I’ve started this blog to explore my MSc research questions, share my experiences of championing user centred design in a local government environment and share ideas with other like-minded folk.

I currently work as Web Development Manager in local government and have also been studying hard for a masters degree in Human Computer Interaction and Ergonomics at UCLIC since 2006.

Whilst I know there is huge potential to use technology to improve local democracy, public services and access to information I also know that it is challenging for local Councils to design technology well, for such a diverse range of users.  So I’ve been enjoying putting some of the theory, tools and techniques I’ve learnt into practise and reflecting on successes (and failures) along the way.

My research question is:

How do the attitudes and perceptions of citizens, Council officers, Councillors to the use of social media for community engagement compare and contrast?

Because I am studying HCI, my interest lies in how people feel about using social web technologies to interact with government.

I’ve been meaning to start this blog for some time, but the pressures of working full-time and studying part-time for 3 years have taken their toll. Anyway here I am, better late than never, and looking forward to starting my research project.

In case you are wondering, the opinions on this blog are entirely are my own and do not represent those of my employer, in any way. Please read my disclaimer.