Aaron Erlich , Danielle F. Jung , James D. Long , Craig McIntosh
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引用次数: 13
Abstract
New innovations in mobile technology provide an unparalleled opportunity for researchers and organizations to scale communications with citizens in the developing world, but bring new challenges in terms of how to generate and retain engaged users. We report on a number of technical dimensions based on our experience building a bi-directional multi-channel mobile phone platform to engage citizens in South Africa's 2014 presidential election. Specifically, we deployed the “VIP:Voice” platform at national scale to conduct opinion polling, to allow citizens to report on political activity, and to engage citizen monitors for polling stations on election day. Our platform operated across multiple device types, from flip-phones to Twitter, and consequently provides critical lessons on the most effective means of gathering and disseminating a rich variety of data depending on the user's device type. We compare different means of obtaining location in the absence of GPS, and show how different formats for soliciting and entering data generated very differential response rates. Our paper illustrates a number of concrete ways in which platform development driven by smartphone logic does not translate easily for users of more basic mobile phones, including whether questions are presented passively in a menu or pushed to a user's phone, and the format in which user data are entered. This paper is intended to provide actionable guidance for researchers and organizations deploying ICT platforms to interact with citizen users at a national or cross-national scale in international development.
Development EngineeringEconomics, Econometrics and Finance-Economics, Econometrics and Finance (all)
CiteScore
4.90
自引率
0.00%
发文量
11
审稿时长
31 weeks
期刊介绍:
Development Engineering: The Journal of Engineering in Economic Development (Dev Eng) is an open access, interdisciplinary journal applying engineering and economic research to the problems of poverty. Published studies must present novel research motivated by a specific global development problem. The journal serves as a bridge between engineers, economists, and other scientists involved in research on human, social, and economic development. Specific topics include: • Engineering research in response to unique constraints imposed by poverty. • Assessment of pro-poor technology solutions, including field performance, consumer adoption, and end-user impacts. • Novel technologies or tools for measuring behavioral, economic, and social outcomes in low-resource settings. • Hypothesis-generating research that explores technology markets and the role of innovation in economic development. • Lessons from the field, especially null results from field trials and technical failure analyses. • Rigorous analysis of existing development "solutions" through an engineering or economic lens. Although the journal focuses on quantitative, scientific approaches, it is intended to be suitable for a wider audience of development practitioners and policy makers, with evidence that can be used to improve decision-making. It also will be useful for engineering and applied economics faculty who conduct research or teach in "technology for development."