Digital services and participation formats are usually designed without the involvement of citizens as the actual users. If participation takes place, it is limited to the commenting on already developed products, rather than engaging citizens in a co-creative process from defining the problem to developing and testing solutions. Furthermore, the users are often seen as a homogeneous group, whereas the specific needs of certain social groups such as women, the elderly or people with disabilities are not taken into consideration. Digital solutions are therefore little user-friendly, and the uptake remains low. Thus, the great potentials of digital transformation such as increased accessibility, participation, and transparency are not yet being exploited.
INDIGO and An-Najah University aim to tackle this challenge by building the capacity of the University Students to develop and promote citizen centered and inclusive digital services for municipalities.
