InterTwinkles : online tools for non-hierarchical, consensus-oriented decision making
Name
893620863-MIT.pdf
Description
Full printable version
Size
41.1 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
88716fee33a41c988a8d2ec2966b99f0
Author(s)
DeTar, Charles (Charles Frederick)
Advisor(s)
Christopher Schmandt.
Alternative Title
Inter Twinkles : online tools for non-hierarchical, consensus-oriented decision making
Online tools for non-hierarchical, consensus-oriented decision making
Date Issued
2013
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Non-hierarchical, participatory, consensus-based decision making has seen an explosion in popularity in recent years. The traditional techniques of formal consensus, however, are limited to face-to-face meetings, which can limit organizations' capacity due to their time and cost. InterTwinkles is a set of integrated but composable online tools designed to assist small and medium-sized groups in engaging in formal group decision making processes online. In this thesis, I present a thorough investigation of the ethical and practical motivations for consensus decision making, and relate these to concerns of control and autonomy in the design of online systems. I describe the participatory and iterative design process for building an online platform for consensus, with particular attention to the practical constraints of real-world groups with mixed technical aptitude. I present the results of a three month field trial with six cooperative groups in the Boston area, and evaluate the results through the lens of adaptive structuration theory, with particular attention on the fit between the ethical motivations and performance outcomes.
Description
Thesis: Ph. D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2013.
Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.
Includes bibliographical references (pages [165]-173).
Subjects
Architecture. Program in Media Arts and Sciences.
MIT Department
Program in Media Arts and Sciences (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Terms of Use
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