Last week I had the great fortune of moderating a panel with two amazing mujeres. Julissa Gutierrez of National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) & Jessica Perilla of JPD Studio.

Our presentation focused on Apps, Activism and Latinos and we broke down the various ways that apps were factoring into the political process and representation of Latinos during this election.

The universe of online and mobile apps targeting Latinos falls into the same categories as those targeting the general population: apps for entertainment, news, productivity and communication, with mobile games such as Angry Birds conquering the pack. However, issues specific to the Latino community have contributed to the design and innovation of a new breed of apps that inform users of and/or intervene in the crux of critical civic issues. In an election year where sensitivities over immigration, racial profiling and voter redistricting have captured the national discourse, online and mobile apps have responded with new modes of communication, activism and engagement in ways that have empowered the Latino community.

This panel, the third in the series CONVERSACIONES,  explored a selection of apps that are responsive to contemporary social and political challenges confronting Latinos in America.  The discussion focused on the functions of these apps, their design intentions, development process and public reception from the perspectives of app designers, developers and commissioning agents.

As promised, I have published the presentations from the panelist on slideshare for you to download. Enjoy!

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