Discovery Tool Our Voice

Functionality & Mechanism

The Discovery Tool is a mobile application supporting the 'Our Voice' citizen science methodology for environmental assessment. The interface facilitates in-situ data collection, enabling community members to capture geolocated photographic evidence and audio narratives of local features influencing well-being. During guided community walks, participants systematically document and rate environmental barriers and assets. The collected qualitative and geospatial data are then aggregated to identify community-defined priorities for advocacy and intervention, forming the basis for subsequent discussions with local decision-makers.

Evidence & Research Context

• A preliminary pilot study (N=14) demonstrated the tool's feasibility for capturing qualitative environmental data (174 images, 124 audio files) and integrating biometric sensor input to identify spatial clusters of perceived environmental stress.
• The tool's design and the broader 'Our Voice' methodology are grounded in an evidence-based framework prioritizing measures that demonstrate feasibility, accuracy, propriety, and utility for community-based participatory research.
• Associated research positions the 'Our Voice' method, enabled by the Discovery Tool, as a mechanism for citizen scientists to systematically gather data and advocate for environmental changes that advance health equity outcomes.

Intended Use & Scope

The Discovery Tool is intended for researchers, community health practitioners, and citizen scientists engaged in participatory action research. Its primary utility is systematic data collection for community-led environmental assessment and health advocacy. The tool does not provide clinical diagnoses or professional environmental analyses; data interpretation and subsequent action require expert facilitation and engagement with decision-makers.