High Interest in Testing the DANOVA NEXT Application

As part of the DANOVA NEXT project’s testing and evaluation phase, a comprehensive user-centred approach has been implemented to assess the usability, accessibility, and overall effectiveness of the test version of the DANOVA NEXT application. These activities represent an important step toward ensuring that the final digital tool responds to the real needs and expectations of persons with disabilities throughout the Danube Region.

A two-fold approach has been used:

Live Targer Users Workshops

A total of 14 local workshops were conducted by DANOVA NEXT project partners, bringing together 123 participants from the three key target user groups:

Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) – 31 participants

Blind and Partially Sighted Persons – 46 participants

Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Persons – 46 participants

Each workshop provided an interactive environment where users could explore the test version of the DANOVA NEXT application, take part in practical demonstrations, and share their impressions through guided discussions.

To ensure consistency across all partner countries, the workshops relied on a shared feedback grid consisting of eight guiding questions covering core usability and accessibility aspects, including:

ease of navigation
clarity and readability of information
accessibility of visual elements
usefulness and relevance of available features.

Although the structure of workshops varied — with some focusing on a single user group and others blending all three — the contributions of participants provided rich, authentic insights into user experiences. This diversity, combined with the cross-border nature of the project, enabled the collection of valuable feedback shaped by different national transport systems, digital accessibility standards, and cultural approaches to inclusion.

The workshops were not intended as rigid testing sessions, but rather as open consultations where participants could freely explore the app and express their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. Their feedback was systematically collected and passed on to the development team for improvement of the application.

Online Survey for a wider Feedback

To complement the live workshops and gather broader input, an online survey was developed and distributed to all three target user groups. This allowed individuals who could not participate in in-person testing to still explore the test version of the DANOVA NEXT application and share their feedback.

The survey was implemented via Jotform, a platform chosen for its strong accessibility features, including full compatibility with screen readers and assistive technologies used by blind and partially sighted individuals. The clear and intuitive layout ensured accessibility also for Deaf and hard-of-hearing participants and persons with reduced mobility.

Participants were first invited to access the testing link to explore the app, after which they completed the questionnaire. The survey included both multiple-choice and open-ended questions focusing on:

navigation
interface readability
accessibility features
clarity of content
overall usefulness of the app

A total of 189 responses were collected.

The survey served as a quantitative complement to the qualitative insights gathered through workshops. While workshops provided detailed discussion-based feedback, the online survey allowed for trend analysis and comparison across user groups and partner countries. Together, these approaches produced a comprehensive and well-balanced evaluation of the application.

Feedback Highlights

Testing of the DANOVA NEXT application generated strong interest and engagement among users and accessibility experts. Participants expressed satisfaction with the intuitive interface and current functionalities, noting that the app significantly supports accessibility and inclusion in transport across the Danube Region.

At the same time, several constructive suggestions for improvement were raised, all of which were documented and forwarded to the development team to further refine and optimise the app.

A participatory approach at the heart of DANOVA NEXT

Through workshops and the online survey, persons with disabilities were directly involved in shaping a digital solution designed to improve their travel experience. This participatory process not only enriched the development of the DANOVA NEXT application but also reinforced the project’s commitment to inclusive innovation.

The feedback gathered will play a crucial role in enhancing the final version of the app and supporting the project’s mission of building a more accessible transport system throughout the Danube Region.