Indicators to measure democratic quality of processes

From different areas, work is being done to generate indicators to measure the quality of participatory processes. In some cases they tend to be mostly quantitative, especially in digital tools; where data extraction is easier. Now, processes tend more and more to hybridization. Not only because they move in a digital / analogical scope, but because processes are mixed, a  participatory deliberation process can culminate or not, in a subsequent vote, and the results are advisory but also binding. Typologies are multiple and, nowadays, we do not have a joint framework of quality elements for the categorization of processes, and their analysis and subsequent evaluation.

The project aims to generate a democratic quality framework and an approximation to indicators of that quality.                                                                                  (Image from the Guide for evaluation of programs and social projects. Platform for NGO social action)

Starting from documentation and work already advanced on criteria of democratic quality in participatory processes, we will define criteria and design an evaluation matrix that has the capacity to accept the aspects considered key. The qualitative aspects of the processes and decision making will be captured through adaptable and flexible methodologies, which must be wide to evaluate all the typologies of current processes with their different tools and methodologies. We will look for strategies for the different levels of evaluative depth (from the general process to the concrete methodologies).

The model will use a matrix to evaluate all so-called participatory processes with the following objectives:

• The feedback and improvement of the projects or executed actions, based on objective quality criteria.
• Have diagnoses that allows to use past experiences for planning  future activities (enlightenment). This may allow the consolidation of participatory processes; and also help us to define a line of separation between participatory processes with democratic quality and those that make up a "front" participation. The ultimate goal is to enable the road map towards a greater democratic quality.
• Accountability to citizens, public opinion and all those involved in social action processes.

Desirable collaborators profiles

• Sociologists, philosophers, thinkers.
• Data analysts.
• Experts in citizen participation.
• Experts in current digital tools for citizen participation.
• Experts in evaluation systems, indicators, ISO, etc.
• Optional: Graphic designer. Ideal: Information designer
• Optional: Experts in UX