Virtual integration
For the use of Sustayn registration is required. Since most users probably activate the application on their desktop, intended by the supplierThis will usually affect the work email address. If the employer offers personalized app content for its employees, entering the company email address will immediately lead to an assignment to the correct “organization”, department or team. If you don’t have a work email address, you can also log in by entering a code issued by your employer, which ensures correct team assignment. In our test of the app without individual company content, we were assigned to the “Demo” team after registration.
The record meets all common user verification standards. This means that in the event of Sustayn: The provider sends a six-digit code to the entered email address, which is used to activate the account in the app. The app is also user-friendly with regard to the handling of personal data and system information. Data that is not linked to the user’s identity, such as IP address, operating system and smartphone model, are processed solely to ensure the technical stability of the app. Personal data is stored for a limited period in accordance with the GDPR and will not be passed on without consent. The provider excludes use for advertising purposes in the version we tested (v1.72.0 for Android).
We were particularly impressed by the design of the “Edit profile” menu item. Here, for example, push notifications and emails can be deactivated with a tap. An info box provides brief information about the history of each function. And if you frequently use the app outside of a WiFi network, you can activate a “saving mode” in which the high-resolution graphics are only displayed when you tap on them. This saves battery and is also good for your personal CO2e emissions balance.
The digital coin collection
In the demo mode we tested, we were greeted by two short video tutorials explaining the most important features of the app. A useful offering for people with less digital knowledge, but one that experienced app users probably don’t need. Because Sustayn clearly presents its various functions and content. To begin, we have to answer three questions about the conscious use of natural resources. In return, we receive “Sustayns”, the app’s internal currency, which we can exchange at any time for employer benefits or donate to a charitable cause. But more on that in a moment.
On the home screen, we scroll through the feed, where regularly updated posts can be found. In demo mode, these are strongly focused on well-being and health at work, in the office or at home. Some of them are knowledge texts, some of these post blocks contain interactive elements such as quiz questions with multiple answer options or ask you to enter an estimated value using a slider. It is also possible to provide anonymous feedback to the “sustainability team” (or to those responsible for the app in the company). Occasionally there are also “Sustayns” which – illustrated as a gold coin and accompanied by a bell-squeaking sound – are counted towards the virtual account.
If you really want to get involved and collect even more digital coins, you will find three quizzes from the areas of social, environmental and economic issues under the “Collect” menu item, which are updated daily. However, you have to answer them completely every day. At the end of the week, the “Sustayns” will be distributed. In addition, under “Events and Promotions” you can find out about further trainings and promotions from the employer, for which you can also receive virtual thalers if you participate. Under “Benefits”, companies can inform their employees, i.e. the users of the app, about health benefits, pensions and annuities, further training and measures for family-friendly work. In addition, various paid offers from the provider of the app for companies are promoted in demo mode.
Once around the entire planet
At least theoretically possible Sustayn a (virtual) trip around the entire globe. In the demo mode of the app, only the “Society” area is available on a three-dimensional animated planet. Access to the “Environment” and “Economy” is blocked by pixelated obstacles. By tapping on buildings, cars and streets, you can find out how living spaces can be made more attractive for people and the environment. According to Infobox, there is also the possibility of improving the Planet App according to the crowdfunding principle and making it more sustainable. The app does not reveal what is behind this. But it probably also has something to do with the “Sustayns”.
Speaking of “Sustayns”: The virtual currency can be exchanged for real equivalents in the “Redeem” menu item. These are individual rewards for using the app, set by the employer; or it involves a vote in which all employees donate the collected “Sustayns” to a charitable initiative. In demo mode, this is the alliance Action Germany helps eVwhich works with various organizations to provide humanitarian aid and combat social injustice and poverty, among other things. When you make a donation for this or another purpose indicated by your employer, 100 “Sustayns” correspond to one euro. There are also high score overviews where you can measure your own performance against that of your colleagues.
Conclusion
In the context of this test report, we cannot make any reliable statements about the added value for climate protection, given the focus of the content. Sustayn but ultimately it is the responsibility of the company using the app. Technically and in terms of content, the offer convinces with its targeted motivation to participate in the measures presented in the app, in particular through the use of unobtrusive gamification elements. We also positively assess the consideration of all aspects relevant to consumer protection in the processing and handling of data.