In December 2024, Mark van der Kooi, founder of SitePodium (soon to be Publiq), and his colleague Guido Schreudering travelled to Ulm.
There, they were warmly received by Eva-Maria Zimmermann, the driving force behind the city’s construction communication, Ilka Koschak, the city’s social media expert, and Professor Dr Frank Brettschneider, a renowned communications scientist at the University of Hohenheim.
How did a German city find a Dutch app?
It all began with a chance encounter between Mark and Professor Brettschneider at a conference. The professor quickly recognised the potential of the app and mentioned it in conversation with Eva, who was searching for more effective methods to engage the public during municipal construction projects. The advantages were clear from the start, and Eva decided to take the initiative to introduce the app as Ulm’s central communication platform. It quickly proved to be a great success.
Ulm builds for the future
Ulm is investing heavily in the modernisation of its ageing infrastructure, with a range of major and minor projects underway. Under Eva’s leadership, a communication strategy was developed that is both informative and visually appealing, aimed at encouraging public understanding and support.
In Germany, the use of mobile apps for accessible and privacy-compliant communication remains relatively uncommon. For Eva, the main challenge involved setting up the app and filling it with content. For a considerable time, she managed over a dozen projects on her own. Towards the end of 2024, she was joined by Ilka Koschak, who is now responsible for overseeing social media implementation.
A clear and professional communication strategy
During their visit, Guido and Mark were given a summary of Ulm’s approach to communication. Eva presented a strategy that prioritises early, accessible, and visual communication regarding construction activities and traffic measures.
“Involving the community is essential for the success of municipal projects”, Eva explained, and “professional communication at all levels plays the most important role.”
Mutual inspiration
The visit offered ample opportunity to exchange ideas. Ulm’s methods demonstrated how construction communication is evolving in Germany, offering valuable insights for the further development of SitePodium across the border. It also highlighted Germany’s readiness for the next step in digitalisation, particularly in the area of transparent communication between municipalities and residents.
Musing and mulled wine
After the insightful sessions, there was time for relaxation: a visit to the Christmas market in Ulm. The next day, Mark, Guido, Eva and Ilka explored the city together, visited various project sites, and met with Jochen Meissner, head of civil engineering at the municipality of Neu-Ulm. Interest in digital communication is growing there as well. Jochen happily met with us, as he had also been considering SitePodium for future use.
From Ulm to Neu-Ulm
As a result of the December 2024 discussions, a new collaboration was launched in spring 2025. Mark returned to southern Germany to formalise a new partnership with the city of Neu-Ulm. With this agreement, the app gained its second German client.
“A cautious but promising continuation of a flying start,” Mark summarised, as he boarded the train back to the Netherlands. “Eva is truly exceptional. Thanks to her efforts, the app has become a success in Ulm and now serves as a source of inspiration to others.”
Inspiring other cities
Ulm’s experiences demonstrate that the app itself is not the only factor for success. The presentation of content plays an equally important role. Simplified graphics, visual representations of detours, and recognisable landmarks are used to help residents navigate easily. This information is shared not only through the app but also via the city website, social media, and printed letters to residents.
How do you reach thousands of residents?
How do you get thousands of people to install a new app? Ulm succeeded through a clever mix of communication channels: eye-catching promotional materials, radio advertising, and active outreach at corporate and public events. One particularly effective tool was a small, fold-out flyer, shaped like a smartphone, which caught people’s attention and encouraged many to download the app.
Looking ahead
The partnerships with Ulm and Neu-Ulm provide valuable insights for enhancing the app and ensuring it meets the specific needs of German municipalities. What began as a chance encounter has grown into a cross-border collaboration that is already inspiring others to follow.