We start with the participation engine. Design the process to be implemented: objectives, calendar, mapping of actors, public, message,…. Based on the information gathered, we then proceed to prepare the materials we will need to start our campaign.

The information stage is vital to obtaining a good user response. It is necessary to provide information about what will be happing in coming months, explaining the methods that will be used and how to participate. Applicable internal assessment criteria must also be stated.

With neutrality and security as differentiating values, the time has come for users to submit their proposals, contributions or ideas. We must be capable of integrating all perceptions and sectors of the community we are addressing.

This stage involves the customer assessing the proposals, ideas or conclusions extracted from the deliberation period. The assessment has different aspects; economic viability, logistics viability and verification of the legality of proposals.

Once the proposals collected have been assessed and validated, it is time to subject them to public scrutiny. Communication and promotion are essential. At this point it is often necessary to run a get out the vote campaign.

This stage can be approached as initial feedback to participants, demonstrating that their contributions have been listened to and taken into account. Data sampling must be presented using different communication channels to reach the greatest number of users.

It is necessary to look back at the applicability of the measures adopted during the participation process. This stage promotes trust in the process amongst users, and demonstrates the utility of prior participation, encouraging future participation.