Towards a Design Framework for Trust in Digital Civics

Abstract

There is growing interest in Digital Civics regarding how trust can inform the design of technology in the civic space. Previous work has identified several key elements of trust in digital civics to consider in design such as the connection between trust and distance, trust as sociotechnical, trust as process and trust design affordances. However, these elements have not yet been applied to design. We address this gap by engaging these elements in ongoing design research within Atlanta's Department of Immigrant Affairs. Our research inquiry with the department centered on developing a design intervention to improve the department's community engagement work. We developed a design intervention with the department through co-design which was then assessed and advanced using the elements of trust. By reflecting on this design process informed through the elements, we unify the elements of trust in digital civics towards a design framework.