Geofreebie: A Location-Based Freecycling App to Support Forced Migrant Resettlement

TL;DR

This paper introduces Geofreebie, a location-based freecycling app designed to support forced migrants in Germany by enhancing social networks and community feeling, based on user needs and prototype evaluation.

Contribution

It develops user requirements for freecycling services for forced migrants and presents a prototype app that demonstrates social benefits through increased networks and community sense.

Findings

Geofreebie increased social network size for migrants.

The app fostered a sense of community among users.

Evaluation showed positive social engagement outcomes.

Abstract

Germany has witnessed an influx of forced migrants in recent years. Promoting social interaction with the local community is key to supporting the resettlement of these newcomers. Location-based freecycling services present important benefits due to freecycling's potential to bolster social engagement and location-based services' ability to adapt to the user's context. Yet, their potential to support forced migrants' resettlement is yet to be examined. We conducted needs assessment interviews with 11 participants in Muenster, Germany. We analyzed the interview results to develop user requirements for location-based freecycling services. We then implemented a subset of the user requirements as a prototype mobile app called Geofreebie. The evaluation of the app with 22 participants showed that Geofreebie offered two key advantages for forced migrants' resettlement: it increased the size of their social network, and created a sense of community on their side. These findings can benefit researchers and developers of location-based services to support forced migrant resettlement.