We live in an era in which many of us reach for our smartphones first to find the answer to a question like “when is my bin being collected?” or “how do I report a pothole?”.
Local governments and other public sector organisations face the challenge of ensuring they keep up with expectations to provide easy and intuitive digital access to their services, and to do so in an accessible and cost-effective way.
Dedicated, standalone apps (ie. those that run from their own codebase) are often chosen as the perfect solution, because everyone likes an app, right?
Well, actually no. According to research we carried out with YouGov in 2022, only 22% of citizens want to use an app they have to download to contact their local authority.
In our two decades of experience providing high-traffic digital services for members of the public, we believe that Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) present a more efficient and inclusive alternative.
What are PWAs?
PWAs are websites that have been designed with ‘app like’ qualities.
They look and act like an app and they can be downloaded to a mobile’s home screen like an app, but they run from the same codebase as your website, removing barriers to access and enabling you to provide exactly the same experience to users across your online environment at no extra cost.
Why are PWAs a good choice for the public sector?
Accessibility for all
PWAs work on any device with a web browser, eliminating the need for users to download and install an app in order to access a service. This is particularly important in the public sector, where digital services must be accessible to everyone, regardless of their device type or storage limitations.
Cost-effective development and maintenance
Building and maintaining separate iOS and Android apps is expensive and resource-intensive. PWAs streamline development by using a single codebase that works across platforms, reducing costs and simplifying updates.
No app store barriers
Because PWAs run from the same codebase as your web service and can be saved to home screens directly instead of downloaded via an app store, you can ensure faster deployment and updates whenever you need to make a change.
Increased visibility
Another benefit of using PWAs is that your service will appear in search engine results, making it easier for members of the public to find what they need when starting from an online search.
Offline functionality and performance
PWAs permit offline capability to your website, by downloading a bit of JavaScript (called a service worker) to your device. This means people can, for example, start reports on-the-go without internet connection, and finish them later when back online. This is particularly beneficial for remote communities or frontline contractors who need to access services even in low-connectivity environments.
Security and compliance
Where a digital public service handles potentially sensitive data, PWAs leverage HTTPS protocols for secure communications, reducing risks associated with app store vulnerabilities while maintaining compliance with security standards.
The future of public sector digital services
By adopting PWAs, local governments and other public sector organisations can provide fast, reliable and cost-effective digital services to a broader audience.
As governments strive for digital inclusivity and efficiency, PWAs offer a forward-thinking solution that prioritises accessibility, security and seamless user experiences.
For local governments and the wider public sector, embracing PWAs is a strategic move towards a more accessible and efficient public service landscape.
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All of SocietyWorks’ solutions are designed as PWAs . Get in touch to find out more.