PWA & Mobile
A mobile-first consultation platform with progressive web app features. On supported devices, residents can add ConsultOnline to their home screen, opt in to push notifications and save an opened survey response if their connection drops — all without downloading a separate app.
Handles Connection Drops
If a resident’s connection drops while they are completing an opened survey, their answers can be saved locally in the browser. ConsultOnline then attempts to submit the queued response when connectivity returns. Availability depends on the browser, device and locally stored data.
Push Notifications
Where supported and enabled by the user, web push notifications can alert residents to consultation launches, approaching deadlines or published outcomes. Delivery and visibility depend on the browser, device, operating system and notification settings; recorded delivery or open metrics do not prove that a message was read or acted on.
Add to Home Screen
On supported devices, residents can add ConsultOnline to their home screen and launch it in a standalone display. No app store account or separate download is required.
The Case for PWA
Why a progressive web app changes public consultation
Mobile access is central to public consultation. Ofcom’s 2026 media-use research reports that one in five online adults relies solely on a smartphone to go online. Consultation pages therefore need to be clear and usable on smaller screens and variable connections.
ConsultOnline uses a service worker and local browser storage to support key PWA capabilities. If a connection drops while a resident is completing an opened survey, the response can be saved on the device and queued for submission when connectivity returns. Previously visited pages and selected static assets may also be available from the browser cache.
On supported devices, residents can add ConsultOnline to their home screen and opt in to push notifications. Exact behaviour depends on the browser, device and notification settings.
How It Works
From first visit to home-screen access
Visit the Consultation
A resident opens the consultation from a QR code, direct-mail item, social post or shared link. The service worker registers in the background and can cache selected resources as the resident uses the site.
Add to Home Screen
On supported devices, the resident can add ConsultOnline to their home screen. It opens in a standalone display without requiring an app-store account or separate download.
Engage Anywhere
Residents can browse the consultation and, on supported browsers, opt in to push notifications. If their connection drops while an opened survey is being completed, the response can be queued locally and ConsultOnline will attempt to submit it when connectivity returns.
Use Cases
Mobile-first consultation across different scenarios
A progressive web app is not just a technical feature — it changes how and where residents can engage with planning decisions. These are the scenarios where PWA capability makes the biggest difference.
Rural Consultations
Mobile signal and broadband coverage can be patchy in rural areas. If a connection drops while an opened survey is being completed, ConsultOnline can save the response locally and attempt to submit it when connectivity returns.
On-Site Engagement
A QR code on a site notice can open the consultation on a phone. Responsive map controls support touch interaction on representative devices, subject to browser, device and connection. Maps, documents, chat and other content may require connectivity.
Commuter Participation
Some residents may choose to respond while travelling, where a connection can drop. On supported browsers and devices, an opened survey can save response progress locally and attempt to sync later. Other features may require connectivity. Web push delivery depends on browser, device and notification settings.
Public Exhibitions
At busy exhibition events, venue Wi-Fi can struggle under load. Visitors can open the consultation from a QR code and, on supported browsers, an interrupted survey response can be queued locally until connectivity returns. Event teams should still provide a suitable connection or assisted-response option.
Community Outreach Teams
Engagement officers visiting community centres, schools or door-to-door can use the PWA on a tablet to collect responses on the spot. Offline mode means it works in any building, any basement, any location. Responses sync when the officer returns to connectivity, with all data captured accurately and timestamped.
Deadline Reminders
Push notifications delivered directly to the lock screen are far more effective than email reminders. Send residents a timely nudge as the consultation deadline approaches, with a single tap taking them straight into the survey. Notification timing and frequency are controlled by the consultation team to avoid fatigue.
Mobile-first consultation, built as a progressive web app
On supported browsers and devices, an opened survey can save response progress if the connection drops, residents can opt in to web push notifications and a consultation can be added to the home screen without a separate app-store download.
Capabilities
Everything you need for mobile-first consultation
From locally queued survey responses and opt-in push notifications to touch-optimised maps and responsive layouts, ConsultOnline is designed for mobile participation.
Under the Hood
Technical capabilities that set ConsultOnline apart
Built with modern web platform APIs, ConsultOnline delivers a native-quality experience through the browser. Here is what powers it — and what is on the roadmap.
Service Worker Caching
The service worker caches selected static assets and successful page visits. On later visits the browser can use cached resources if the network is unavailable, while connected visits check for current content.
Background Sync
If connectivity drops while an opened survey is being completed, the response can be stored in the browser’s local database. ConsultOnline attempts to submit queued responses when connectivity returns, with browser background sync used where supported.
Touch-Optimised Maps
Interactive maps support touch gestures including pinch to zoom, swipe to pan and tap to place pins or select areas. Touch targets and gesture handling are designed for use on mobile screens.
Mobile Performance
Responsive layouts and appropriately sized assets help consultation pages work across phones, tablets and desktops. Actual loading performance depends on the consultation content, device and connection.
Future: Shared App Store Listing
On the roadmap: a shared ConsultOnline app published to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Residents download one app and access any consultation from any organisation using the platform. Push notification permissions, location services and device APIs work natively. The PWA remains the primary experience, with the store listing as an additional discovery channel.
Future: Branded Native Apps
Roadmap item for Bespoke organisations: a fully branded native app published under the organisation's name on the App Store and Play Store. This is planned rather than currently available; scope, store approval and timing would need to be confirmed before purchase.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Ready to go mobile-first?
Give residents a mobile-first consultation experience with installable PWA features, opt-in notifications and support for interrupted survey connections on compatible devices.
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