Pocket sized Digital Solutions for event volunteers

A digital information guide designed to support volunteers at dance events

As part of my involvement in the Latin dancing convention Motion City, I developed an interactive, pocket-sized digital information guide for volunteers.

Designed specifically for mobile devices, the guide provides volunteers with accessible information and practical guidance to encourage consistent standards of communication and interaction when engaging with visitors, participants and fellow volunteers.

The concept was originally developed for the New Year Latin dancing convention NYE Fest. Motion City provided an opportunity to develop the guide further and adapt it for use at a different event environment.

Supporting positive interactions

The guide focuses on a range of interpersonal considerations, including understanding, respect and consideration. Its purpose is to help volunteers feel more confident when dealing with different people and situations, whilst providing a shared understanding of the standards and expectations associated with their role.

Following the creation of the original guide, I reviewed and expanded the content to ensure that less obvious or unexpected situations were not overlooked. This included adding information relating to circumstances that could have a particular impact on individual volunteers.

Developing the guide through observation

My involvement behind the scenes and observations during the event suggested that there were no major problems or challenges. However, this experience highlighted an opportunity to strengthen the guide further.

I identified that additional information could help reduce uncertainty when volunteers encounter unexpected situations, particularly where circumstances may affect individuals differently.

Rather than waiting for a problem to occur, the development of the guide provides an opportunity to consider these situations in advance and give volunteers a clearer point of reference.

Bridging expectations and responsibilities

Overall, I feel that the document provides valuable support by helping to bridge the gap between required standards, event expectations and the way individual volunteers interpret their responsibilities and obligations.

The project demonstrates how a small, accessible digital resource can provide practical support to volunteers while contributing to a more consistent approach to interpersonal interaction at events.

Read the article about the development of the original version of this digital guide.

Find out more about my involvement in conventions by visiting the special Dancing Direction webpage.

Visit the Dancing Direction index to explore my developments in dancing.

This article is linked with the project categories Creative & Participation.



Notice to Editors

Keith Mckenzie
Keith is an awareness campaigner, a creative designer (Graphic design and digital art) and a salsa dancing participant
With a background in Art & Design (including Graphic Design & Digital art) and a participant in music-related film documentaries, events & record label project King Of the Beats including filming and behind the scene preparations.
Keith was educated at Hereford College of the Arts, the University of Northampton, Birmingham City University and Google's Digital Garage. Since 2000 , he has developed over twenty years in providing awareness projects, campaigns and activities with the Awareness brand Plus Value Awareness along with Differences Originals. Also am involved with salsa classes in the local community
as an assistant. I also have participated in major dancing conventions in Birmingham's, including Motion City (created by Birmingham Latinmotion and London's ManboCity) during the summer and Latinmotion's NYE Fest during the New Year public holiday.
In 2022. Keith became a featured community participant for Birmingham who became part of special projects and campaigns to promote a positive legacy beyond hosting the Commonwealth Games.