Data science empowering the public: Data-driven dashboards for transparent and accountable decision-making in smart cities

Matheus, R.; Janssen, M.F.W.H.A.; Maheshwari, D.

doi:10.1016/j.giq.2018.01.006

Data science empowering the public

Title

Data science empowering the public: Data-driven dashboards for transparent and accountable decision-making in smart cities

Author

Matheus, R. (TU Delft Information and Communication Technology)
Janssen, M.F.W.H.A. (TU Delft Information and Communication Technology)
Maheshwari, D. (TU Delft Information and Communication Technology)

Date

2018

Abstract

Dashboards visualize a consolidated set data for a certain purpose which enables users to see what is happening and to initiate actions. Dashboards can be used by governments to support their decision-making and policy processes or to communicate and interact with the public. The objective of this paper is to understand and to support the design of dashboards for creating transparency and accountability. Two smart city cases are investigated showing that dashboards can improve transparency and accountability, however, realizing these benefits was cumbersome and encountered various risks and challenges. Challenges include insufficient data quality, lack of understanding of data, poor analysis, wrong interpretation, confusion about the outcomes, and imposing a pre-defined view. These challenges can easily result in misconceptions, wrong decision-making, creating a blurred picture resulting in less transparency and accountability, and ultimately in even less trust in the government. Principles guiding the design of dashboards are presented. Dashboards need to be complemented by mechanisms supporting citizens' engagement, data interpretation, governance and institutional arrangements.

Subject

Accountability
Big data
Dashboards
Data science
Decision-making
Design principles
E-government
Open data
Open government
Policy-making
Smart City
Transparency
Trust