The Red Cross Society of Zagreb County recognized the need to modernize volunteer management and streamline communication between volunteers, team leaders, and administrative staff. In response, an integrated mobile application was developed to facilitate more effective planning, monitoring, and participation in humanitarian and educational activities. The application is not merely a technical tool, but a strategic digital infrastructure that systematically supports volunteer operations, enhances transparency, and simplifies administration and logistics in the field.
The application includes several interconnected modules and is available on both iOS and Android platforms. Through a custom-designed web interface, administrators and team leaders can manage users, events, and logistical aspects of volunteer engagement. On the user side, volunteers gain access to real-time information about upcoming events, current needs of the Red Cross, and can register for participation directly via the app. The implementation is based on principles of information security, intuitive navigation, and interoperability with backend systems.
Modular system architecture
A key feature of the application is its modular structure. Each functional unit was developed as an autonomous module, allowing high flexibility, scalability, and easier future upgrades. The system includes three primary components: administrative web interface, mobile user application, and a dedicated interface for team leaders. This approach provides differentiated access levels—volunteers see only relevant content, while administrators are able to manage permissions, review submissions, and monitor volunteer engagement.
On the technological side, the system relies on RESTful APIs for communication between interfaces and the database, ensuring efficient data exchange and compatibility with future software extensions. Security mechanisms include JSON Web Token (JWT) authentication, HTTPS-encrypted traffic, and role-based access control.
Event overview and volunteer registration
At the core of the user application is the event management module. Volunteers can browse a regularly updated list of all upcoming activities organized or supported by the Red Cross. Each event includes comprehensive information: title, schedule, location, number of volunteers needed, thematic focus (e.g., logistics, training, emergency response), and a concise description to help users choose suitable events.
A bookmarking option allows users to save specific events for easier tracking, while the system also sends reminders as events approach. The registration process is streamlined to a single tap, and all sign-ups are recorded in the central database, giving team leaders real-time insight into participation.
Use of geospatial technologies
The application integrates GPS and interactive maps to help volunteers accurately locate events. Each event is geotagged, and users can get navigation directions through their preferred navigation app (Google Maps, Apple Maps, etc.).
An optional geo-notification feature alerts users when they are near an event location—especially useful for spontaneous or emergency deployments. This functionality also serves as a rapid response tool in crisis situations.
Team structure and management
A dedicated team module enables volunteers to view their assigned teams, usually linked to schools, local chapters, or operational units. Volunteers can see who is in their team, and leaders have extended options to track attendance, assign roles, and coordinate communications.
Team leaders use a web-based dashboard to manage rosters, approve participation, and document attendance. A certificate generation feature automatically issues attendance confirmations for completed events, which are useful for students applying for scholarships or academic credit.
Social features and event promotion
The application also supports event promotion via social networks. Volunteers can share events directly through Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp, helping raise awareness and promote community involvement.
Predefined sharing templates with visuals and messaging are provided by the communications team. Additionally, users can comment on and rate events, fostering two-way feedback between organizers and participants.
Administrative interface and system integration
Administrators have full access to a web interface to manage users, events, and teams. All changes are automatically synced with the mobile app to ensure information consistency.
The platform is designed for future integration with external databases and Red Cross systems, including donor registries, volunteer hours tracking, and emergency response modules. The system architecture supports multi-level organization structures, allowing for potential nationwide expansion without major rework.
Cost drivers and development factors
Development costs depend on multiple variables. The complexity of the user interface is key—it must be functional, accessible, and inclusive. Attention is given to accessibility features for people with disabilities, requiring extra testing and development.
Advanced features like GPS integration, real-time notifications, and third-party system interoperability increase development time. Supporting both iOS and Android involves either separate development efforts or use of cross-platform tools like Flutter or React Native.
Ongoing costs include maintenance, support, server infrastructure, security updates, and data backups, all of which need to be budgeted long-term for system stability.
Future potential and scalability
The mobile app for Red Cross volunteers in Zagreb County serves as a foundation for broader digital transformation. Future updates may include volunteer hour tracking, gamification (badges, rankings), integration with e-learning platforms, and multilingual support.
The system’s design allows for replication in other regional Red Cross chapters or partner organizations abroad, enabling its use as a standardized digital volunteering tool at national or international scale.