SENSUS

A media release from the ministry of trade and industry on May 13th, 2020, stated that only about 20% of the population makes online purchases, despite over 73% having Internet access. 

SENSI Essential Needs & Services Unified System (SENSUS) is a network that allows users to sources and procure essential needs and services. An app called SENSUS Essential Needs & Services Initiative (SENSI) provides real-time opportunities to conduct trade. They can trade these resources with credits. Credits can be transferred or earned via the completion of available courses or completion of tasks using SENSUS.

We aim to increase the number of persons taking part in the digital economy in Trinidad and Tobago by 1%. Furthermore, give persons the required skills to do such.

SENSUS can be used in countries with similar needs.

Just over 73% of Trinidad and Tobago's population are using the Internet. However, according to an article on May 13th, 2020, only about 20% of the population makes online purchases, despite being connected. 

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced local businesses, organizations, and companies to have their staff telecommute. During June 2021, only supermarkets and other retail stores labeled as essential were allowed to conduct trade. Moreover, companies and sole traders who could not wether the lockdown's effects stopped doing business. Persons lost income.

We aim to increase the number of persons taking part in the digital economy of Trinidad and Tobago by 1% (approximately 14000 persons) by providing a new but familiar trade system. Persons would be allowed to conduct trade using credits and also earn credits. The system should also be allowed to operate if the effects of the pandemic increase. Furthermore, the system should remain relevant and sustainable when the pandemic ends. 

SENSI Essential Needs & Services Unified System (SENSUS) is a network that sources resource availability. SENSUS Essential Needs & Services (SENSI) application provides real-time locations where all persons can conduct source resources. In addition, they can trade these resources for credits. Credits can be transferred or earned via the completion of available courses or completion of tasks.

SENSI is a mobile application that allows users to connect to SENSUS. Users will be able to download the SENSI app in the respective mobile app store. The SENSI app in conjunction with SENSUS will allow users to:

• Create an account
• Locate a SENSUS point
• Choose desired skills learning path
• Gain credits by learning skills
• Gain credits by completing a task
• Trade credits for items 
• Transfer credits to other users
• Publish skills training modules 
• Post items and task in exchange for credits
• Keep a record of transactions
• Generate reports

We plan to implement using blockchain technology (for keeping records and issuing credits). Biometrics scanners are being considered for use to access SENSI (login). We are considering using AI technologies to assist with resource allocation, mapping, and aligning skills with the task available to users. 

Anyone with an electronic device that can connect to the Internet can use SENSUS. However, we will be focusing our efforts on persons who fall into one or more of the following categories

• They do not own a credit card or a bank account
• They have never engaged in e-commerce or are currently unable to do so
• They may have lost income due to the effect of the pandemic
• They use the Internet, primarily as a form of entertainment.
• They need food and shelter, and medical supplies.

Persons who fall into the categories mentioned above are being interviewed. 

Questioners are being designed and issued to affected persons.

We will use a prototyping model to aid in the collection and analysis of user requirements. Initially, we aim to learn the skills or opportunity to source items or services on the network. 

We aim to allow a trade via e-money, however, a credit-based system will be used in the interim. These credits will have no tangible value. The users of the system will determine the value. 

Users will be able to earn credits by learning additional skills (required for e-commerce initially). Users can earn credits for completing tasks or jobs assigned by other users. Users can also trade for items and services in a digital trading place hence encouraging digital economy participation.

Target demographic may have the facilities to connect to the Internet but may not have disposable income to afford reliable data. The expectation is that by allowing essential needs and services at a more affordable rate than current providers via the platform, the intended demographic may afford a better data plan (or device).

We are using the solution form to gain a deeper understanding of the process. Persons who expressed an interest in becoming part of the solution are being consulted. Every person so far has volunteered their time in hopes that one day the idea could be realised. 

A team of friends is working on coding a mobile application. The app can be demoed using expo. We have started with the map module. 

The map module will have the following functions

• Allow the users to set a SENSUS point
• Allow uses to see devices with SENSI installed 
• Allow users to mask their location

Trinidad and Tobago has a growing community of cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Using trends.google.com, we saw that there had been an increase in the search term cryptocurrencies since the start of the pandemic. However, even though there is a growing population of cryptocurrency traders, few places accept cryptocurrencies.

Also, using digital technologies to help manage goods and services intended for persons affected by the pandemic and other natural disasters may help add efficiency to the process.

Trinidad and Tobago have a few cryptocurrency exchanges. In addition, Trinidad and Tobago also have a lot of online stores. However, the country does not currently have an online store that trades goods and services for cryptocurrency and allows persons to earn it using the proposed method. 

We aim to implement the credit system using blockchain technology.

We aim to use a distributed ledger to store user data

We also aim to apply the use of AI technology in assigning task and available skills training modules to the users of SENSUS

Technologies are also being researched to aid in remote skills assessment proctoring.

Using incentivised learning, we hope to appeal to the indented demographic.

Currently - 0

In one year - 14 Thousand (approximately)

In 5 years - 1.4 Million (approximately)