Dundee residents to get free tablets and internet as part of £12.5m scheme

Some Dundee residents are to get free internet and tablets as part of a £12.5 million project to turn everyday life interactive.

The team at Dundee-based games developer Hyper Luminal normally create entertainment games for Xbox, PlayStation and iPhone.

But they were challenged to produce an app that will improve the everyday lives of thousands of Scots.

The firm developed the MyLife app, which can be downloaded onto phones or tablets.

It features an avatar character to keep residents informed of local events.

The app will also motivate people to take part in activities, with suggestions suited to their needs, interests and abilities.

It is being rolled out in the Charleston area of Dundee as part of the £12.5m Peoplehood project run by Blackwood Homes.

Residents in Blackwood’s houses in Charleston will be offered free tablets and internet to help them get digitally connected..

The scheme aims to improve residents’ lives.

It will also deliver e-bikes, electric cars and a host of equipment and activities within communities, all according to local demand.

Changing perceptions of gaming

Hyper Luminal Games was set up by friends Stuart Martin and Rob Madden after they met at Abertay University.

Mr Martin is now chief executive of the firm, which employs about 50 people in Dundee.

He said creating the MyLife app was an exciting project to be part of.

He said: “By finding out what is important to Blackwell residents can we be sure MyLife will improve their lives.

“The design process showed many testers enjoyed digital games or puzzles, but did not consider it to be gaming.”

Mr Martin added: “The common response, especially from older people, is that gaming is something for teenage boys.

“They would say to us ‘I don’t play games’ but they were doing Sudoku puzzles on phones or tablets.

“Sudoku is a game and the tablet is a gaming device, so it’s about about changing that perception of gaming.

“They accepted MyLife could be an interesting and valuable addition to daily life.”

‘Big future’, says Dundee app firm boss

Each avatar will also take into account the medical, health and mobility circumstances of individual users.

Residents who engage will earn real-life awards, such as free gardening work or use of an electric car or e-bike.

The more they engage with MyLife, the greater the potential rewards.

Mr Martin said: “We have be mindful of individuals’ needs. We have to be any restrictions.

“Relatives and support workers will be able to use the app.

“They might want to put in an event for taking medication, for example.

“The app is designed to get people involved in the community.”

In the long run, Mr Martin hopes the avatar will become an assisted living tool.

“We are right at the beginning of the development journey.

“There is a big future in terms of expansion into different areas.”