Agora2.0 is a system designed to foster civic participation both online and onsite. It comprises of an online ideas. management and voting system and of an interactive public display. Both features are equally relevant to the final goal of reaching the widest audience possible as they are thought to address two different communities: one that prefers to be engaged online and one that prefers face-to-face interaction with real people.
Agora2.0 - Bringing Together Online and Onsite Technologies To Support Large-Scale Civic Participation
1. Bringing Together Online and Onsite Technologies
To Support Large-Scale Civic Participation
Agora2.0
M. Milano & G. Schiavo – Munich, 29th of June 2013
2. From challenges to possible solutions
Outline
Future Research Directions
Agora2.0 – Field Study
The Digital Divide
Agora2.0 – Pilot Study
Lessons Learnt
6
5
4
3
2
1
Trento as a Lab
3. Connectivity and Internet Access in Italy (as of 2012)
Digital Divide
Whole population
55.5%
Access for >65
Has
Has Not
88.2%
Source: ISTAT 2012
5. Same needs?
Different Communities
Not very familiar with the Internet and/or
Web-based platforms for social
engagement
Offline
Are familiar with the Internet and use it to
search for information and to stay in touch
with friends and family
Online
1 1
2
3
Know how to engage with others on online
forums/chats and social networking
platforms
Prefer online fast interactions with the
public administration and use online
services when available for personal
matters
2
Prefer to talk to people rather than email
them. They privilege face-to-face
interactions when possible
3
They appear to be the more active
citizens, those who call in to report on an
issue or voice their concerns
7. Observe citizens’ current communication
and interaction patterns and type/level of
engagement with the Public
Administration (PA)
Test Agora2.0 with a tech-savvy sample
of University students
Partner with City of Trento’s Public
Relations Office (PR) and test Agora2.0
in a real setting
Project Outline
Field
Observation
Field Study
Pilot Study
Duration: 4 weeks
Duration: 1 week
10. How it works
Agora2.0
Connect online and onsite communities
and integrate information from both
interaction domains
Post Idea Online
Vote on Idea
Onsite
Vote on Idea
Online
14. Watch me, I’m cool!
Public Display
Attract passers-by attention
(1074 people)
Challanges
Engage potential users (250
final users, 290 votes)
Final Goal
Community engagement and
group discussion support.
Generate awareness of
online deliberation tools
15. Key Factors in Designing Agora2.0-like Systems
Lessons Learnt
Templates
Large public display and easy interaction technology allow low-barrier
entry to voting onsite
1
3 Location matters
Content is key to engage potential users2
