I’m Nevi (Nevena), and I’m currently based in London, with other metropolitan cities in my repertoire 
Currently doing my PhD in Design / Design Research / Gov. Services - for elderly immigrants, and generally really appreciate sharing that knowledge and connection for services and experiences with my community.
Honestly, I think it is all about the connectivity and human impact that other posts talk about, but also so much more. Aside from the practical solutions that the platform offers, it’s also a weirdly interesting way of providing feedback without the confrontation - something that we hate here in Britain I enjoy seeing the effect of my reviews and as a service researcher - I hope that businesses make the most of this free data and engage with their reviewers to improve their offer, or for those places that are already pretty fabulous - be rewarded for the amazing contribution that they make to their communities. I guess what I’m trying to say, what the local guides program means to me is that its about making a positive contribution to the wider community. As a Londoner I really enjoy sharing all that great knowledge about the places that make me happy and that I think will make other people happy. It’s that simple. You could argue, that’s the most important thing - community contribution of knowledge. It makes things more efficient (hopefully), so that you have the headspace to enjoy more of the experience itself!
The three pillars of service design - response, care and access, and Local Guides taps into all of three.
It’s a way to feel like you’re still part of the world, a community by contributing and engaging with it, especially when you’re feeling slightly rootless whilst travelling.
This is me in Edinburgh, Scotland for a Design in Government Conference back in the summer of 2019 - I know, it was pretty chilly up North!
