A framework to evaluate user empowerment in decision-making experiences with participatory GIS

Abstract

This paper describes a framework to guide designers on how to investigate UX empowerment by using PGIS to support the decision making process. Investigative questions are proposed and aligned with UX elements in order to facilitate the access to information and its discussion within a community, as well as empower users (decision makers) to act not just as consumers of information and systems, but also as creators of new knowledge. The goal was to guarantee an appropriate gathering and observation of the questions in order to evaluate how particular users tasks can be accomplished in a PGIS while complying with requisites that promote empowerment.