Complexity of community participation simplified through ICT design

Abstract

Current UK trend of empowering local communities and promotion of the “Big Society” concept are stimulating new research into practical ways of developing community participation. There is a need for a better understanding of the tipping points for this engagement and how ICT can make use of these. The aim of this research is to develop a frame of reference for effective community participation through ICT, applying both complexity and design perspectives to recognize the role of local interactions. Research will start by constructing a narrative of experiences to help develop semi-structured interviews. The successful outcome will be an effective and efficient, time saving framework.