Description

Design of the User Interface and User Experience of an iOS Application for solving group decision problems based on a sociocratic decision-making model to reach a consensus on a group decision. This project was presented as a teamwork project as a Thesis for my master's degree in UX/UI design.

The difficulty in group decision-making lies in identifying a model that facilitates collective intelligence and autonomy, while simultaneously ensuring that the process is equitable, transparent, and inclusive. This project was presented as a thesis proposal endeavors to address this issue by investigating the potential of sociocratic decision-making models to facilitate group decision-making in the setting of an iOS application.

To guide the research, the design thinking methodology was adopted. This framework offers a solution-based approach to problem-solving for the target audience. The study followed the Empathize, Define, and Ideate steps of the design thinking process.

A mixed-methods approach was used to collect data:

Qualitative Screener: A screener questionnaire was administered to evaluate the need for an app and identify key pain points in group chat communication.

1:1 Qualitative Interviews: In-depth interviews were conducted with participants who met the defined target audience. These interviews focused on understanding their needs, problems, and behaviors in group chats.

The collected data was analyzed by the team in rounds to ensure quality and accuracy. Patterns and commonalities were identified, and categories were created to organize the findings.

After analysing data, a desk research followed reviewing literature and investigating different topics related such as:

Decision-Making Processes, Group Dynamics, Chat groups, Communication Apps, Digital Societies and Social Dynamics, Sociology of Groups, Group decision-making models.

Defenition of consent decision-making Consent decision-making is a form of decision-making in which decisions are made through the agreement of all members of a group. It is a consensus-based approach that emphasizes the importance of considering all perspectives and finding a solution that is acceptable to everyone. In consent decision-making, decisions are not made through voting or majority rule, but rather through a process of discussion, negotiation, and collaboration.

Through our deep dive into decision-making different models, we concluded main considerations that come to mind when imagining the integration of the sociocracy decision-making system into an app:

Consensus-oriented approach: The app should allow for group decision-making that is consensus-oriented and focused on achieving agreement among all participants.

Dynamic governance structure: The app should support a dynamic governance structure that allows for the formation of circles and the delegation of authority within and between circles.

Transparency: The app should provide transparency into the decision-making process, including the reasons behind decisions and the criteria used to make them.

Participation: The app should allow for broad participation in the decision-making process, regardless of the participant's location or availability.

Feedback loops: The app should incorporate feedback loops to allow for ongoing evaluation and improvement of the decision-making process.

Documentation: The app should provide a secure and centralized repository for storing and accessing relevant documentation and information related to the decision-making process.

User-friendly interface: The app should have a user-friendly interface that is accessible to users of all skill levels and backgrounds.

Secure data storage: The app should securely store sensitive data and ensure that it is only accessible to authorized users.

Integration with other tools: The app should integrate with other tools, such as project management and communication platforms, to enhance collaboration and efficiency.

Based on the insights gained from the data analysis and reviewing the decision-making models, an app design was developed based on a model of sociocracy. The sociocracy decision-making model was incorporated into the design to improve communication and decision-making within group chats.

Consensus-oriented: Prioritize agreement among all participants.

Dynamic governance: Support flexible circle formation and authority delegation.

Transparency: Ensure visibility into decision-making processes and criteria.

Participation: Enable broad involvement, regardless of location or availability.

Feedback loops: Allow for continuous evaluation and improvement.

Documentation: Provide a secure repository for relevant information.

User-friendliness: Design an accessible interface for all users.

Data security: Protect sensitive information and restrict access to authorized users.

Integration: Integrate with other tools for enhanced collaboration and efficiency.

For group chat participants who struggle to make organized group decisions where everyone gets a say, our solution is an iOS mobile application that gives all the participants the ability to put forward their ideas/opinions/options and reach a consensus on a group decision, unlike other apps that have polls which limit the participation of all the participants, our solution offers all the participants a voice and reduces the chaos, disenfranchisement, and disorganization of the group.

The app leverages a sociocratic approach to decision-making, ensuring that all opinions are valued and considered. By incorporating a "reserve opinion" option and requiring justifications, the app promotes transparency and accountability.

The collaborative design encourages participation and ownership, leading to better decision-making. The iterative design process, informed by user testing, ensures the app's effectiveness and aligns with the principles of sociocracy.

While the full potential of the app can only be assessed upon its completion, the preliminary findings suggest that it has the potential to revolutionize group decision-making by fostering inclusivity, transparency, and better outcomes.