The Humanitarian Genome promotion clip and beta version trial run

In the past months we have reached two important milestones in our project. First, we are very happy to announce that the Humanitarian Genome (HG) promotion clip is ready! You can watch the clip via http://youtu.be/JfrDd3W_Bcg

Second, the HG beta version is now ready for use!  We are currently in the middle of planning a trial run of the Humanitarian Genome, which will be organised from mid-February to mid-May. This trial aims at a substantial trial user group of staff from our partner organisations (ECB and GICHD). With this trial run we hope to learn in more detail how trial users work with, evaluate and value the Humanitarian Genome in their day-to-day work activities.

We will start the trial run with an introduction webinar in which the functioning of the HG is demonstrated, a user manual is introduced and questions can be asked. Users can then sign up to the Humanitarian Genome and start working with it as they see fit. During the three-month trial period, the HG ICT team will track and analyse the way the HG is used during regular work activities by means of confidential online generated user data. In addition, trial users will be invited to participate in three, very short, user surveys: one prior to the start of the HG trial period, one midway, and one at the end of the trial period. The data collected will be presented in a report that will be shared with the trial users by the end of May 2014. These data will also serve as input for composing a business plan.

The rationale for organising this trial run is that in the past months, we have learned how important it is to have reliable and valid information – based on a substantial user sample – about the Humanitarian Genome’s functioning, value and its potential scale and magnitude of impact on the humanitarian sector.  In order to sustain the HG’s future as a frequently used, dynamic and up to date platform,  information is needed that provides insight in how users value the HG as a support tool in their work,  what efficiency gains the HG can offer, what impact the HG can have on the sector, and which adjustments and improvements are crucial for the HG’s sustainability . With the HG trial run we hope to generate more precise answers on these questions.