🎓 University of Florida IRB Approved — April 24, 2026
The Solo Sojourn Project has received official research approval from the University of Florida Institutional Review Board (Protocol #ET00053383). Phase 1 screening is now open. To be considered for beta testing, please complete the official UF screening survey below.
Beta Testing Community
Help shape the Solo Sojourn app from the ground up.
This Isn’t Traditional Beta Testing
We’re not asking you to find bugs in a finished product. We’re asking you to CO-CREATE the solution with us from the beginning.
You know what solo women travelers over 50 actually need. Your experience, your frustrations, your survival strategies—that’s the expertise that shapes this app.
What Beta Testers Receive
Early App Access
First access to the Solo Sojourn mobile app including all features: Florida state parks database, workamping listings, safety ratings, and community forum.
Direct Feature Input
Vote on which features get built first. Suggest new capabilities. Your priorities shape our development roadmap—this is collaborative design.
Florida Parks Database
Access to 175+ Florida state parks directory with workamping contacts, application processes, amenities, and cell service ratings.
Community Connection
Private forum for beta testers to coordinate meetups, share experiences, and offer mutual support. Connect with other solo women who understand.
Research & Resources
Full research findings, RV maintenance guides for solo women, budgeting worksheets, safety checklists, and workamping application templates.
Lifelong Free Access
Beta testers receive permanent free access to all Solo Sojourn features as thanks for helping build this solution. Always. No subscription fees, ever.
What We Need From Beta Testers
Honest Feedback (Even When It’s Critical)
Tell us what doesn’t work. Which features are confusing? Which safety ratings feel insufficient? Where does the app fail solo women’s actual needs? We can only build something useful if you tell us the truth.
We’re not looking for praise—we’re looking for real usability insights.
Testing & Bug Reports
Try to break things. Use the app in ways we didn’t anticipate. Document what goes wrong. Screenshot error messages. Tell us when the experience is frustrating.
Estimate: 3 to 5 hours per month during the beta testing phase.
Share Your Experiences
When you try a workamping position or visit a Florida state park, add your safety rating and review. Other solo women depend on honest assessments from peers—not tourism board PR.
Ongoing contribution as you travel (optional but helpful)
Community Support
Answer questions from new beta testers. Share your tips in the forum. Coordinate meetups if you’re comfortable. We grow stronger when we help each other.
As much or as little as you want—no pressure
Research Timeline
University of Florida IRB Protocol #ET00053383 — Approved April 24, 2026
Phase 1 screening survey open. Complete the 5-minute UF Qualtrics screening survey to be considered for participation. Focus groups and written survey to follow for selected participants.
Phase 1 focus groups and written survey with selected participants. Needs assessment and community discovery. $15 Amazon gift card for Phase 1 completers, delivered upon phase completion per UF IRB guidelines.
Phase 2 beta testing launch (pending UF IT review). 50 selected participants test the Solo Sojourn app over 30 days. $25 additional gift card for Phase 2 completers, delivered upon phase completion per UF IRB guidelines.
Research findings published. App available to the general public. Beta testers receive permanent free access to all Solo Sojourn features. No subscription fees, ever.
Is This Right for You?
âś… You’re a Good Fit If:
- You’re a woman 18 or older (primary focus: 50+)
- You travel solo to U.S. public lands or want to
- You car-camp, van-dwell, or RV at any stage
- You have workamped or are interested in it
- You’re comfortable giving honest, critical feedback
- You have basic smartphone skills
- You want to help other solo women find safe camping
❌ This Might Not Be For You If:
- You expect a polished, bug-free experience
- You’re not comfortable with technology changes
- You only want to take, not contribute
- You won’t provide honest critical feedback
- You have no interest in camping or workamping
- You’re looking for instant solutions
- You have previously used the Solo Sojourn app
Not sure? Subscribe to our newsletter first to see if the community feels right for you, then complete the screening survey when you’re ready.
Ready to Participate?
The Solo Sojourn Project is now accepting screening survey responses. The survey takes approximately 5 minutes. Selected participants will be invited to take part in Phase 1 and considered for Phase 2 beta testing.
This research has been approved by the University of Florida Institutional Review Board, Protocol #ET00053383, approved April 24, 2026. Participation is entirely voluntary. No names or email addresses are collected inside the screening survey.
Take the 5-Minute Screening Survey
What Happens After You Complete the Screening Survey:
âś“ Your responses are reviewed for purposive sample selection
âś“ Selected participants are contacted by email within two weeks
âś“ Phase 1 participants receive a $15 Amazon gift card upon completion, delivered per UF IRB guidelines
âś“ All Phase 1 completers are eligible for Phase 2 beta testing consideration
âś“ Phase 2 beta testers receive an additional $25 Amazon gift card upon completion, delivered per UF IRB guidelines
Questions? Contact Jolene MacFadden at jolene.macfadden@ufl.edu or visit solosojournproject.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to live in Florida to participate?
No. The study is open to U.S. residents who travel solo to public lands anywhere in the country. Florida travelers are especially valuable for site-specific data, but all solo women travelers are welcome to apply.
I’m not tech-savvy. Can I still participate?
Yes. If you can use a smartphone for basic tasks like texting, email, and taking photos, you can participate. Making this app accessible for women with varying tech comfort levels is part of the research goal.
How much time does participation require?
The screening survey takes 5 minutes. Phase 1 participation is either a 90-minute Zoom group conversation or a 25 to 35 minute written survey, your choice. Phase 2 beta testing involves using the app over 30 days and completing a pre and post survey.
Will beta testers really get lifetime free access?
Yes. Beta testers receive permanent free access to all Solo Sojourn features. Always. No subscription fees, ever. You are co-creating this with us and we will not charge you for it.
What if I complete the screening but am not selected?
Non-selected participants receive a thank-you message. All screeners remain in our community and will be notified when the app is publicly available. Selection is purposive, meaning we balance the sample by travel type, age, and experience level, so not being selected does not reflect on your eligibility or interest.
Ready to Help Build This?
Complete the 5-minute screening survey. Let’s create the resource solo women actually need.
Or subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on research progress.
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