The Minnesota Family investment Program (MFIP) is the state’s income assistance program for families with children. As a part of the program requirements, recipients are required to have regular communications with their county workers which requires significant documentation. The app initially included and was available in the Apple App and Google Play Stores:
- A direct messaging system between clients, counselors, and county workers
- Secure document uploads
- Job logs and other progress tracking
- Access to financial budgeting tools
- A directory of local resources
In early 2015, the idea for a mobile platform originated in a workgroup of the Minnesota Department of Human Services. In the initial ideation phase of the project, the work group created a process flow of the current MFIP policy to understand the requirements of clients, workers, counties, and the state. Discussions were held with the State of Minnesota’s IT department and the Department of Employment and Economic Development to discuss issues of data and security. Individual counties were identified as pilot sites and a software developer contracted to build out the product.
During the building of the MFIP Connect App, various iterative prototypes were tested, and a beta-product formally launched in May 2017. During the first few months of implementation, the design team conducted semi-structured interviews with frontline staff. This information, along with ongoing collaborative meetings with stakeholders, led to significant enhancements that transitioned the product to a full pilot intervention in September 2018.
An organizational readiness assessment helped evaluate potential pilot sites and identify areas of strength and concern for implementation. In the full pilot phase, seven counties used the app. Throughout this pilot phase, focus groups with staff and individual interviews were held as a part of process and impact evaluations. An ongoing community of practice was also convened monthly to address the app’s functionality and the project’s lifecycle.
In the final phase of this project, the design team supported the transition of the MFIP Connect app to the state. In 2022, it was launched as a state-wide product for service enhancement to families as the WF1 App. For more information about the current scope and implementation see here.
