Refunite | A Photo Essay on UX in Kakuma

May 11 15

In this blog post, our Research and Prototype Developer Vytas Bradunas and Online Editor Rachel Ombaka share photos from their recent trip to Kakuma Refugee Camp where they tested paper-based models (also known as prototypes) of REFUNITE’s family reconnection platform and conducted interviews on user experience (UX).

REFUNITE USSD shortcode — *883# is the short code used to access REFUNITE’s family reconnection service in Kenya.

A refugee accessing their REFUNITE profile; here they can search for missing family or friends, send messages to people on their contact list or make changes to their profile.

Card username password toll free number Safaricom call centre — A card that makes it easier for refugees to remember their username/password and the toll free number provided by Safaricom for users to reach the call centre for further assistance.

prototype testing Kakuma Somali — Testing a paper-based model of the REFUNITE registration process in Somali language. These tests are aimed at improving the languages used on the platform, making it easier for refugees to understand how to register, search and communicate with missing loved ones.

REFUNITE registration — Calvin, one of REFUNITE’s Outreach Volunteers, shows two Congolese brothers how to register for the family reconnection service.

REFUNITE message retrieval — Ghazi, one of REFUNITE’s Outreach Volunteers, shows a Sudanese family how to access messages received on the platform.

mobile phone usage interview Kakuma — Rachel and Joy of REFUNITE conducting an interview with South Sudanese refugees on mobile phone use at the camp. Information from the survey will be used to improve services offered on REFUNITE’s family reconnection platform.

mobile phone charging kakuma — A mobile phone charging shop in Kakuma that uses a car battery connected to a solar panel

Solar panel mobile phone charging Kakuma refugee camp. — A solar panel used to charge mobile phones at Kakuma refugee camp.