Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
6.2.1 Citizen Input
Citizens bring inputs of many different kinds to participation and engage-
ment exercises. These inputs include deep knowledge of their own per-
sonal circumstances, needs and problems - in other words, they offer rich
and detailed understanding born out of first-hand experiences. Such
knowledge cannot be provided in its fullness by intermediaries or external
agencies.
The understanding of the complexities and nuances relating to the pa-
rameters of our lives derives from our experience of day-to-day living.
Citizens' inputs may be highly specific and sometimes unique, relating to
their own needs and requirements, explicit and tacit knowledge on local
context, on community interests, and crucially, on priorities and values.
Established methods typically used in ICT development do not ade-
quately elicit and articulate these. All of these inputs are of profound im-
portance in informing the shape of a digital future that will be perceived as
relevant and desirable by its citizens. Examples of some of the inputs
which citizens have brought to the various exercises reported in Chapters 4
and 5 are discussed below.
Knowledge and understanding of needs, problems and priorities
The UTOPIA project was able to generate guidance for ICT designers
about older people's needs and how to accommodate them. This was
achieved through in-depth engagement with a wide range of older citizens.
Video footage of interactions with older people was then used to help con-
vey understanding of the problems to the designers (UTOPIA 2004).
WomenSpeak, an online interactive project, enabled women who had
suffered domestic violence to make essential inputs to the formulation of
policy and of an action plan. They shared with concerned politicians their
experiences and their ideas regarding their priorities for action in this area.
Their perspectives and analysis of the issues gave unique insights and un-
derstanding of a very sensitive subject to the politicians addressing this is-
sue (Moran 2002).
The Canadian National Forum on Health and the Macatawa cases pro-
vide examples where citizens contributed to prioritizing actions. In these
cases eventual implementation of plans reflects the stated priorities of citi-
zens and therefore acceptance and positive support of the changes is more
likely to follow.
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