Project Investigator: Xiong Xinyang (Cindy)
School/Department: BA (Humanities and Digital Technologies)
Faculty: Faculty of Arts
Research Project Overview and Description:
EchoPort is an interdisciplinary project intersecting Digital Humanities, Communication and Media Studies, and Social Innovation. It establishes a cross-platform mutual support ecosystem (iOS, Android, and web) designed to counter urban isolation and fragmentation in Hong Kong. The platform utilizes AI-powered matching algorithms and verification measures to enable safe, reciprocal exchanges of resources—such as time, professional networks, legal advice, emergency medical accompaniment, and home repairs—focusing heavily on vulnerable newcomers, single independent adults, and the elderly.
Research Outcome:
The delivery of a mobile-first, fully installable iOS minimum viable product (MVP) prototype by the end of a 12-month cycle. Deliverables feature geolocated alerts, credit-based reputation tracking, and user safety center frameworks with a launch target of onboarding 1,000 initial users across pilot districts like Sham Shui Po and Wan Chai.
Funding Source:
Seed Fund for Students
For enquiries:
Please contact at atlab@hku.hk