Young people have many concerns, but we observed they are also very willing to help one another with those concerns through online communication. This observation became the concept for the WiseSteps® Student service. We saw the need for a new tool for the age of the internet and mobile phones that would bring fresh resources when you feel stuck in your problems.

We developed a service that applies in a new way the principles of solution-focused work and the instant feedback made possible by mobile phones and the internet. Our innovation has passed a novelty search by the National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland. Although the service utilises the newest technology, within its foundation lies the principle of caring about a friend, which we consider essential in the digital era as well.

The WiseSteps® service is currently being developed for the needs of vocational schools. However, the concept could be used for other groups as well, for example rehabilitation.

The service concept has been honed with the help of experts from the Oulu Wellness Institute and the Foundation for Finnish Inventions. Students and student councellors have been actively participating with the development from the beginning. The first, piloted version was developed at the UbiGo project and further development is going on in co-operation with Faarao Ltd. and HappyWise Ltd.

Our development work is supported by the National Technology Agency of Finland.