2001-2003 EU Project

1. How to ensure that everyone can benefit from the Internet From Digital Divide to Social Inclusion

2. A dded V alue A ccess to N ew T echnologies and services on the I nternet The Avanti project is a transnational project involving city partners from England, Scotland, Latvia and Sweden and industrial partners Fujitsu and Microsoft. It is partly funded by the European Commission The Project aims to develop a n intelligent digital assistant which will enable ‘natural’ interface and so make it easier for citizens to use municipal services delivered via the web

3. WHY ? Why are we doing this? Why do we need AVANTI?

9. Democracy As government services and important public information become increasingly available on-line, ensuring access to government web sites for all citizens becomes as important as ensuring access to public buildings Why?

11. WHAT? What can we do to help to overcome the digital divide, and simplify access to eGovernance?

21. Kista A virtual servant that is able to help the citizen to initiate and resolve different matters through a self-service site What?

22. The vision guiding the Kista application What can I do for you, today? What?

23. Two screenshots of Kista’s demonstrator What? Look at videoexample 1 of the Kista application Look at videoexample 2 of the Kista application

27. Screenshot of Edinburgh’s demonstrator What? Hello, I’m here to help you find out about the services Edinburgh City Libraries can offer you. | Avatar words appear in speech bubble Record of avatar conversation in scrollable box Basic instructions and contact details Box for user input entered using OK key or ‘Enter’ button OK Look at a video clip of the Edinburgh application

29. Ventspils Guide citizens through the procedure to apply for discounts on Local Government services What?

30. Screenshots of Ventspils’ demonstrator What? Look at a videoexample of the Ventspils application

32. The Avanti Exemplar A possible scenario of today… What? Look at a videoexample of the Avanti Exemplar

34. The Avanti Exemplar A possible scenario of today… Look at a videoexample developed by Microsoft and Fujitsu in close cooperation with the four cities What?

35. C onclusions from user tests

40. Findings What knowledge did we gain from the AVANTI-project

42. Knowledge of barriers to accessing e-government services Findings User interface E-Service? Information overload Legislation

44. Understanding how citizens engage with conversation based e - government services across Europe Findings Am I qualified to have a free travel pass? What can I help You with today?

46. Design principles for conversation based solutions using avatars Findings

47. Toolkit to deliver conversation based solutions using avatars Findings

49. Successful implementation of avatar enabled e-government pilots in four European cities Findings

53. How can I help you ?