Unveiling the first version of the iDEM app

Unveiling the first version of the iDEM app

26/03/2025 Carla Martinez

The iDEM App V1.0 has been launched, introducing a groundbreaking solution to eliminate language barriers in democratic participation. The app is designed to support people who face difficulties understanding complex political and policy-related texts, enabling them to engage fully in democratic discussions.

Currently available exclusively to Approved Users in the iDEM Use Case pilot programs, the app is being tested in Madrid (Las Rozas), Bologna, and Barcelona. These pilots will ensure that the app meets real-world user needs before its full public release in 2026.

Key Features for Multilingual and Accessible Participation:

  • Real-Time Translation & Language Adaptation. Supports Spanish, Italian, Catalan and English ensuring seamless participation for everyone in the countries represented in the project partner.
  • Text-to-Speech & Optical Character Recognition (OCR). Reads aloud official documents and transforms printed text into digital, accessible formats
  • Seamless Participation in Digital Democracy. Direct integration with Decidim.Barcelona, enabling multilingual discussions, policy debates, and online consultations
  • User-Centric Accessibility. Offers language-based personalization, dark mode, and adjustable reading levels for individual needs

Designed for Inclusion and Real-World Impact

The iDEM App was created to bridge the gap between policy language and public understanding, particularly benefiting individuals with cognitive disabilities, low literacy levels, and non-native speakers. Through its multilingual accessibility, it supports broader and more inclusive civic participation.

Next Steps and Public Availability

As the pilot phase progresses, feedback from the pilot users will shape further improvements before the app’s free and public release in 2026. Future updates will expand language support, enhance AI-powered discourse tools, and deepen platform integrations, ensuring that iDEM continues to evolve as a vital tool for digital democracy.