This project explores social media and its potential applications in local governance. It stems from legitimate frustration with the poor usability and incoherent web presence of the incumbent communication system. Project Documentation »
Administrative division in the United States is inherently complicated – a consequence of variable state constitutions.
Sometimes it seems like this whole apparatus were enacted to keep regular citizens at a distance. Many citizens, particularly of younger generations feel alienated by a convoluted bureaucratic system with virtually no point of entry. Municipal websites certainly project that mentality. This kind of experience will not suffice for a demographic that has come to expect more from their online interactions. Mediated digital interactions have become the most important mode of communication to the millennial generation, and this is a concept thusfar underutilized by the incumbent government.
Information is the Currency of DemocracyThomas Jefferson
If information is to be the currency of democracy, then we as a society need to present information in a way that is democratic and accessible. Decentralized networks of information can generate immensely rich and finely resolutioned data. The greatest virtue of social media is that it’s key to effectiveness is the very principle of democracy. Equal opportunity for access, participation and expression. The medium benefits from inclusivity and collective oversight. These networks can and should be made publicly available and utilized in service of local constituencies to create a more complete and accurate account of public discourse.
Social media features such as user rating, tagging, tracking and layout customization support existing civic communication structures. Content is derived from kcmo.org, applying effective hierarchy strategies and arranging content on a grid structure. Prototype Demo »
Successful social media sites implement a number of strategies to control the amount of an information that a user is exposed to, eliminating information fatigue. As the user forms a more personalized relationship with the site, content is selectively suggested to them based on the feedback that they provide. User interaction contributes to the database, augmenting its usefulness.
User Persona Development
User personas were developed to extend the application’s usability to disparate user types. Louis Rosenfeld’s Six Ways Users Gather Information greatly informed this process. First time users like Matt [26 years] are just getting acquainted with the site and require scaffolding and capable guidance. Variable degrees of social media literacy and civic engagement must also be accounted for.
Project Outline
- Research emergent technologies: AJAX, Open Source
- Audit best practice: Online Communities, Social Networking
- Identify Individual and Community needs and objectives
- Conduct task scenarios
- Develop user personas
- Design front end user interface
- Develop interactive prototype