected and trained by us.
Through our diagnostic sessions, we’ll uncover your key pain points and how these need to be addressed with young people in mind, providing you with a bespoke plan to help. Built by young people, for young people.
Hear From Our Clients
“Working with Participation People on our new web-based platform for the mental health and wellbeing market was a game-changer. They incorporated young people’s insight from the start, making sure their voices guided the entire design process.
Their inclusive research, UX design skills, and user testing led to a platform that truly resonates with our audience. Participation People’s passion for empowering young people is infectious, and we highly recommend them for any user-centric project. Thank you, Participation People, for helping us make a difference!”
Sunna VanLoo, Chief Operating Officer – Health & Community Services, Acacium Group