ABSTRACT

The goal of this chapter is to explore the future of public participation, and particularly its ability to foster better social relations and more constructive conflict resolution and collaboration, through the lens of dispute systems design. Few would assert that public problems are becoming simpler and easier to solve. Rather, Americans’ shared problems and issues, whether at the local, state, national, or international level, are increasingly complex and divisive. At the same time, our collective problem-solving capacity is stronger than ever. We enjoy higher levels of education and a growing commitment to enhancing the inalienable rights of people. We have tools and technologies that connect us on a larger scale and at greater frequency than any point in human history. Despite these advances and advantages, we still struggle to effectively address our shared problems. This chapter defines public participation, and then specifically explores three different types of direct participation: conventional, thin, and thick participation. Second, it argues that participation design matters for improving social relations and that thin or thick participation often provides better designs than do conventional processes. Based on this argument, it explores key design decisions about which specific thin or thick participation strategies should be adopted.