Creating MyDemokrasi to reshape political engagement in Malaysia
A blog by Gopi Ponnudurai, a Frontier Tech Hub Implementing Partner.
This post outlines learnings from the fourth sprint of our pilot, Pnyx.
As we step into the next phase of our journey, Sprint 4 emerges as a critical juncture for MyDemokrasi, where technological prowess takes centre stage. Focused on refining the platform's information foundation and enhancing the user experience, this sprint is set to fortify MyDemokrasi's position as a pioneering force in reshaping political engagement.
Frontier Tech Implementing Partner Digitum Labs meet with FCDO Pioneer Poorani Krishnan (second from right)
Experiment 1: Validating the Data Backbone
In the ever-evolving landscape of information, the reliability of data becomes paramount. Experiment 1 centers on the assumption that selected web/RSS sources from trusted news sites will consistently provide accurate and relevant data for MyDemokrasi. To validate this assumption, we embark on a two-fold activity:
Implement a Robust Data Validation Process: Our team is dedicated to developing a meticulous system for validating scraped data. This process will involve cross-referencing information from multiple sources, ensuring accuracy, and introducing a user feedback loop to address any discrepancies.
Continuous Monitoring: Recognizing the dynamic nature of news sources, we establish a system for continuous monitoring. This ensures that the quality of scraped data remains high, with real-time responsiveness to any changes or potential issues.
Learnings from Experiment 1:
News Source Limitations: Not all news sources allow for scraping, posing a challenge in obtaining a comprehensive dataset.
Common Sources: Some news outlets utilize the same information source, such as Bernama (official government news sources), emphasizing the need for diversified data collection.
New Discovery: Enhancing Data Representation with OpenAI Sentiment AnalysisIn a groundbreaking revelation, MyDemokrasi introduces a new dimension to data representation on the platform. The team leverages advanced information retrieval techniques and sentiment analysis based on OpenAI tech. This innovative approach allows for the summarization of sentiment and the generation of concise summaries for each news article. By incorporating sentiment analysis, MyDemokrasi provides users with a nuanced understanding of the emotional tone surrounding political news, adding depth and context to the information presented.
The proliferation of (extract-load-transform) ELT tools such as Airbyte and DBT makes it easy to operationalize scraping data from various sources on the web.
Experiment 2: Crafting a Seamless Mobile Experience
Building upon the foundation of reliable data, Experiment 2 shifts focus to the user interface, specifically tailoring it for mobile users. The assumption under scrutiny is that selected web/RSS sources will provide the necessary data for a comprehensive and user-friendly mobile platform. The activities to address this assumption include:
Create Mobile UI Design: Our design team is dedicated to developing an intuitive and visually appealing mobile interface that aligns with MyDemokrasi's branding.
Build a Mobile Prototype: A functional prototype of the mobile interface is crafted, allowing us to visualize and test the user experience.
Usability Research Plan: A comprehensive plan for usability research is formulated, guiding the testing methodologies and objectives for the mobile prototype.
Usability Tests: Engaging with 5 or more users/voters, we conduct usability tests to gain insights into user interactions and feedback, ensuring a user-centric design.
Research Report: Findings from usability tests are compiled into a comprehensive research report, providing valuable input for further improvements.
Prototype design idea
Learnings from Experiment 2:
Overall, users appreciate consolidated information about politicians but have concerns about navigating the platform, registration, and trust factors such as neutrality and transparency in funding. They prefer concise presentation of key achievements, clear identification of question responders, and comprehensive search functionality. They also prefer to be able to access the platform without registering and not being asked for their IC number. Trust is influenced by endorsements from politicians and reputable news sources, neutrality, and transparency in funding.
Implications for the solution / next sprint:
As Sprint 4 unfolds, the MyDemokrasi team remains dedicated to pushing boundaries, testing assumptions, and evolving into a transformative force in the political engagement landscape. Stay tuned for the exciting developments and insights that will shape the future of MyDemokrasi, as we continue on our mission to foster transparency, inclusivity, and engagement in the democratic process. MyDemokrasi is not just a platform; it's a dynamic movement toward a more informed and participative democracy.
If you’d like to dig in further into Pnyx’s journey…
⛴️ Explore learnings from Pnyx’s first sprint
⛴️ Read key takeaways from Pnyx’s second sprint
⛴️ Find out about the previous pilot work from Pnyx’s third sprint