WATER alert!: using mobile phones to improve community perspective on drinking water quality in South Africa

摘要: Drinking water quality, in many parts of South Africa, is far below acceptable standards. With a high number illnesses and deaths the country due to diarrheal diseases, impact critical. This research addresses challenge reporting complex critical quality information way that accessible all Africans. High illiteracy rates, presence 11 official languages limited-to-no access technology areas, present some major challenges design an alert notification system. We describe WATER Alert!, symbol-based prototype mobile phone application report consumers allow for citizen involvement management. Our findings from preliminary evaluation revealed Alert! simple use has perceived usefulness amongst participants. The also suggest such would help improve consumers' understanding leading improved Community Perspective on drinking quality.