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WWH (World Wide Help)�

Kameswari Chebrolu

Department of CSE, IIT Bombay

chebrolu@cse.iitb.ac.in

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More details see: https://tinyurl.com/wbsbqe4

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Connects help seekers with help providers

Help seekers: (general public)

  1. Dial via Phone
  2. Message via Whatsapp

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Help Provides: ( doctors, volunteers etc)

Need to install Android app

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WWH Operation

  • Organization sets up a helpline for a specific purpose
    • Hospitals to provide medical advice remotely during overload/lockdown
    • Government to provide information on Covid
    • NGOs to help bottom of pyramid to supply provisions
  • Organization publicizes a phone number and/or a whatsapp number in the community
  • Organization recruits help providers (helpers) to provide help/advice
    • Helpers need to install our app on Android smartphone with Internet Access

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Work Flow (Phone based)

WWH Server

Helper

(Android app)

Help Seeker (client; general public)

1. Calls helpline

2. Forwards call details

3. Assign task to appropriate helper

4. Talks with client

(when free)

Q & A

4. Talks with client

(when free)

5. Enter Q & A

after task completion (for later data analysis)

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Helpers attend to tasks when free*

(* we also support clients directly connecting to helpers)

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Helper phone number not revealed to client

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Work Flow (Whatsapp based)

Helper

(Android app)

Help Seeker (client)

1. Messages helpline

2. Assign task to appropriate helper

3. Can talk with client over phone (or) Send message to client over whatsapp

4. Enter Q & A

after task completion (for later data analysis)

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Helper phone number not revealed to client

WWH Server

Q & A

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Other Useful Features

  • Preserves anonymity (personal phone numbers of helpers not revealed)
  • Helpers can re-allocate tasks to other helpers
  • Dashboard to track helpline operation: detailed call statistics, helper performance statistics
  • Survey feature to collect information
    • Upload a Google form URL and a file with phone numbers for helpers to call
    • Helpers fill Google forms while talking

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Advantages

  • Helpers can work from their home
    • Ensures needed physical distancing
  • Cheaper helpline setup costs
    • Smartphones as opposed to desktops/laptops/leased lines as required in call-centers
  • Can recruit helpers who can help only when free
    • Supports part-time work
  • Can work with changing set of helpers/volunteers

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