ConnectMe-prototyping safe spaces to talk

Purpose and goal:

The purpose of the project was to develop solutions that inspire more people to actively participate in public conversations under the auspices of the local press, which can reduce polarization and promote democracy. During the project a prototype of a digital tool - SafeSpace - was developed that can promote safe and inclusive conversations. In parallel with this, the forms for dialogue-oriented and constructive journalism around current and controversial social issues were explored and developed, which also gave input into the development of the prototype.

Expected results and effects:

The final prototype “Safe Space” allows users to create public chat rooms linked to a summarized newspaper article. They can control the purpose of the chat by formulating an intention, choose the number of participants, signaling if the conversation climate feels ok and can be motivated with rewards, adapted to different motivational factors.

The project contributes with ideas and knowledge about how safe conversations can be promoted digitally. The results can be used to inspire, for example, journalists in their existing activities and enable increased interaction with readers. Approach and implementation:

The method Double diamond has been used to drive the design process forward in a systematic and exploratory way. Ideas, concepts, prototypes have been continuously tested and evaluated by intended users and the project´s parties, which has resulted in the solution being anchored in both needs and context.

In order to develop the forms of dialogue-oriented and constructive journalism, Mitt i Direkt has continuously published articles designed to encourage reader engagement and interaction. Reader panels have been invited to discuss the content and provide feedback on projectideas.