De La Rosa questions language access in the 311 app
Chair notes the app is only in English and asks whether the entire app can be translated. Morrisroe says native app service request forms are English-only, but users can link to the mobile website and use Google Translate.
I do want to ask some questions about language access.
I do have some concerns about the app right now is just in English.
Can you speak to sort of is there a function to translate the entire app?
Like if you're a Spanish speaker, for example, and you want to access the app, like can you translate the app?
I understand the question.
I appreciate it.
I'll speak to that specifically.
So now the app has kind of two components to it.
What you see is there.
It is mobile optimized.
So if we link you to the 311 online, the website, then you have all the benefit of what's on the website, including the Google Translate tool.
On the app itself, if you're using a service request and you're submitting a service request that's embedded in the app, we call that native to the app, that's in English only.
So it's something that only exists in English.
If a customer does want to use the app, they can go to the mobile site.
I'm sorry, go from the mobile site, quick link right to the website, and then use the website to be able to, one, translate.
To the language they wish to and then access anything in that language.
So what's the challenge in making the app sort of just switch languages?
Understood.
And it ties back to the work we do with the mobile app in total.
So whether it be trying to do better with the GPS, that Councilman Bedinowitz had reference to trying to find a better way of presenting the information and then just trying to do enhancements.
There's a lot of work that constantly goes on in the mobile app, and it's just getting to that work.
Okay.