Democratising Access to Legislative Information: A Case Study of Public Engagement of the Chamber of Deputies
About the Câmara dos Deputados of Brazil. Written on March, 2021
Introduction
In the heart of Brazil's political landscape is the Chamber of Deputies, one of the country's most significant federal legislative bodies. This institution has a rich history and plays a crucial role in shaping the nation's legislative landscape. However, like many legislative bodies worldwide, the Chamber has faced challenges in effectively communicating its activities to the public. Over time, this has led to a communication gap, with many citizens having limited understanding of the legislative process or access to critical legislative information.
In an era where digital technology has become a cornerstone of communication and information dissemination, the Chamber of Deputies saw an opportunity to address this issue. Thus, a project was initiated with a vision to create a more transparent and accessible portal for the public to interact with the Chamber and understand its workings. This essay explores the journey of the Chamber of Deputies as it undertook this ambitious Public Engagement project.
Understanding the Challenge
The task at hand was not a simple one. The complexity of the legislative process, combined with the vast amount of information the Chamber had accumulated over the years, presented significant challenges. The existing portal was overloaded with information, often presented in dense, jargon-filled texts that were difficult for the average citizen to understand. The problem was not just the volume of information, but also its presentation and organisation. The website was organised based on the Chamber's internal structure, making it difficult for users to find the information they were looking for.
In addition to these challenges, there were technical issues to consider. The existing portal was not mobile-friendly, a significant drawback considering the increasing number of users accessing the web through mobile devices. Furthermore, the portal was not designed with accessibility in mind, making it difficult for users with disabilities to interact with the site.
The project team, composed of multidisciplinary professionals from different fields such as library science, systems analysis, design, legislation, and communication, set out to tackle these challenges head-on. They were guided by a clear vision: to create a portal that would democratise access to legislative information, fostering transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement.
A User-Centric Approach
The redesign of the Chamber of Deputies' portal was marked by a strong emphasis on user-centric design. The team understood that to create a portal that truly met the needs of its users, they needed to understand their users better. This understanding came from conducting usability tests, interviews, and surveys with a diverse range of users, including citizens, journalists, civil servants, researchers, and deputies.
This research led to several key insights. For one, the team realized that many users struggled to understand the legislative process, often finding it overwhelming and complex. This highlighted the need for educational content that could help users understand this process better. The team also learned that users were interested in accessing a wide range of information, from legislative proposals and plenary debates to information about deputies and their activities.
Armed with these insights, the team set out to create a portal that was intuitive, accessible, and informative. They restructured the content, breaking down complex information into simpler, more digestible pieces. They created new sections, such as 'Debates' and 'Legislative Process,' to provide users with a comprehensive overview of the Chamber's activities. They also implemented a robust search function, making it easier for users to find the information they were looking for.
Overcoming Technical Challenges
The technical implementation of the new portal was a significant challenge in itself. The Chamber's database was vast, housing years' worth of legislative proceedings, texts, and archival information. Integrating these different systems and ensuring that all the data was accurately reflected and updated on the new portal was a complex task.
The team worked tirelessly to structure all the data that were previously in PDF format and transform them into open data, making it easier for users to search and access. They also prioritized mobile-first design, understanding the increasing importance of mobile devices in accessing online content. A clean, modern design was chosen for the portal, with a focus on readability and ease of navigation.
In addition, the team took significant steps to ensure that the portal was accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. They followed the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), an internationally recognized standard for web accessibility, to ensure the site was fully accessible. This involved making the site compatible with screen readers, providing alternative text for images, and ensuring that all functionalities could be accessed using only a keyboard, among other measures.
Engaging the Public
One of the core components of the Chamber of Deputies' digital transformation strategy was an aggressive and dynamic approach to public engagement. Recognizing that the portal would only be as useful as it was used, the Chamber went to great lengths to ensure the public not only knew about the portal but were actively encouraged to engage with it.
This public engagement strategy was multi-faceted, involving a variety of different techniques and approaches to reach a broad cross-section of the public. The Chamber utilised both traditional and modern channels of communication to reach out to citizens and inform them about the portal.
The first step in this engagement strategy was to employ a comprehensive and aggressive communication campaign. This involved the use of press releases, social media campaigns, and public events. The Chamber made use of popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to spread the word about the new portal. These platforms were chosen for their wide reach and the ability to engage directly with citizens. The Chamber also issued press releases and held public events to generate buzz and interest around the portal.
In addition to traditional media outreach, the Chamber also developed a series of educational pages and materials to help citizens understand the legislative process. These materials were designed to be easy to understand and accessible, helping to demystify the legislative process and encourage citizen engagement. The materials included flowcharts of the legislative process, detailed explanations of different types of proposals, and even a timeline of the history of the Chamber of Deputies.
Moreover, the Chamber made a conscious effort to move away from internal organisational logic and towards a more citizen-focused perspective. This was done by aggregating information that was previously scattered across different pages under single, easy-to-find sections. For instance, they consolidated all the educational programs run by the Chamber under a single page, making it easier for interested individuals to find and access these resources.
The Chamber also implemented a feedback mechanism on the portal, providing a direct channel for citizens to share their thoughts, ideas, and suggestions. This allowed the Chamber to gather valuable user insights to help improve the portal. This feedback mechanism also served as a tool for fostering a sense of ownership and involvement among the citizens, further boosting public engagement.
Public forums and consultations were also held, providing a platform for citizens to voice their opinions and contribute to the decision-making process. These sessions allowed the public to engage directly with the Chamber, fostering a sense of transparency and trust.
The Chamber's public engagement strategy was not only about informing and educating the public but also about fostering a two-way communication channel. The Chamber wanted to hear from its citizens, to understand their concerns and needs, and to involve them in the legislative process. By doing so, they hoped to foster a more engaged, informed, and active citizenry, thereby strengthening the democratic process.
The Impact and the Future
The new portal has marked a significant step forward in the Chamber of Deputies' commitment to transparency, accessibility, and citizen engagement. User feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the easy-to-understand content, intuitive design, and comprehensive range of information available.
The success of the project, however, is not just measured by positive user feedback. The portal has also seen a substantial increase in traffic, indicating a higher level of engagement with the public. Furthermore, the Chamber of Deputies has noted an increased level of participation in public consultations and debates, suggesting that the portal is fostering greater citizen involvement in the legislative process.
Moving forward, the Chamber of Deputies is committed to continuous improvement and innovation. They plan to regularly update and enhance the portal, based on user feedback and emerging technological trends. They also intend to explore new ways to engage the public, such as through interactive features or digital tools that further demystify the legislative process.
Conclusion
The public engagement strategy implemented by the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil is an epitome of how technological advancements can be utilised to foster transparency, accessibility, and civic participation. By centering the needs of the user in the design and development process, and by fostering an environment of continuous improvement, the Chamber has successfully bridged the communication chasm between the legislative body and the citizens it represents. This has not only enhanced the Chamber's functioning but has also significantly improved the public's perception and understanding of the legislative process.
However, this project's relevance and impact transcend beyond being a mere case study in the successful execution of a public engagement strategy. Rather, it stands as a powerful testament to the potency of citizen-centric governance and the transformative potential of digital technology in fortifying democratic processes.
In today's world, where public trust in government institutions often wavers and scepticism tends to dominate, initiatives such as the one undertaken by the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil play a critical role in shaping public sentiment. By providing citizens with a transparent and accessible view into the workings of the legislature, the Chamber has made significant strides in building public trust. This, coupled with the enhanced ability for citizens to participate directly in the legislative process, has fostered a stronger sense of civic engagement, empowering citizens to take a more active role in governance.
Moreover, by implementing a well-thought-out public engagement strategy, the Chamber has not only informed and educated the public but also established a two-way communication channel. This has allowed them to gain valuable insights from citizens, making the legislative process more responsive and attuned to the needs of the people.
The impact of these measures is profound. A more informed and engaged citizenry leads to a more robust and vibrant democracy. When citizens understand the legislative process and feel that they have a voice in it, they are more likely to engage in constructive dialogue, contribute to decision-making, and hold their representatives accountable. This results in a more effective and responsive legislative body, leading to better governance.
In conclusion, the public engagement project undertaken by the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil serves as a beacon for other legislative bodies worldwide. It shows that with a thoughtful strategy, commitment to user-centric design, and a focus on continuous improvement, it is possible to leverage technology to enhance transparency, foster civic engagement, and strengthen democratic processes. As we move further into the digital age, the lessons from this project are sure to guide future initiatives aiming to bring governments and citizens closer together.